Praline | Definition, Ingredients, Pecan, & Preparation (2024)

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Also known as: pralin

French:
pralin
Related Topics:
candy

praline, in French confectionery, a cooked mixture of sugar, nuts, and vanilla, often ground to a paste for use as a pastry or candy filling, analogous to marzipan; also, a sugar-coated almond or other nutmeat. In the cookery of the American South, the term denotes a candy of sugared pecan meats or coconut.

Pecan pralines, usually made with brown sugar, have been produced for generations by the French-extracted Cajuns of Louisiana. The recipe for this variety calls for a mixture of sugar, light cream, and salt to be cooked to the so-called soft ball stage (i.e., to the point at which a bit of the mixture thus tested retains its shape upon being dropped into cold water), whereupon the brown sugar and nut meats are added.

Praline | Definition, Ingredients, Pecan, & Preparation (1)

Britannica Quiz

A World of Food Quiz

Praline paste is important in the commercial confectionery and bakery industries as a filling for chocolates, a flavouring for icings and creams, and an ingredient in various doughs. For this preparation, a mixture of sugar and almonds, or sometimes hazelnuts, is cooked and allowed to set. The cool solid is then broken into pieces and ground to an oily paste.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.

Praline | Definition, Ingredients, Pecan, & Preparation (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients for pralines? ›

What are praline pecans made of? ›

Basic American pralines are made with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cream, butter, and pecans. Though they're popular across the Southern U.S., they're most associated with New Orleans, Louisiana.

What is the difference between pecan candy and pecan praline? ›

What is the difference between candied pecans and pralines? Candied pecans are pecans coated in egg whites, sugar, and spices, then baked until crispy. Pralines are a drop-candy with a caramel-like base and crunchy pecans mixed in.

How healthy are praline pecans? ›

Being that pecans are the main ingredient; the snack contains essential vitamins & minerals, can aid in long-term heart health, can be enjoyed by gluten intolerant consumers, can provide a high number of antioxidants, and can supply a large amount of protein & fiber.

What nut is in praline? ›

Pralines (US: /ˈpreɪliːn/; New Orleans, Cajun, and UK: /ˈprɑːliːn/) are confections containing nuts – usually almonds, pecans and hazelnuts – and sugar.

What is the difference between butter pecans and pecan pralines? ›

Butter pecan is a flavor combination of pecans, butter, and pure vanilla flavoring, making this a sweet treat you want to bite your teeth into. Pecan pralines are another popular treat option using pecans. However, pecan pralines are much sweeter and more sugar forward compared to butter pecan.

What's the difference between a praline and a praline? ›

A praliné is a paste that is a mixture of nuts, chocolate and sugar. While in Belgium, a 'praline' is defined as a filled chocolate candy. Note that the term 'praline' is of Belgian origin.

What the heck is a praline? ›

praline, in French confectionery, a cooked mixture of sugar, nuts, and vanilla, often ground to a paste for use as a pastry or candy filling, analogous to marzipan; also, a sugar-coated almond or other nutmeat.

Why won't my pralines get hard? ›

The simple answer is that there is too much moisture in your candy. One or more factors could be contributing to this problem. In hard candy making, it is important to cook all the water out of the sugar/corn syrup/water mixture.

How long does homemade pralines last? ›

Pralines will keep well for 1 or 2 weeks at room temperature. After that, the sugar will begin to crystallize and the candy will get harder and gritty. To ensure they stay fresh, proper storage is key. Pack them in an airtight container as soon as the candy hardens and use parchment or wax paper to separate layers.

Do pralines go bad? ›

They never go “bad,” but after a week or so the sugar starts to crystalize and they lose the characteristic snap that you enjoy when biting them. Our Creamy Pralines are more fudge-like and they will last for up to eight months from production.

Does praline mean candied? ›

The term praline can refer to a few different confections: French praline: almonds that are cooked in boiling sugar until caramelized and crunchy. The candied almonds can then be ground to create pralin, which is used to fill chocolates or create chocolates that are categorized as praliné.

Is it OK to eat pecans every day? ›

Eating a handful of pecans each day can help satisfy cravings for unhealthy snacks and provide a nutritious boost to any meal. Furthermore, pecans can also be included as part of a healthy diet when combined with other nutrient-rich foods in moderation.”

How much sugar is in praline pecans? ›

Region: US
ServingIngredientCalories
37.5 gramssugar145
17.11 gramsbrown sugar65
14.19 gramsbutter102
15.31 gramsmilk8
2 more rows
Jul 9, 2018

What is the healthiest way to eat pecans? ›

How to incorporate pecans into a healthy lifestyle
  • As the perfect topping to any salad.
  • As a way to take your chicken, fish or pork to the next level by baking them with an amazing "pecan crust"
  • In breakfast dishes, like whole-grain muffins, pancakes and danishes.

What is praline filling made of? ›

It consists of nuts, usually almonds and/or hazelnuts, coated with caramelized sugar. It results in sweet and crunchy nuts. Pralines is the name of the whole caramelized nuts, but also the name of the paste prepared from ground nuts.

What are New Orleans pralines made of? ›

New Orleans Praline Recipe

Most recipes include a few traditional base ingredients: sugar, milk, butter and pecans. The New Orleans School of Cooking teaches guests to make a traditional praline. Whether in the French Quarter or in the comfort of your own home, you can use this recipe to make a batch of your own.

What are the different types of pralines? ›

Although the earliest pralines have been around for centuries, today, there are three main different types that have developed through the ages: the French praline, the American praline, and the Belgian praline.

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