Butterscotch Nuts

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Butterscotch nuts are sweet, crunchy treats infused with rich butterscotch flavor, perfect for snacking or gifting, especially loved by nut and candy enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

  • 3 oz. package butterscotch pudding mix
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1/2 cup canned milk
  • 1 tablespoon margarine
  • 2 cups nut pieces

Instructions

  1. Mix pudding mix with both kinds of sugar, canned milk, and margarine. Cook over low heat until soft ball stage (about 10 minutes).
  2. Add nuts; remove from heat.
  3. Beat until mixture begins to thicken.
  4. Pour out onto waxed paper to cool, then break into pieces.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla extract to the mixture. If you don't have canned milk, evaporated milk works as an excellent substitute. Ensure you stir continuously while cooking to avoid burning. This recipe can also be adapted to include different nuts, like pecans or almonds, based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

These butterscotch nuts make a delightful snack on their own or can be served as a topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt. They also pair beautifully with coffee or tea. For a fun twist, incorporate them into a trail mix or use them as a crunchy topping for Sue'S Brown Sugar Pound Cake to add extra sweetness and texture.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cooled butterscotch nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Avoid freezing as it may alter the consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Butterscotch Nuts contains roughly 656 calories, with 8g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin D.

656 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.2g 16% DV
Total Fat 16.3g 21% DV
Carbs 120.9g 44% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 84.3g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 417.6mg 18% DV
Potassium 397.9mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 7.2mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 225.6mcg 25% DV
Vitamin C 26.2mg 29% DV
Vitamin D 2mcg 10% DV
Calcium 522.1mg 40% DV
Iron 7.5mg 42% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 pudding mix?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of pudding mix such as vanilla or chocolate. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, so adjust the sugar levels if needed to maintain sweetness.

How can I tell when the mixture has reached the soft ball stage?

To check for the soft ball stage, drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball that you can easily flatten with your fingers, it's ready. This usually takes about 10 minutes on low heat.

What should I do if my mixture doesn't thicken?

If the mixture doesn't thicken, it may not have been cooked long enough. Return it to low heat and continue to stir until it reaches the soft ball stage. If it has already cooled, you can try reheating it gently on the stove.

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).

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