7 of the Best Pecan Candy Recipes to Make at Home

Turn These Nuts Into Special Sweet Treats

By
Elizabeth LaBau
Sweet Book of Candy Making Elizabeth LaBau
Elizabeth LaBau
A professional pastry chef, cookbook author, and writer, Elizabeth LaBau has published more than 600 articles on baking and candy making.
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Updated on 02/22/19
Box of Pralines

Bill Koplitz/Getty Images

Pecans add a great flavor and crunch to any candy! This list of pecan candy recipes has something for everyone—from pralines to turtles, fudges to meringues, you'll find tons of candies featuring the great taste of pecans.

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  • 01 of 07

    Classic Pralines

    Classic Pralines

    The Spruce / Elizabeth LaBau

    Pralines are a Southern classic and sure to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. This recipe has just four ingredients—cream, brown sugar, vanilla, and pecans—and is pretty easy to make. A candy thermometer is very helpful when cooking the cream and sugar to the soft-ball stage.  

  • 02 of 07

    Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans

    Making candied pecans
    Photo by Cathy Scola / Getty Images

    These sweet and spicy pecans have a crunchy mahogany coating of maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt. They're a great all-purpose candied nut recipe to use in salads and side dishes, and also wonderful eaten plain by the handful.

  • 03 of 07

    Chocolate Pralines

    Chocolate Pralines

    The Spruce / Elizabeth LaBau

    What is better than a classic praline? One that has chocolate both in the praline mixture as well as drizzled on top! Take the traditional pecan treat to the next level with this chocolate version. Make sure to have a candy thermometer on hand when cooking the cream, butter, and sugars together.​

  • 04 of 07

    Turtle Candy

    Turtle Candy Recipe With Pecans and Caramel

    The Spruce

    Turtle candies get their name from their whimsical turtle shape. The combination of toasted pecans, soft caramel, and smooth chocolate is impossible to resist. You can make these candies using store-bought caramels, but if you happen to have homemade (or are so inclined to make) the taste will be even better.

    Continue to 5 of 7 below.
  • 05 of 07

    Turtle Cups

    Turtle Cups

    The Spruce / Elizabeth LaBau

    Dress up your turtle candies by putting them in pretty little cups! They may not have the typical turtle shape, but they still have the classic turtle flavors of caramel, chocolate, and pecan. These elegant packages are also easy to serve and eat and make great gifts.

  • 06 of 07

    Martha Washington Candies

    Martha Washington Candy
    Diana Rattray

    There is not much information on where the name came from (perhaps they were the First Lady's own creation!) but these traditional chocolate-dipped coconut candies are something special. Shredded coconut and crunchy toasted pecans are a delicious combination along with the creamy filling.

  • 07 of 07

    Easy Creamy Pecan Pralines

    Easy Creamy Pecan Pralines recipe, cookies on a white plate

    The Spruce / Emily Baker

    These New Orleans-style pralines are delicious and easy to make. The instructions are similar to making basic fudge, but you spoon them onto waxed paper to form patties. You can also freeze them so you can enjoy them year-round.