These Buttery Pecan Pralines Are a Mardi Gras Must—And They’re Ready in Just 20 Minutes

Mardi Gras is all about indulgence, and there’s no sweeter way to celebrate than with a batch of homemade pecan pralines. This classic Southern confection is rich, buttery and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And if you like pecans, they’re tucked into every bite. Even better? They come together in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples. Whether you’re throwing a festive party or just craving a taste of New Orleans, these pralines are guaranteed to bring the sweet, nutty magic of the Big Easy straight to your kitchen.

What are pecan pralines?

Pecan pralines are a beloved Southern dessert, bridging the gap between candy and cookie with their smooth texture and rich, caramelized flavor. Traditionally made with pecans, brown sugar, butter and evaporated milk, these sweet treats have deep roots in New Orleans, where they’re a must-have during Mardi Gras celebrations. Originally brought to Louisiana by French settlers, the recipe evolved from almond-based pralines to feature locally abundant pecans, creating the version we know and love today.

Pecan pralines might sound fancy, but they don’t require any fancy equipment to make. Similar to a holiday bark or toffee, all you need to do is melt butter and sugar. And don’t worry—this process doesn’t take long. In fact, they’re ready in just 20 minutes, making them the perfect last-minute treat for Mardi Gras celebrations or any time you want them.

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Pro tips for a Mardi Gras-worthy dessert

Not from the South? No problem! We have some helpful tips so your first batch turns out great:

• Use a candy thermometer: Getting the temperature just right is key with any candy. Cook the mixture to 235-240°F (soft ball stage) for pralines that set properly without becoming too hard or too soft.
• Avoid over-beating the mixture: Stirring too much once the mixture reaches the right temperature can cause it to harden too quickly. If it starts setting before you scoop it, stir in a teaspoon of hot water to loosen it up.
• Work quickly: Once you remove the mixture from the heat, act fast when scooping the pralines onto parchment paper. They’ll begin to set within minutes.

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Easy pecan pralines recipe

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You might want to make more than one batch of these treats—they’ll go quickly. Follow this recipe from House of Nash Eats.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1½ cups light brown sugar packed
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 cup evaporated milk or half-and-half
• 6 Tbs. salted butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecan halves

Directions:

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 16-20 servings

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium-size heavy pot, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, evaporated milk and butter. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon over medium heat until the sugars dissolve and the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Continue to cook until the temperature reaches between 235-240°F on a candy thermometer. Then, remove from heat and allow the praline mixture to cool for five minutes.
4. Stir in the vanilla and pecans, beating by hand with a wooden spoon just until the candy begins to lose its glossiness and thickens slightly, about two minutes.
5. Work quickly to drop heaping tablespoons of the pecan praline mixture onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
6. Cool completely until set and the pecan pralines have reached room temperature.

Storage notes

Store your pecan pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you need to keep them longer, place them in a single layer between sheets of wax paper and refrigerate for up to three weeks. For even longer storage, freeze them for up to three months (just let them come to room temperature before serving).