Chocolate Billionaires
Chocolate Billionaires are rich, gooey confections with caramel, pecans, and crispy rice, coated in smooth milk chocolate—perfect for sweet indulgence or gifting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Microwave caramels and water in a 2-quart glass measure on 100% power for 3 minutes, stirring after 1 1/2 minutes.
- Stir well; mix in pecans and cereal.
- Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls onto greased waxed paper-lined baking sheets.
- Insert a toothpick in the center of each candy; chill until firm.
- Microwave chocolate chips in a 1-quart glass measure on 100% power for 2 minutes.
- Stir in vegetable shortening.
- Dip candies into the melted chocolate.
- Place onto waxed paper to set.
- Chill the candies.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother caramel mixture, ensure the caramels are cut into smaller pieces before microwaving. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Adjust the crisp rice cereal amount to your preference for crunchiness. For easier dipping, let the melted chocolate cool slightly before using, as this will help it adhere better to the candies.
Serving Suggestions
These candies make a delightful treat for parties and holidays. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. They pair beautifully with Amber'S Best Brownies for a dessert platter. Consider placing them in decorative boxes as gifts for friends and family during special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Chocolate Billionaires in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer them chilled, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture of the chocolate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Billionaires contains roughly 131 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value).
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 dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, you can definitely use dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that dark chocolate has a higher cocoa content, which may change the overall sweetness of the candies. It pairs beautifully with the caramel and pecans, offering a delightful contrast.
How can I make these candies more festive?
To make your Chocolate Billionaires more festive, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate before it sets. You can also drizzle white chocolate over the top for a decorative touch, or use colored sprinkles to match holiday themes.
What can I do if the caramel mixture is too thick?
If the caramel mixture becomes too thick, you can add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time, while mixing until you reach the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much, as it might make the candies too soft. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
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).