Deep-Fried Mardi Gras Bead-Shaped Pralines

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Crunchy on the outside, chewy and nutty on the inside, these deep-fried pralines shaped like Mardi Gras beads offer a festive twist on a classic Southern candy. This American-inspired Mardi Gras recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs granulated sugar, light brown sugar, packed, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 6 tbsp unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches 238°F on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage), about 10-12 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 cup pecan halves until evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F.
  4. Step 4: Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture into the hot oil, shaping each quickly into an elongated 'bead' shape with a spoon or skewer, frying for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp on the outside.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pralines with a slotted spoon and drain on parchment paper. While still warm, dust lightly with 1/4 cup powdered sugar to mimic the festive Mardi Gras bead shimmer.
  6. Step 6: Allow the pralines to cool completely before serving.

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