Name: Sweet Southern Bliss
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; 1 cup dark brown sugar; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 6 tablespoons real butter; 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

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Sweet Southern Bliss is my favorite kind of treat—rich, nutty, and dripping with nostalgic charm. These Southern-style pralines are the perfect blend of creamy, buttery sweetness and crunchy pecans, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to resist. Whether I’m making them for the holidays or just because I need a little something sweet, this recipe always delivers a taste of the South with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it comes together with simple pantry staples and makes a candy-shop-worthy treat in under 30 minutes. There’s no need for a candy thermometer or complicated techniques—just stir, scoop, and let the magic happen. The result is soft, rich pecan pralines that are perfect for gifting, snacking, or adding a sweet finish to any meal. And when I crush a few over ice cream? Pure bliss.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons real butter
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

Directions

Prep Your Space
I start by laying out a sheet of wax paper on a flat surface and grabbing a tablespoon for scooping.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large 4-quart saucepan, I combine both sugars, milk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and pecans.
Melt and Mix
I heat the mixture gently on low, stirring frequently until the butter is completely melted and well blended with the sugars.
Boil Briefly
I increase the heat to medium-high and boil the mixture for exactly 3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid scorching.
Stir to Thicken
I remove the pan from heat and stir vigorously for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to lose its gloss.
Scoop and Set
I quickly spoon dollops of the mixture onto the prepared wax paper and let them cool for 10 to 15 minutes until set.
Store for Later
Once cooled, I store the pralines in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18 to 24 pralines, depending on the size I scoop. Prep time is 5 minutes, cook time is 10 minutes, and cooling takes another 15 minutes—making this a quick 30-minute treat from start to finish.

Variations

Add a hint of spice: A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne gives the pralines a warm or spicy twist.
Try different nuts: I’ve made these with walnuts or almonds for variety, but pecans are classic.
Drizzle with chocolate: Once set, I sometimes drizzle the tops with melted dark or white chocolate for extra indulgence.
Add bourbon: A splash of bourbon added with the vanilla brings a deep Southern flair.

storage/reheating

I store the pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They don’t need refrigeration and stay soft and chewy when kept cool and dry. I avoid reheating them—these are best enjoyed at room temperature. If I want to serve them slightly warm, I let them sit in a sunny spot for a few minutes or place one briefly near a warm surface.

FAQs

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?

Yes, I can swap it in, but dark brown sugar gives a richer, more caramel-like flavor that makes these pralines so good.

What if my pralines don’t set?

If they stay soft, I likely didn’t boil long enough or stir long enough after removing from the heat. I make sure to boil for exactly 3 minutes and stir for a full 2 minutes afterward.

Can I make these without nuts?

Yes, though they won’t be true pralines, they’ll still be sweet and creamy. I sometimes stir in crushed pretzels or coconut instead for texture.

Can I freeze pralines?

I don’t recommend freezing them—it changes the texture. They’re best eaten fresh within a few days.

Why did my pralines turn grainy?

Graininess can happen if the sugar crystallizes. I make sure to stir consistently and avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Sweet Southern Bliss pralines are a bite-sized taste of comfort and tradition. They’re rich, sweet, and filled with the warm, nutty goodness I always crave in a homemade candy. Whether I’m making them for a holiday tray, a special gift, or just a personal indulgence, these pralines never fail to satisfy. Simple to make and impossible to forget—that’s Southern bliss in every bite.