Gold Bar Candy
Golden, creamy candy bites with a nutty crunch, perfect for sweet snacking or gifting. Rich vanilla flavor combined with chopped nuts creates a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine vanilla pudding, sugar, and evaporated milk.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and liquid butter flavoring.
- Pour the mixture into a medium bowl.
- Beat with an electric mixer on high speed for 4 to 5 minutes until thick and no longer glossy.
- Stir in chopped nuts.
- Fill buttered plastic ice cube trays half full with the mixture.
- Refrigerate until firm.
- Remove the candy from trays and wrap in foil candy wrappers.
- Store in a cool place.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half instead of evaporated milk. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can replace the sugar with a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to constantly stir the mixture while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. Letting the candy cool slightly before mixing in the nuts can help keep them from sinking.
Serving Suggestions
Gold Bar Candy makes a delightful treat on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving these candies at holiday gatherings or as a sweet addition to dessert trays alongside Aunt Nanette'S Cheese Balls. For a fun presentation, arrange them on a decorative plate and garnish with fresh nuts or chocolate shavings.
Storage & Reheating
Store your Gold Bar Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them, which will extend their freshness. To enjoy them later, simply pull them out of the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gold Bar Candy contains roughly 119 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 10g fat.
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 instant pudding for this recipe?
No, instant pudding will not work for this recipe. The cooking process is essential to achieve the right texture and consistency, so stick with traditional pudding mix. This ensures that the candy sets properly and has the right creamy texture.
What type of nuts work best in this candy?
Chopped pecans or walnuts are excellent choices for this recipe, as they complement the sweetness of the candy. However, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are finely chopped to mix well into the candy.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using a non-dairy butter substitute and a dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond or coconut milk. Be sure to check that the pudding mix is also dairy-free. This will allow you to enjoy the delicious Gold Bar Candy without any dairy ingredients.
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).