Easy Pecan Pralines (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

What are Pralines?

Pralines, or more specifically American pralines, originated in New Orleans in the Southern United States.

They are basically candy confections made with a combination of sugar, butter, cream and nuts – an utterly delicious treat that those with a sweet tooth are bound to love!

In particular, this praline candy is perfect for the Christmas holidays, and great for sharing with family and friends over plenty of warm conversations and laughter.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple Ingredients: The main ingredients for making this homemade pecan praline recipe, and they are easily accessible at the local grocery stores (nothing fancy required!).
• Very Easy to Make: With just 20 minutes of hands-on time, preparing these delicious praline candies comes together quickly and simply. You’ll have homemade candy in no time!
• Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Vegan: The best part is that this recipe for pecan pralines is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy them without issues!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for this easy pecan pralines recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions

• Butter: I used unsalted dairy-free butter to keep this easy praline recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular unsalted butter instead.
• White Sugar: I used granulated white sugar, but cane sugar or maple sugar will work too.
• Brown Sugar: I used light brown sugar, but you can also use dark brown sugar or coconut sugar if you prefer.
• Vanilla Extract: I like adding a bit of vanilla extract for extra flavor, and highly recommend it.
• Heavy Cream: I used dairy-free heavy cream to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular heavy whipping cream instead.
• Pecans: Since this is a recipe for pecan pralines, unsalted pecan halves are the main ingredient here. You can use raw or toasted pecans depending on your preference. However, if you don’t care for pecans, you can also use other unsalted nuts instead (such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, etc).

How to Make Pecan Pralines (Step by Step):

1. Line Baking Sheet

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, wax paper or a silpat (silicone mat) and set aside.

2. Melt Butter

In a large saucepan over medium high heat, add the unsalted dairy-free butter into the pan. Let cook until fully melted.

3. Add Sugars

Then add in the white and brown sugars, continuously mixing until they melt into an amber sugar mixture.

4. Mix in Cream and Vanilla

Pour in the dairy-free heavy cream and vanilla, stirring together until all the ingredients are combined and melted together.

Stir until the mixture starts boiling.

5. Let Caramel Mixture Boil

Once the caramel mixture begins boiling, stop stirring and let it boil for 1 minute, untouched.

6. Add Salt

Add in a pinch of salt and stir briefly with a wooden spoon or spatula to incorporate.

7. Mix in Pecans

Pour in the crunchy pecans to the thick brown mixture and stir, coating them fully. Bring the mixture to a boil once more before removing from the heat.

8. Let Sit

Let the saucepan sit for a few minutes.

9. Scoop Mixture onto Baking Sheet

Take the prepared baking sheet and scoop 2-inch scoopfuls of the candy mixture and place on the lined baking sheet in a single layer.

Continue scooping until you’ve used all the praline mixture and there is no more space on the sheet.

10. Let Cool Until Set

Let the pralines sit until they cool and harden completely.

11. Enjoy or Store

Enjoy or store the pecan candy in a tightly sealed bag or airtight container!

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

• Line Baking Sheet: Make sure to line the baking sheet with either parchment paper, wax paper or a silpat (silicone mat) so you can easily remove the pecan praline candy once set.
• Swap Out Pecans for Other Nuts: If you don’t care for pecans, you can also use other unsalted nuts instead (such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, etc).

Recipe FAQs:

Other Gluten-Free Candy Recipes to Love:

• Easy Candied Pecans (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Peanut Butter Buckeyes (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Homemade Toffee (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Homemade Peppermint Patties (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Gluten-Free Desserts to Indulge In:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Easy Pecan Pralines (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

• Author: Felicia Lim
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 20 pralines 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

Crunchy and sweet, these easy pecan pralines are just the perfect candy to indulge in this holiday season! Totally gluten-free and vegan too. Make a batch of these sweet treats to enjoy today!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 stick unsalted dairy-free butter
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup dairy-free heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted pecan halves

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Instructions

1. Line: Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper, wax paper or a silpat (silicone mat) and set aside.
2. Melt Butter: In a large saucepan over medium high heat, add the unsalted dairy-free butter into the pan. Let cook until fully melted.
3. Add Sugars: Then add in the white and brown sugars, continuously mixing until they melt into an amber sugar mixture.
4. Mix in Cream and Vanilla: Pour in the dairy-free heavy cream and vanilla, stirring together until all the ingredients are combined and melted together. Stir until boiling.
5. Let Caramel Mixture Boil: Once the caramel mixture is boiling, stop stirring and let it boil for 1 minute, untouched.
6. Add Salt: Now add in the salt and stir briefly to incorporate.
7. Mix in Pecans: Pour in the pecans and stir, coating them fully. Bring the mixture to a boil once more before removing from the heat.
8. Let Sit: Let the saucepan sit for a few minutes.
9. Scoop Mixture onto Baking Sheet: Take the prepared baking sheet and scoop 2-inch scoopfuls of the praline mixture and place on the lined baking sheet. Continue scooping until you’ve used all the praline mixture and there is no more space on the sheet.
10. Let Cool Until Set: Let the pralines sit until they cool and harden completely.
11. Enjoy or Store: Enjoy or store in a tightly sealed bag or airtight container!

Notes

Butter: I used unsalted dairy-free butter to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular unsalted butter instead.

White Sugar: I used granulated white sugar, but cane sugar or maple sugar will work too.

Brown Sugar: I used light brown sugar, but you can also use dark brown sugar or coconut sugar if you prefer.

Vanilla Extract: I like adding a bit of vanilla extract for extra flavor, and highly recommend it.

Heavy Cream: I used dairy-free heavy cream to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular heavy cream instead.

Pecans: Since this is a recipe for pecan pralines, unsalted pecans are the main ingredient here. However, if you don’t care for pecans, you can also use other unsalted nuts instead (such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, etc).

Storing: To store, place the cooled pecan pralines in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Setting Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American