Name: Old Fashion Pecan Candy Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup evaporated milk; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups pecan halves; Pinch of salt

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If you’ve ever found yourself longing for a sweet treat that exudes pure Southern nostalgia, Old Fashion Pecan Candy is about to steal your heart. This beloved classic is a hug-in-dessert-form, blending buttery pecans with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth base that’s just the right balance of rich and sweet. Every bite tastes like a cozy memory, whether you’re making it for a holiday, a family get-together, or simply because you need a little pick-me-up. There’s a reason Old Fashion Pecan Candy never goes out of style—it’s perfect for satisfying candy cravings and sharing a dash of homemade joy.

Old Fashion Pecan Candy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Old Fashion Pecan Candy comes from a handful of classic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one plays an important role—some bring creaminess, some sweetness, while pecans add signature crunch and Southern charm.

Granulated Sugar: The essential sweetener that forms the rich base of this candy and caramelizes as it cooks.
Evaporated Milk: Adds a creamy, velvety texture—you’ll taste the difference in every bite compared to regular milk.
Unsalted Butter: Infuses richness and helps the candy set to a dreamy, melt-away consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Brings a lovely warm aroma, brightening up the entire batch.
Pecan Halves: The crunchy star of the show; use fresh pecan halves for classic bite or chopped pecans for extra creaminess.
Pinch of Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Old Fashion Pecan Candy

Step 1: Mix the Sugar and Evaporated Milk

Grab a heavy-bottomed saucepan and combine the sugar with evaporated milk over medium heat. Stir gently but constantly at first—granulated sugar dissolves smoothly in steady, even heat, and you’ll be amazed how quickly everything comes together. No need for any fancy equipment yet—just your favorite wooden spoon and a little patience.

Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Boil

Once the mixture is smooth and well combined, turn up the heat slightly and bring it to a gentle boil. This is when things start to smell dreamy! Stir often to prevent any scorching on the bottom of the pan. Keep your candy thermometer handy, as this is the perfect time to monitor the mixture while you build anticipation for the sweet reward to come.

Step 3: Reach the Soft Ball Stage

Your Old Fashion Pecan Candy base needs to reach the “soft ball stage,” which happens between 235–240°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small bit of the mixture into cold water—it should form a soft, pliable ball. Stir and keep a close eye on the heat so you hit this stage just right; it’s the secret to creamy, dreamy texture.

Step 4: Add Butter, Vanilla, and Salt

Once you hit the target temperature, remove the saucepan from heat. Immediately add the butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the butter melts completely and everything is glossy and rich. You’ll notice the smell gets even more irresistible at this point—it’s almost impossible not to sneak a taste!

Step 5: Toss in the Pecans

Time for the star ingredient—pecans! Dump them into the warm candy mixture and stir, stir, stir. The mixture will start to thicken as it cools, and you want to work briskly so the nuts are fully coated and evenly distributed. This is where the pecans soak up all that creamy sweetness and become extra magical.

Step 6: Drop and Set

Quickly drop heaping spoonfuls of the candy onto parchment paper or a well-greased baking sheet. Don’t worry if the shapes are a little rustic—it just makes them feel even more homemade and charming! Let the candies sit undisturbed at room temperature until they’re completely cool and firm. Now, all that’s left is the hardest part: waiting to dig in!

How to Serve Old Fashion Pecan Candy

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can really take Old Fashion Pecan Candy to new heights, giving every bite a pop of flavor contrast. If you’re feeling extra fancy, try a pinch of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for a playful twist. Celebrate the rustic charm with a single extra pecan half pressed on top of each piece while still soft for adorable custom candies.

Side Dishes

This candy naturally shines alongside a hot cup of strong coffee, crisp iced tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For gatherings, set your pecan candy out on a festive tray with fresh fruit or salty snacks—grapes, apple slices, or buttery crackers really complement the sweetness and crunch, making the whole spread irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifts, layer Old Fashion Pecan Candy in cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or pack it into a vintage tin for a nostalgic touch. Stack them high on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of extra pecans and perhaps a few pieces of dark chocolate for a showy dessert centerpiece that guests won’t soon forget!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Old Fashion Pecan Candy keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to a week in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you’d like to enjoy your candy over a longer stretch, freezing works fabulously. Arrange pieces in an airtight freezer-safe container separated by parchment or wax paper and freeze for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving—nobody will guess they weren’t made that morning!

Reheating

Candies like these aren’t typically reheated in the traditional sense, but if they lose their shine after storage, you can try warming pieces very gently (just a few seconds) in the microwave to soften them. Be cautious: heating too long will make them melt and go sticky. The best way to enjoy is simply room temp, straight from the container!

FAQs

Can I use anything besides pecan halves?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans lend a creamier, more uniform bite to the Old Fashion Pecan Candy, but you could also try walnuts or even a blend of your favorite nuts for a personalized treat.

Do I really need a candy thermometer?

While a candy thermometer takes the guesswork out, you can still make incredible Old Fashion Pecan Candy the old-fashioned way—just use the soft ball test. If a small bit dropped into cold water forms a squishy ball that holds its shape, you’re golden!

How do I know when the mixture is thick enough to drop?

Once the pecans are stirred in, the mixture will start to lose its gloss and become thicker—almost fudge-like. This is your cue to work quickly and drop spoonfuls before it sets in the pot.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! Just be aware that larger batches may take a little longer to reach the right temperature and can be trickier to stir by hand, but it’s definitely worth it for a crowd.

Is Old Fashion Pecan Candy gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and sweet choice for anyone avoiding gluten—just double check that your ingredients (like vanilla extract) don’t have sneaky additives.

Final Thoughts

No matter the season or the occasion, Old Fashion Pecan Candy brings a smile, a sense of tradition, and a dash of Southern sweetness to any table. If you’ve never tried homemade candy before, this recipe is the friendliest place to start—and if you’re a pecan candy veteran, you’ll feel right at home. Give it a try, share it with someone you love, and watch the magic happen bite after irresistible bite.

Old Fashion Pecan Candy Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 pieces 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the sweet, nostalgic flavors of Old Fashion Pecan Candy with this easy stovetop recipe. Rich with pecans and a buttery vanilla essence, these Southern treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

Sugar Mixture:

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup evaporated milk

Additional Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups pecan halves
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Prepare Sugar Mixture: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and evaporated milk. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves.
Cook Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook until it reaches the soft ball stage (235–240°F), about 10–15 minutes. Stir frequently.
Final Steps: Remove from heat and add butter, vanilla, salt, and pecans. Stir until the mixture thickens and loses gloss, about 3–5 minutes. Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper and let cool.