Nut Caramels
Nut Caramels are rich, chewy confections blending sweet caramel with crunchy nuts, perfect for sharing or gifting. Their deep caramel flavor complemented by the crunch of black walnuts, English walnuts, or pecans makes them a delightful treat for any occasion or sweet tooth enthusiast.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend sugar, corn syrup, and salt with a wooden spoon.
- Boil the mixture for at least 10 minutes, stirring well.
- Add margarine (butter).
- Slowly stir in evaporated milk and continue stirring.
- Cook at medium heat, being careful as it may bubble and pop; remove from heat if necessary until all milk is added.
- Stir constantly and cook until a firm ball forms in cold water, at 245°F on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat.
- Add vanilla.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture for a couple of minutes.
- Add chopped nuts.
- Pour into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Cool completely.
- Cut into squares.
- Wrap each piece individually.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches 245°F for a perfect firm ball consistency. If you don’t have nuts on hand, you can substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. Stirring constantly during cooking is crucial to prevent burning, and using a heavy-bottomed pot can help distribute heat evenly.
Serving Suggestions
These nut caramels make a delightful treat for gatherings and can be served alongside Sourdough Bread Or Cinnamon Rolls for a sweet brunch spread. They also pair well with coffee or a glass of milk for a satisfying snack. Consider wrapping them in colorful foil for a festive presentation during holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover nut caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a month. To enjoy them later, you can bring them back to room temperature before serving, ensuring a chewy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nut Caramels contains roughly 1821 calories, with 3g protein, 229g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2537mg per serving (110% 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
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any type of coarsely chopped nuts you prefer, such as almonds or macadamia nuts. Just keep in mind that different nuts will impart unique flavors and textures to your nut caramels, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
What should I do if my caramel doesn't set properly?
If your caramel is too soft and doesn’t hold its shape, it may not have reached the right temperature. Ensure you cook it until it reaches 245°F. If it still doesn't set after cooling, you can reheat and cook it again until it thickens properly.
Can I make these nut caramels vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, substitute margarine with a plant-based butter alternative and ensure that the evaporated milk is a non-dairy version, such as coconut or almond milk. This will still yield deliciously chewy nut caramels.
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).