Handwritten recipe card for Candy Nut Loaf
by: salvagedrecipes

Candy Nut Loaf with Coconut, Dates, and Cherries

Candy Nut Loaf
Candy Nut Loaf is a classic old-fashioned confection that bridges the gap between candy and dessert. Popular in mid-20th-century home kitchens, this sweet treat combines a cooked sugar base with coconut, nuts, and dates, resulting in a rich, sliceable loaf. The method resembles traditional candy-making, where sugar is cooked to a soft-ball stage before adding mix-ins. Once rolled and cooled, it forms a firm yet tender texture packed with sweetness and crunch. This type of recipe reflects a time when simple pantry ingredients were transformed into impressive homemade sweets, perfect for holidays, gatherings, or gifting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 27 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¾ cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup dates (chopped )
  • ¾ cup nut meats (such as walnuts or pecans)
  • 20 candied cherries (½ red, ½ green, chopped)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients

  • In a saucepan, combine sugar, milk, and butter.

Step 2: Cook to Soft Ball Stage

  • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches soft ball stage (238°F).

Step 3: Add Dates

  • Stir in chopped dates.

Step 4: Continue Cooking

  • Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

  • Remove from heat and stir in coconut, chopped nuts, and candied cherries.

Step 6: Prepare Cloth

  • Lay out a clean cloth and dampen it slightly with cold water.

Step 7: Pour Mixture

  • Pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared cloth.

Step 8: Shape the Loaf

  • Using the cloth, carefully roll the mixture into a log shape.

Step 9: Cool and Set

  • Let the loaf stand and cool for 1 to 2 hours until firm.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

  • Slice into rounds and serve.

Tips

  • Use pecans or walnuts depending on preference
  • Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness
  • Substitute dried cherries for candied cherries for a less sweet option
  • Lightly toast nuts for added flavor
  • Roll in powdered sugar or coconut before slicing
  • Add vanilla extract for depth
  • Chill in the refrigerator for faster setting
  • Use parchment paper instead of cloth for easier cleanup

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 40mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg
Keyword candy loaf, coconut, Dates, homemade candy, nuts, retro dessert, sweet treat, vintage
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