Five Pound Loaf Candy

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 20 Cuisine: American

A rich, creamy candy with caramel and nut flavors, perfect for satisfying sweet tooth cravings and ideal for sharing during holidays or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 6 cups sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups evaporated milk
  • 2 cups light corn syrup
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, evaporated milk, light corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan.
  2. Cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer or forms a soft ball in cold water, about 25 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat; beat with an electric mixer until creamy, about 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in chopped walnuts.
  5. Pour into a buttered 10 x 15-inch pan.
  6. Let stand until set.
  7. Cut into pieces and store in the refrigerator.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before mixing it in. If you don't have walnuts, feel free to substitute with pecans or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. Keep an eye on the temperature as it nears 240°F, as cooking time may vary depending on your stove. Use a candy thermometer for best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Five Pound Loaf Candy as a delightful treat with coffee or tea, making it a perfect accompaniment to Edna'S Coffee Cake. You can also package pieces in decorative boxes for homemade gifts. Consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Once cut, store the candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It can last for up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy it at room temperature, allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Five Pound Loaf Candy contains roughly 542 calories, with 5g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

542 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5g 10% DV
Total Fat 29g 37% DV
Carbs 73.2g 27% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 60.3g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 40.7mg 2% DV
Potassium 208.6mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 36.7mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 21.5mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 12.9mg 14% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 77.1mg 6% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Contains Milk Tree nuts

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 milk instead of evaporated milk?

Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with whole milk or heavy cream, but the texture may vary slightly. If you use whole milk, cook the mixture a bit longer to reach the desired consistency. Heavy cream will make the candy richer and creamier.

What should I do if my candy doesn't set properly?

If your candy is too soft, it may not have reached the correct temperature. You can try returning it to the stove and cooking it a little longer. If it's still not setting, you can reheat it and add a little more sugar to help firm it up.

Is this recipe suitable for making ahead of time?

Absolutely! This candy can be made several days in advance, making it a great option for parties or holidays. Just ensure it’s stored properly in the refrigerator to keep it fresh until you're ready to serve it.

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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