Holiday Candy Delight
A festive candy mixture featuring nuts, candied cherries, and pineapple in a rich, creamy base, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet tooth celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sugar, white corn syrup, and cream until a soft ball forms.
- Beat until slightly thickened.
- Add vanilla and remaining ingredients.
- Stir well.
- Line a jelly roll pan with lightly buttered waxed paper.
- Put the candy mixture in the pan and dip fingers in water.
- Press the candy into the pan.
- Slice after 24 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar mixture reaches the soft ball stage, around 234°F to 240°F. If you prefer a nut-free version, consider substituting with crispy rice cereal for a delightful crunch. Be patient while beating the mixture; it should thicken slightly before adding the vanilla and nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the candy into bite-sized pieces and serve on a festive platter, perfect for holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea and can be a delightful addition to gift baskets. Consider serving alongside your favorite desserts like Blueberry And Peach Cobbler for a sweet spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Holiday Candy Delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If the candy becomes too soft, refrigerate it briefly to firm up before slicing. Avoid exposing it to moisture to maintain its texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Candy Delight contains roughly 915 calories, with 12g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 8g 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 nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts, such as almonds or cashews. Just ensure they are chopped into similar sizes to maintain a consistent texture in the candy.
What if my candy doesn't set properly?
If the candy remains too soft, it may not have reached the right temperature. You can reheat the mixture gently and let it cook for a few more minutes before pouring it back into the pan.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as non-dairy creams may have different properties.
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).