Ambrosia Eggnog Candy
Creamy, sweet ambrosia eggnog candy combines rich eggnog flavor with cherries and coconut, offering a festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations or gift-giving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter the sides of a heavy 3-quart saucepan.
- In the prepared pan, combine sugar, eggnog, and corn syrup.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils.
- Continue cooking until it reaches soft ball stage (238°F) without stirring.
- Immediately remove from heat and cool to lukewarm (110°F) without stirring.
- Add butter and vanilla; beat vigorously until very thick and the candy just starts to lose its gloss, about 8 minutes.
- Quickly stir in chopped candied cherries and coconut.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 8 x 4 x 2-inch loaf pan.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure that your saucepan is heavy to prevent the sugar from burning. If you don't have candied cherries, dried fruit or even chopped nuts can work as substitutes. For a twist, consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon to the mixture before beating. If your candy doesn’t set properly, it may need a bit more cooking time to reach the right consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Ambrosia Eggnog Candy into bite-sized pieces for an attractive presentation. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. Consider serving it alongside the Old Fashioned Nut Cake for a delightful dessert spread. This candy also makes a great gift wrapped in festive packaging during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. The candy can last for up to two weeks if kept dry and away from direct sunlight. Avoid refrigerating, as it may become too hard. For serving later, let it come to room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ambrosia Eggnog Candy contains roughly 351 calories, with 2g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of syrup instead of corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute light corn syrup with golden syrup or a homemade sugar syrup. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Ensure that whatever syrup you use is light in color to maintain the candy's sweetness and appearance.
What if my candy didn't reach the soft ball stage?
If your candy didn't reach the soft ball stage, it may remain too soft after cooling. You can try reheating it gently while stirring continuously until it reaches the proper temperature of 238°F. Then proceed with the recipe as directed.
How do I know when the candy is thick enough?
The candy is thick enough when it starts to lose its gloss and holds its shape when dropped from a spoon. This usually takes about 8 minutes of vigorous beating. If it flows like syrup, continue beating until it reaches the right consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).