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
Scale
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
