Millionaire Candy is a classic Southern treat that embodies the essence of indulgence and luxury. This decadent candy combines the richness of creamy caramel, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the elegance of smooth milk chocolate. The perfect blend of flavors and textures makes it a must-have for any festive gathering or special occasion. With its origins rooted in Southern tradition, Millionaire Candy has become a beloved favorite, cherished for its simplicity and sophistication. Each bite transports you to a world of pure delight, where the sweetness of caramel, the nuttiness of pecans, and the luxury of chocolate come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
- 55 caramel candies (about two 11-ounce bags)
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 2 cups pecans (toasted and chopped)
- Pinch of flake sea salt (plus more to garnish)
- 2 cups milk chocolate melting wafers (preferably Ghirardelli)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Baking Trays: Line two baking trays with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
-
Melt the Caramel: Fill a medium-sized pot with about one inch of water. Heat on medium until it starts to simmer. Place a heat-resistant bowl on top of the pot, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bowl’s base. Add the caramels and milk.
-
Stir and Melt: Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly until the caramels melt, approximately 10 minutes.
-
Add Pecans and Salt: After melting, transfer the bowl to a heat-resistant surface. Stir in the pecans and a pinch of salt.
-
Drop Caramel Mounds: Use a tablespoon scoop to drop the caramel mixture onto the prepared baking trays, creating around 30 mounds.
-
Melt Chocolate: Bring the pot of water back to a simmer. Set another heat-resistant bowl over the pot, ensuring the water doesn’t touch its base. Add the chocolate wafers. Stir occasionally until fully melted, about three to five minutes.
-
Dip in Chocolate: Once melted, dip the caramel mounds into the chocolate using a fork. Use a second fork to slide the dipped candy back onto the parchment-lined tray. Sprinkle with a touch of flake sea salt if desired.
-
Chill the Candy: Refrigerate the trays for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up the chocolate.
-
Store the Candy: To store, place wax or parchment paper between layers of candies in a sealed container. These can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Top Tips:
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use premium milk chocolate melting wafers like Ghirardelli.
- Toast Pecans Perfectly: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and texture. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir Regularly: When melting caramel, stir regularly to prevent burning and ensure even melting.
- Don’t Overheat Chocolate: Melting chocolate can be tricky. Avoid overheating it, as this can cause it to seize and become grainy.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: A pinch of flake sea salt enhances the flavors and adds a gourmet touch.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Try adding other mix-ins like dried fruit or coconut to give the candies extra flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Holiday Spice: Stir cinnamon, ground nutmeg, or cardamom into the caramel mixture for a holiday spice flavor.
- Other Nuts: Try using chopped macadamias, almonds, hazelnuts, or peanuts instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Real Chocolate: Instead of candy coating, make this millionaire candy recipe with real milk, dark, or white chocolate. Temper the chocolate in the microwave or on the stove first for a shiny luster.
- Billionaire’s Twist: Add a layer of caramel or nuts to make this a batch of billionaire candy.
- Coconut Delight: Mix in some shredded coconut for an extra tropical twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the candies a spicy kick.
Nutritional Guide:
| Servings | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 pieces | 127 per piece | 9g fat (3g saturated) | 13g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber) | 1g protein |
Additional Nutritional Notes: This recipe is relatively high in calories and fat due to the rich caramel and chocolate. However, the toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch and a boost of healthy fats. To make it slightly healthier, consider using dark chocolate or adding more nuts for added fiber and protein. Always store the candies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Enjoy your delicious homemade Millionaire Candy
