Pecan and Chocolate Pralines

Name: Pecan and Chocolate Pralines
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 24 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups pecan halves; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup light brown sugar; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 ounces semisweet chocolate; 1 piece candy thermometer

Decadent homemade pralines combining toasted pecans with a rich caramel base, topped with melted chocolate and a perfectly placed pecan half. These classic Southern confections make for an elegant dessert or gift.

24 servings

41 min

Published October 4, 2025

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Ingredients

•2 cups pecan halves
•1 cup sugar
•1 cup light brown sugar
•½ cup heavy cream
•2 tablespoons unsalted butter
•4 ounces semisweet chocolate
•1 piece candy thermometer

Cooking Instructions

1.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Stirring gently, bring 2 cups pecans, both sugars, cream, and butter to a boil in a medium heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Attach candy thermometer to side of pan. Boil, occasionally swirling pan, until thermometer registers 236°F, 7-8 minutes. Remove from heat; stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture thickens and pecans are suspended in syrup, 2-3 minutes.
11 min
2.
Drop candy by heaping teaspoonfuls onto prepared sheets. Let cool completely. Spoon some melted chocolate over; place a pecan half on top. Chill until set, about 30 minutes. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 week ahead. Store airtight in refrigerator. Return to room temperature before serving.
30 min