Old-Fashioned Pecan Candy Recipe: A Sweet Nostalgic Treat

Sweet memories of grandmother’s kitchen come alive with this old fashion pecan candy that whispers nostalgia through every delectable bite.

Sugar crystals dance with roasted pecans, creating a confection both rustic and elegant.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these golden treats passed down through generations.

Cracking pecans becomes a rhythmic meditation, connecting you to cherished culinary traditions.

Nutty aromas fill the room, promising a symphony of caramelized warmth.

Crafting this classic confection requires patience and love, transforming simple ingredients into pure magic.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly these candies capture the essence of homemade comfort.

What Makes Old Fashion Pecan Candy a Favorite

• Craft with Ease: This old-fashioned pecan candy recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a delightful sweet treat.
• Quick Sweet Delight: You can prepare this delectable candy in just a few simple steps, transforming basic ingredients into a mouthwatering confection that'll impress family and friends.
• Nostalgic Flavor Explosion: The combination of rich cocoa, buttery pecans, and sweet vanilla creates a classic dessert that brings back warm memories of traditional homemade candies.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a special homemade gift, this pecan candy satisfies sweet cravings and works beautifully for various occasions.

Ingredients You Need for Old Fashion Pecan Candy

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a smooth foundation for the candy.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the candy's signature texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers a deep, chocolatey flavor to the candy.
• Evaporated Milk: Creates a creamy consistency and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor that complements the chocolate and pecans.

• Pecans, Chopped: Adds a delightful nutty flavor and provides a satisfying crunch to the candy.

How to Make Old Fashion Pecan Candy at Home

Step 1: Melt Butter

Place butter in a sturdy saucepan and warm it over medium heat, allowing it to transform into a smooth liquid pool.

Step 2: Create Candy Base

Combine sugar, cocoa powder, and evaporated milk into the melted butter.

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks silky and well-blended.

Step 3: Boil and Thicken

Bring the sweet concoction to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Keep stirring for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and starts to pull away from the pan’s sides.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters

• Vanilla extract
• Chopped pecans

Ensure these delicious additions are thoroughly mixed throughout the candy base.

Step 5: Shape and Cool

Carefully drop spoonfuls of the warm mixture onto wax paper, creating rustic little clusters. Let the candies rest and firm up at room temperature until they become solid and glossy.

Step 6: Enjoy Sweet Treats

Once completely cooled, peel the pecan candies from the wax paper and savor the rich, nutty, chocolatey goodness of your homemade confection.

Tips to Get Perfect Old Fashion Pecan Candy

• Choose fresh, crisp pecans for the best flavor and crunch in your candy.
• Use a candy thermometer to ensure precise cooking and prevent burning the mixture.
• Spread wax paper on a flat, cool surface to help candies set quickly and evenly.
• Stir continuously while cooking to create a smooth, glossy texture without sugar crystals.
• Keep candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Different Ways to Enjoy Old Fashion Pecan Candy

• Chocolate Lovers' Crunch: Enhance the original recipe by adding dark chocolate chips and a sprinkle of sea salt for a rich, complex flavor profile.
• Caramel Pecan Dream: Replace cocoa powder with caramel sauce and mix in toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired candy.
• Maple Nut Cluster: Substitute sugar with maple syrup and incorporate roasted almonds alongside pecans for a woodsy, nutty variation.
• Espresso Pecan Bite: Blend in instant espresso powder and use white chocolate instead of traditional ingredients for a sophisticated coffee-infused treat.

Best Pairings for Old Fashion Pecan Candy

• Elevate with Rich Bourbon: Pair this sweet pecan candy with a smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark, which complements the nutty pecans and balances the candy's rich chocolate flavor.
• Serve Alongside Strong Coffee: Match the candy with a bold espresso or dark roast coffee, allowing the robust coffee notes to enhance the chocolate and pecan sweetness.
• Create a Dessert Plate Companion: Plate the pecan candy with vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between the cold, creamy texture and the chewy, sweet candy.
• Complement with Aged Port: Select a sweet, aged port wine that mirrors the candy's depth, providing a luxurious and sophisticated tasting experience.

Storage Help for Old Fashion Pecan Candy Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep chilled for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent sticky texture.

Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.

Place in a single layer between wax paper sheets inside a sealed container. Keep in a cool, dry spot for 2-3 days maximum.

Dust pieces with powdered sugar or place small squares of parchment paper between each candy to stop them from clumping together.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the caramel texture unique?

The combination of butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and evaporated milk creates a rich, smooth caramel base that gives the pecan candy its distinctive creamy texture.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds for a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

• How do I know when the candy mixture is ready to set?

The mixture is ready when it reaches a thick, fudge-like consistency and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan during cooking.

• Is this candy suitable for gift-giving?

Absolutely! These homemade pecan candies make excellent holiday gifts or special treats that can be packaged in decorative tins or wrapped in cellophane.

Old Fashion Pecan Candy Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Pecan pralines dance with Southern charm in this classic Old Fashion Pecan Candy recipe. Creamy caramel and buttery pecans merge into a sweet symphony that melts deliciously on your palate, inviting you to savor a taste of traditional Southern hospitality.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 (6-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped

Fat and Dairy:

• 1 stick (113 grams) salted butter
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a clean surface by laying out wax paper for candy cooling.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over moderate flame until completely liquefied.
3. Gradually incorporate sugar, cocoa powder, and evaporated milk, whisking continuously to create a smooth blend.
4. Elevate heat and allow mixture to reach a rolling boil, stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
5. Maintain boiling for approximately 5 minutes, watching for gradual thickening of the confection’s consistency.
6. Carefully remove pan from heat source and swiftly introduce vanilla extract, stirring with deliberate motions.
7. Fold chopped pecans throughout the mixture, ensuring even distribution of nutty elements.
8. Using a spoon, carefully deposit dollops of the warm candy onto prepared wax paper.
9. Allow candies to rest and solidify at room temperature until completely firm and set, approximately 30-45 minutes.

Notes

• Choose a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution during candy making.
• Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control, aiming for the soft-ball stage around 235-240°F for perfect texture.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Store finished candy in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg