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–+ servings
Sugar Coated Nuts
Sugar-coated nuts are a timeless treat enjoyed during holidays, festive gatherings, and family get-togethers. This version, written in Aunt Minnie’s hand, uses simple pantry staples like brown sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and vanilla to create a rich, glossy coating that clings to pecans or walnuts. The gentle simmering process ensures the sugar melts into a candy-like shell, while the final mixing guarantees each nut is coated evenly. These nuts are crunchy, sweet, and slightly buttery with a hint of vanilla, making them perfect for snacking, edible gifts, or topping desserts. Their balance of sweetness and nuttiness makes them universally beloved.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine Southern
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz pecans ( or walnut, about 2 ½ cups )
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar (tightly packed )
  • ¼ cup evaporated milk (Carnation brand suggested)
  • 1 Pinch salt
  • 1 tsp butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Nuts

  • Measure out pecans or walnuts and set aside.

Step 2: Make Sugar Mixture

  • In a medium saucepan, combine dark brown sugar, evaporated milk, and a pinch of salt.
  • Heat over medium flame, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Simmer and Add Butter

  • Bring mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously.
  • Simmer for 3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp butter and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Coat Nuts

  • Add nuts to the saucepan. Stir well for 3–5 minutes to coat thoroughly.

Step 5: Cool and Separate

  • Remove nuts from pan and spread onto a plate.
  • Allow to cool completely.
  • Separate nuts once cooled and hardened.

Tips

  • Use either pecans or walnuts, or a blend, for different textures.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or warm spices for holiday flavor.
  • Spread coated nuts on parchment paper to cool and avoid sticking.
  • Stir continuously to prevent scorching of sugar.
  • For lighter sweetness, reduce brown sugar slightly.
  • Add a dash of vanilla or almond extract to deepen flavor.
  • Create gift bags or jars, these make excellent edible gifts.
  • Break apart gently once cooled to keep nuts whole.
  • Store in an airtight container to keep crisp.
  • Toast nuts lightly beforehand for a deeper nutty flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 25.3gSaturated Fat: 2.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 40mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 50IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.7mg
Keyword candied nuts, holiday treat, homemade candy, pecans, snack, sweet, vintage, walnuts
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