brown sugar candy recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best brown sugar candy recipe

I’ve been making this brown sugar candy recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of the gooey brown sugar, the crunchy nuts, and the chewy texture is just perfect. I love that it’s so easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

My kids can’t get enough of it, and it’s a staple in our house for special occasions and everyday snacking. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s actually pretty good for you compared to other sweets. The brown sugar provides a boost of antioxidants and the nuts add some healthy fats.

Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat more fiber-rich foods like oats and nuts. I’ve even started making it for my husband’s work events because it’s so easy to transport and serve. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!

I’ve experimented with different types of nuts and oats, but traditional old-fashioned oats are my go-to choice. They give the candy a nice texture and flavor that complements the brown sugar perfectly. I’ve also tried using different types of sugar, but the brown sugar gives it that unique flavor that I just can’t replicate with white sugar.

Overall, this recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s delicious, easy to make, and has so many health benefits.

Brown Sugar Candy

4.5 from 537 votes

This simple brown sugar candy is a sweet, buttery treat with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with just a few pantry staples, it comes together quickly on the stovetop.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 16Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Candy

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2Set it aside for later use.
3In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, milk, and salt.
4Stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
5Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and continue cooking over medium heat without stirring.
6Allow the mixture to reach 240 degrees Fahrenheit (soft ball stage), which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
7Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped nuts if using.
8Stir vigorously for 1 minute until the mixture thickens slightly and loses its shine.
9Immediately pour the hot mixture into the prepared baking dish.
10Spread it evenly with a spatula and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until firm.
11Once completely set, lift the candy out using the parchment overhang.
12Cut into 16 squares and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Candy thermometer
8×8 inch baking dish
Parchment paper
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 40mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 14g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

For best results, use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the correct temperature. If the candy is too soft, it may not have cooked long enough; if too hard, it may have been overcooked. You can omit the nuts or substitute with shredded coconut for variation.

Watch Video Of How Brown Sugar Candy Works

This brown sugar candy recipe is a staple in our house for good reason – it’s deliciously easy to make and packed with healthy ingredients like fiber-rich oats and antioxidants from the brown sugar. My family loves how chewy and crunchy it is, and we love how easy it is to customize with different types of nuts or oats.

We’ve made this recipe for countless family gatherings, parties, and even just as an after-school snack for my kids. It’s perfect for any occasion because you can easily make large batches ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Candy

Q: What type of sugar should I use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use an old-fashioned or muscovado brown sugar. It has a richer flavor than regular brown sugar and will give your candy that deep, caramel-like taste.

Q: Can I substitute the nuts?

Yes, you can use any type of nut you like in place of walnuts in this recipe. Pecans work well too!

Q: How do I store leftover candy?

You can store leftover candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I reheat the candy?

No, you shouldn’t reheat the candy as it will lose its texture and become sticky.

Q: How do I serve the candy?

Serve the candy at room temperature or slightly chilled.

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