Microwave Buttermilk Candy
Creamy, nutty buttermilk candy with a rich caramel flavor, topped with crunchy pecans, perfect for satisfying sweet tooth cravings and making a delightful homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine sugar, soda, buttermilk, and butter.
- Cover with plastic wrap and punch holes in the wrap.
- Cook in microwave oven for 2 1/2 minutes.
- Stir and turn the dish.
- Continue cooking for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
- Return to microwave for 2-minute intervals, or until the mixture reaches soft ball stage in cold water or tests 235° to 236° on a candy thermometer.
- Add vanilla and beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Stir in chopped pecans and spread in a buttered 12x7-inch dish.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your buttermilk candy turns out perfectly, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of salt or experimenting with different nuts like walnuts or almonds. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like the Georgia Peach Bread Recipe for a delightful treat.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the buttermilk candy into bite-sized pieces and serve it at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea and makes a delightful addition to dessert platters. For a festive touch, serve alongside the Coconut Cream Dream Cake for a sweet spread. It also makes a fantastic homemade gift wrapped in decorative packaging.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover buttermilk candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If it becomes too hard, you can soften it by placing it in the microwave for a few seconds. Avoid refrigerating, as this may change the texture. For long-term storage, consider freezing it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Buttermilk Candy contains roughly 489 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 42g 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
Why did my buttermilk candy not reach soft ball stage?
If your buttermilk candy didn't reach the soft ball stage, it might be due to inadequate cooking time or not stirring enough. Ensure that you're cooking in 2-minute intervals and checking the temperature frequently. If the mixture appears too runny, continue cooking until it thickens and reaches the desired consistency.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk instead of buttermilk by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly before using it in the recipe. This substitution will mimic the acidity of buttermilk and help achieve a similar flavor.
How can I make this candy without using a microwave?
To make buttermilk candy without a microwave, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan on the stove. Combine the ingredients and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage. This method requires more attention but can yield delicious results. Be sure to monitor the temperature closely.
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).