Fruit And Nut Candy
A rich, sweet fruit and nut candy with caramelized flavors, featuring chopped nuts and candied fruits, perfect for festive occasions and those who enjoy indulgent confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sugar, light Karo syrup, and light cream or half and half to soft ball stage.
- Remove from heat.
- Beat until the mixture begins to thicken and change color.
- Add vanilla extract and all of the chopped fruit and nuts.
- Pack the mixture into a greased loaf pan.
- Let stand for 24 hours.
- Cut into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure the candy reaches the soft ball stage, use a candy thermometer for accuracy. If you want to switch up the nuts, consider using almonds or pecans instead. For a unique flavor, try adding a pinch of sea salt or a splash of almond extract. Make sure to grease your loaf pan well to prevent sticking when cutting the candy.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the candy into bite-sized pieces and serve it on a decorative platter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside your favorite holiday desserts like Pumpkin Jelly Roll Cake or Darrin's Gingerbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the fruit and nut candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep it fresh, you can also refrigerate it, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture of the candy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit And Nut Candy contains roughly 1058 calories, with 16g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 7g 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 different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Brazil nuts, walnuts, and pecans, feel free to substitute with your favorites like almonds or hazelnuts. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly with different nuts.
How can I tell if the candy has reached the soft ball stage?
The soft ball stage means that when you drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water, it should form a soft, pliable ball that flattens when removed. Using a candy thermometer, the temperature should be around 234-240°F (112-115°C) for best results.
What should I do if my candy mixture doesn't thicken?
If the mixture isn't thickening, it might not have reached the correct temperature. Try reheating it gently while stirring until it reaches the soft ball stage again. If it still doesn’t thicken, it may require more time or slightly increased heat.
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).