While New Orleans has plenty of iconic desserts (bread pudding, snowballs, beignets), we have to admit that one of our all-time favorite sweet treats is a classic. Made from butter, evaporated milk, sugar and homegrown pecans, there’s no arguing that pralines (pronounced PRAH-leens) are a quintessential New Orleans dessert. A Southern institution, pralines are seen as a can’t-miss delicacy for visiting travelers. So pack your bags because we’ve rounded up the best spots in NOLA to try this sugary, creamy, pecan-laden candy.
We’ve got to give mad props to a family-owned and operated business that still makes everything by hand the old-fashioned way. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Leah’s Pralines has been spilling sweet aromas out of its copper kettles for over 72 years. In addition to its traditional pralines, make sure to stop by Wednesday through Monday between 10am to 6pm to get your hands on its Creole seasonings, chocolate dipped pecan brittle, pecan turtles, bacon pecan brittle (you read that right), and other tasty treats.