There’s something about fall in the South — the crisp mornings, golden leaves, and the smell of something sweet simmering on the stove. Welcome to an upgraded version of the classic Southern pecan praline. Maple Chai Pecan Pralines is a melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings together the rich sweetness of maple syrup and the warmth of chai spices. Whether you’re wrapping them up for a friend, adding them to a Thanksgiving dessert tray, or sneaking one with your coffee, these pralines capture the taste of a Southern autumn in one bite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cozy Fall Flavors: The warm blend of maple syrup and chai spices makes every bite feel like autumn in the South.
- Classic Southern Treat: Pecan pralines are a timeless favorite, now with a unique twist for the season.
- Perfect for Gifting: These pralines make a sweet, elegant gift for friends, family, or neighbors.
- Quick & Fun to Make: With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll have candy ready in under an hour.
🍯 Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup evaporated milk (or heavy cream for richer pralines)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups toasted pecan halves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Prep your workspace:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Measure your pecans and spices — you’ll need to move quickly once the sugar hits the right stage! - Toast the pecans:
Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. This adds depth and crunch. - Make the syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, evaporated milk, and butter. Stir constantly until the butter melts and sugar dissolves. - Cook to perfection:
Attach a candy thermometer and cook until 238°F (soft-ball stage). Stir occasionally. - Add flavor:
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. - Add the pecans:
Stir until the mixture thickens and turns creamy. - Form the pralines:
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper and let cool for 30 minutes.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, you can freeze pralines in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Keep them away from heat and humidity to maintain their perfectly creamy texture.
Pro Tips
- Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Work quickly when dropping spoonfuls of candy onto the sheet — the mixture sets fast!
💭We’d love to hear from you!
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