Letourneau Candy
A rich, creamy caramel candy with nutty accents, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Ideal for gifting or enjoying as a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together and stir carefully sugar, cream of tartar, salt, and 1 cup of cream.
- Wipe sides of the bowl so no sugar sticks to the sides.
- Cook mixture on medium heat, stirring until it forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water or reaches 238°F.
- Slowly add the second cup of cream to the mixture as it continues to boil.
- Cook until it forms a soft ball again when dropped in cold water.
- Slowly add the Karo syrup and continue cooking until soft ball stage is reached.
- Slowly add the third cup of cream and continue boiling until it reaches the hard ball stage at 248°F.
- Add vanilla and nuts.
- Pour into a well-buttered pan.
- Do not scrape the bowl.
- Have a buttered dish set aside to pour scrapings into.
- When mixture is cool and well set, turn it out on a cutting board and cut into small squares.
- Wrap each piece in waxed paper.
- Do not let it set too long or it will be difficult to cut.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture, ensure that your cream is fresh and cold before adding it to the hot mixture. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with dried fruits for added flavor and texture. For added depth, consider using flavored extracts like almond or hazelnut in place of vanilla. Be patient while cooking; rushing can lead to crystallization.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful candies make excellent gifts or party favors, especially around the holidays. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet treat. For a fun dessert table, consider serving them alongside Nana'S Coffee Cake or other sweet treats to create a variety of flavors and textures for your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store the wrapped candy pieces in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause the candy to harden. If you have leftovers that have hardened, you can gently reheat them in the microwave in short bursts to soften, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Letourneau Candy contains roughly 161 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (12% 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
What should I do if my candy doesn't reach the soft ball stage?
If your candy mixture doesn't reach the soft ball stage, continue to cook it while monitoring the temperature closely. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy, and remember that factors like stove heat can affect cooking time. If it still doesn't set, you can try reheating and adding a bit more cream.
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts. Just ensure they are chopped finely to distribute evenly throughout the candy. Each nut will provide a different flavor profile and texture, making the candy unique.
How do I know when the candy is cool enough to cut?
The candy is cool enough to cut when it has set and is firm to the touch but still slightly pliable. This usually takes a couple of hours at room temperature. If it feels too soft, give it more time; cutting too early can result in messy pieces.
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).