Irresistible Butter Pecan Crunch Candy: The Perfect Homemade Holiday Treat

There’s nothing quite like the arrival of cooler weather to spark a craving for warm, comforting flavors and the joy of homemade treats. After weeks of unseasonably high temperatures, that crisp autumn air finally descends, bringing with it the promise of cozy evenings, vibrant fall foliage, and the exciting start of the holiday season. With the air conditioning finally switched off for good, it’s the perfect signal to transition from summer shorts to cozy sweaters and, for many of us, to dive headfirst into the wonderful world of holiday candy making.

The changing seasons ignite a specific kind of culinary excitement, especially as Thanksgiving and Christmas draw near. Beyond the beautiful yellows, oranges, and reds adorning the trees, it’s the perfect time to embrace the warmth of our kitchens and fill our homes with incredible aromas. For me, this time of year always kicks off a delightful candy-making binge, and at the top of my list is this incredible Butter Pecan Crunch Candy. It’s a light buttery taste combined with pecans and coconut, creating a truly irresistible treat that also makes a fantastic food gift!

Why Homemade Candy is the Ultimate Holiday Gift

When it comes to holiday gifting, few presents carry the same warmth and personal touch as homemade candy. It’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s a gesture of love, time, and thoughtfulness. Everyone, without exception, seems to adore receiving homemade candy. It evokes a sense of nostalgia, comfort, and pure indulgence that store-bought items simply can’t replicate. The sheer delight on someone’s face when they realize they’re holding a lovingly crafted confectionery is truly priceless.

One of the many reasons homemade candy reigns supreme for holiday gifting is its versatility and ease. It packages beautifully, whether you opt for elegant tins, charming cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, or simple decorative boxes. The sturdy nature of candies like Butter Pecan Crunch also means it travels well, making it an excellent choice for shipping to loved ones who live far away. And let’s be honest, while it’s designed to last, it rarely does—a testament to how utterly delicious and addictive it is! Plus, many candy recipes, including this Butter Pecan Crunch, are surprisingly easy to make, even for those new to the art of confectionery.

The Irresistible Appeal of Butter Pecan Crunch

I especially adore making candies that are as simple as pouring, cooling, and cutting. There’s no need for elaborate shaping or intricate designs; the rustic charm of varied pieces adds to the homemade appeal. You’ll end up with a delightful assortment of sizes: smaller pieces perfect for those minding their waistlines, and larger, more indulgent chunks for those who want to truly savor every buttery, nutty bite. This Butter Pecan Crunch falls perfectly into this category of effortlessly impressive treats.

This particular Butter Pecan Crunch is a delightful hard candy. Don’t let the “hard” part intimidate you; it’s not so rigid that you’ll fear for your teeth. Instead, it offers a satisfying, crisp snap, followed by a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience that is utterly delightful. It’s distinctly different from softer confections like chocolate bark or chewy caramels, providing a unique texture that stands out. The rich, buttery caramel flavor forms the perfect base, generously studded with an abundance of crunchy pecans. But what truly elevates this candy is the subtle addition of coconut, which imparts a delicate, almost tropical undertone that complements the nutty sweetness beautifully. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, making it truly unforgettable.

Essential Tips for Crafting Perfect Homemade Candy

While making candy might seem intimidating to some, especially when dealing with hot sugar, it’s a straightforward process once you understand a few key principles. The most crucial tool in your arsenal for this Butter Pecan Crunch, and indeed for most candy recipes, is a reliable Candy Thermometer. Precision in temperature is vital for achieving the correct texture, ensuring your hard candy has that perfect snap without being too soft or too brittle.

Understanding the Soft Crack Stage

For our Butter Pecan Crunch, we aim for the “Soft Crack Stage,” which is 290 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 143 degrees Celsius) on a candy thermometer. This stage indicates that almost all of the water has been boiled out of the sugar syrup, resulting in a firm but not overly hard candy. If you were to drop a small amount of this syrup into cold water, it would form threads that are pliable but would crack when bent. Reaching this precise temperature is key to the candy’s delightful texture, so make sure your thermometer is accurate and easy to read. Continuous stirring is also important to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Preparation and Safety First

Before you even start melting the butter, make sure your baking sheet is prepared. Lining it with parchment paper and giving it a light spray with cooking spray ensures your beautiful Butter Pecan Crunch releases easily once cooled. Spreading the coconut and pecans evenly beforehand means you’re ready to pour the hot candy mixture immediately once it reaches the correct temperature. A word of caution: always use extreme care when making candy. The hot sugar mixture can reach very high temperatures and cause serious burns if it comes into contact with your skin. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area, and have everything you need within arm’s reach.

Connect with Chocolate Chocolate and More!

Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Pinterest | instagram

Save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box with the  button on all my recipes! Create a Meal Plan with your “favorite” recipes and the ingredients will automatically be added to your own Grocery List!

Butter Pecan Crunch

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup shredded coconut
• 3/4 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Spread Coconut evenly in center of pan, leaving 2-3 inches of empty parchment on all sides. Sprinkle pecans over top of coconut. Set aside.
2. In a medium heavy bottomed saucepan, Melt butter. Stir in Sugar, water, corn syrup and salt.
3. Stirring continuously, cook over medium heat until mixture boils and reaches the Soft Crack Stage, 290 degrees on a candy thermometer. About 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and carefully pour over entire surface of coconut and pecans. Let cool completely, then cut into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

always use caution making candy, the hot liquid can cause serious burns if it comes in contact with the skin.

recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Gifting and Serving Your Homemade Butter Pecan Crunch

Once your Butter Pecan Crunch has cooled completely and been cut into delightful pieces, the fun truly begins. This candy stores exceptionally well in an airtight container at room temperature, making it perfect for preparing ahead of holiday gatherings or for packaging as gifts. Imagine presenting a beautiful jar or tin filled with these golden, nutty pieces to friends, family, or neighbors. It’s a gift that speaks volumes about your care and thoughtfulness, and one that is sure to be devoured with appreciation.

Beyond gifting, Butter Pecan Crunch is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. It’s a fantastic standalone snack, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also crumble it over vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert experience, or even use smaller pieces as a delightful topping for yogurt or oatmeal. Its rich flavor and satisfying crunch make it a wonderful addition to any dessert table, adding a touch of homemade elegance.

Explore More Delicious Homemade Candy Ideas

If you’ve enjoyed making this Butter Pecan Crunch, you’ll be thrilled to discover the wide world of homemade candy. The joy of creating these sweet treats from scratch is truly rewarding, and there are endless possibilities to explore. From creamy mints to classic caramels, here are some more candy ideas to inspire your next kitchen adventure:

Cream Cheese Mints: These easy-to-make wedding mints are perfect for any event, offering a delicate, creamy freshness.

Homemade Caramels: Indulge in the rich, chewy goodness of classic caramels, made from scratch for an unparalleled taste.

Strawberries and Cream White Chocolate Bark: A delightful combination of sweet strawberries and creamy white chocolate, perfect for a lighter treat.

Homemade Peppermint Patties: Far superior to store-bought, these cool and refreshing treats are surprisingly easy to whip up.

Easy Chocolate Fudge: With just four ingredients and a few minutes, you can create rich, creamy chocolate fudge everyone will adore.

Peanut Brittle: A classic crunchy candy, perfect for the peanut lover, offering a satisfyingly sweet and nutty crunch.

You might also love these fantastic recipes from other talented bakers:

Brickle Bars from Shugary Sweets: A delightful crunchy bar that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

Homemade Marshmallows from Dieter’s Downfall: Fluffy, soft, and infinitely better than store-bought – perfect for hot cocoa or s’mores.

Homemade Nut Rolls from I Am Baker: A classic pastry filled with rich, nutty goodness that’s a true labor of love.

Whether you’re making it for festive gifts, a special occasion, or simply to treat yourself, this Butter Pecan Crunch Candy is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Its delightful flavor profile and satisfying texture make it a standout among homemade treats. So, embrace the cooler weather, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of this truly irresistible candy. Happy candy making!