Old Fashion Pecan Candy Recipe
If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both nostalgic and utterly irresistible, Old Fashion Pecan Candy is the answer. This Southern classic combines crunchy pecans with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth praline-style candy that instantly transports you to grandma’s kitchen. Each bite is rich with caramel flavor and a satisfying nutty crunch, making it the perfect homemade candy for holidays, gifts, or whenever you want to spoil yourself a little. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of bubbling sugar and toasted pecans filling your home — it’s a recipe you’ll reach for time and time again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of Old Fashion Pecan Candy in no time. Every ingredient here plays a starring role, whether it’s the creamy richness of butter or the toasty crunch of pecans. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each item matters:
- Granulated Sugar: The foundation of your candy, this provides sweetness and helps develop that classic praline texture.
- Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and depth, ensuring a smooth, velvety finish to every bite.
- Light Corn Syrup: Prevents crystallization and keeps your candy soft and chewy rather than brittle.
- Unsalted Butter: Brings a rich, buttery flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses warmth and enhances all the other flavors in the candy.
- Chopped Pecans: The star of the show! Use fresh, lightly toasted pecans for the best flavor and crunch.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a little is all you need to round out and highlight the other ingredients.
How to Make Old Fashion Pecan Candy
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or giving it a light grease. This step makes it so much easier to lift your candies once they’ve set, and it saves you from any sticky messes later on.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, light corn syrup, and unsalted butter. Stir everything together constantly until the butter melts and the mixture begins to bubble gently. This is where the magic starts as the ingredients meld into a sweet, creamy base.
Step 3: Cook to Soft-Ball Stage
Attach a candy thermometer to the side of your pot — this helps you keep a close eye on the temperature. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, which is about 235 to 240°F. This is the key to getting that perfectly chewy-yet-firm Old Fashion Pecan Candy texture.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Nuts
Once you hit the right temperature, remove your pot from the heat. Immediately stir in the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and those lovely chopped pecans. Work quickly here; you want everything to blend together while the mixture is still hot.
Step 5: Beat and Shape the Candy
With a sturdy wooden spoon, beat the mixture by hand for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice it thickening and losing some of its glossy sheen — that’s your cue! Quickly drop spoonfuls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out so they don’t stick together. The candy sets up fast, so don’t dawdle!
Step 6: Let Cool and Enjoy
Let the candies cool completely at room temperature until they’re firm to the touch. Once set, you’ll have beautiful, glossy rounds of Old Fashion Pecan Candy packed with rich flavor and crunchy pecans. Now comes the best part: dig in!
How to Serve Old Fashion Pecan Candy
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle your candy rounds with a pinch of flaky sea salt or an extra dusting of finely chopped pecans right before they finish setting. This not only looks pretty but also adds another delightful layer of flavor and crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Old Fashion Pecan Candy with a piping hot cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat. The warm, nutty notes of the candy complement coffee beautifully, while the cool creaminess of ice cream provides a fun contrast in both flavor and temperature.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your candies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift, or layer them in a decorative tin for holiday sharing. For parties, arrange them on a pretty platter topped with more toasted pecans or alongside other Southern sweets for a dessert bar everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Old Fashion Pecan Candy keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer the pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and enjoy them for up to a week — though they rarely last that long!
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, you can freeze Old Fashion Pecan Candy. Place the cooled candies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months; just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Typically, there’s no need to reheat this candy, but if your mixture sets too quickly while you’re shaping it, you can return it to the pot and gently warm it over low heat just until it’s pliable again. Be careful not to overheat, as this can alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Yes, dark corn syrup can be used if you want a deeper, more caramel-like flavor, but it will also give the candy a slightly darker color and a bit more robust taste.
Why did my candy turn out grainy?
If your Old Fashion Pecan Candy is grainy, it’s likely due to sugar crystallization. Make sure to stir the mixture gently and consistently, and use corn syrup to help prevent crystals from forming.
Do I need a candy thermometer?
While you can use the soft-ball test by dropping a little of the hot mixture into cold water, a candy thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure your candy reaches the perfect stage without overcooking or burning it.
Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?
Absolutely! Whole pecans give a lovely rustic look and a satisfying crunch, while chopped pecans ensure a bit of nut in every single bite. Both work wonderfully — it’s all about your personal preference.
How do I fix candy that sets too quickly?
If the candy thickens before you’re able to spoon it all onto the baking sheet, just return it to low heat for a minute or so, stirring gently until it loosens up again. Then continue shaping as usual.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a sweet, simple treat that feels straight from the heart, you absolutely have to try Old Fashion Pecan Candy. It’s a recipe that brings people together and never fails to impress. So grab your saucepan, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a true Southern classic — your taste buds will thank you!
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Old Fashion Pecan Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old Fashioned Pecan Candy is a classic Southern dessert featuring a rich, buttery, and sweet treat packed with crunchy toasted pecans. This stovetop candy, made with simple ingredients like sugar, evaporated milk, and corn syrup, is perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a nostalgic homemade sweet.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it and set aside to ensure the candies do not stick once dropped.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, light corn syrup, and butter. Stir constantly to melt the butter evenly and prevent burning.
- Bring to boil and cook to soft-ball stage: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan, continue cooking with occasional stirring until the mixture reaches 235–240°F, known as the soft-ball stage, which is critical for the perfect candy texture.
- Add flavorings and pecans: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and chopped pecans to evenly distribute their flavors and maintain texture.
- Beat the mixture: Using a wooden spoon, beat the hot mixture by hand for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly and loses some of its glossy appearance, ensuring a creamy, fudge-like consistency.
- Form candies: Quickly drop spoonfuls of the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, working fast before it sets to create individual candy pieces.
- Cool and set: Allow the candies to cool completely at room temperature until firm and ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh, lightly toasted pecans to enhance the flavor and crunchiness.
- If the candy sets too quickly during spooning, gently reheat over low heat to soften before continuing.
- Store candies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
