Pecan Pralines (with Maple Syrup)

5 from 4 votes

These maple pecan pralines are my twist on this Southern candy! They're buttery, caramel-y, crunchy, and the perfect holiday dessert.

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Total Time55

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Southern

Keyword: Pecan Pralines

Servings: servings

Combine maple syrup and cream. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Place a candy thermometer in a medium pot and add the maple syrup and heavy cream. Stir together, bring to a boil over medium heat.
Cook to the softball stage. Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches exactly 240°F (about 12 to 18 minutes). It will bubble up, so watch the mixture closely. If needed, reduce the heat slightly to prevent boiling over.
Add flavorings. Remove the mixture from the heat, then add the butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir until the butter melts completely.
Stir to thicken. Continue stirring the mixture for 6 to 7 minutes, until it noticeably thickens. This is important to help the pralines set, rather than spread.
Add the pecans. Stir in the pecans for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture loses a bit of its gloss.
Scoop pralines. Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to cool fully (about 20 to 30 minutes).

This recipe makes about 20 pecan pralines.
You'll need a candy thermometer to measure the temperature as it boils.
Just a reminder that while there's no refined sugar in these pralines, maple syrup is still sugar! So enjoy them in moderation. 😉
Storage tip: Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from heat or humidity, which can make them sticky or cause the sugar to weep. They’ll stay fresh this way for about 1 week.