Description
Old-Fashioned Pecan Logs are a nostalgic candy treat featuring a fluffy nougat base coated with rich caramel and crunchy toasted pecans. These easy-to-make logs combine the sweetness of caramel and the buttery flavor of pecans for a perfect holiday gift or indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Nougat Base
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large egg white, beaten until stiff peaks form
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 12 ounces soft caramels
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups pecan pieces, chopped and toasted
Instructions
- Toast Pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan pieces until they become fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare Syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Continue heating the mixture until it reaches 250°F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Beat Egg White: Meanwhile, in a clean bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form, ensuring the meringue is stable and glossy.
- Combine Syrup and Egg White: Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the beaten egg white while continuously beating to prevent curdling. Add vanilla extract and salt, then continue beating until the mixture is thick and glossy, forming the nougat base.
- Form Logs: Grease your hands with a little oil or butter and shape the nougat into 3 to 4 large logs. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt Caramel Coating: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the soft caramels with the heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly so it thickens for easier coating.
- Coat Logs: Dip each nougat log into the warm caramel mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Immediately roll each log in the toasted pecan pieces, pressing gently to adhere the nuts evenly.
- Set and Serve: Place the coated logs on a parchment-lined tray and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to set. Once set, slice the logs into pieces and enjoy or wrap them for gifting.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate syrup temperature to ensure proper nougat consistency.
- Greasing hands prevents the nougat from sticking while shaping.
- Soft caramels can be substituted with homemade caramel, but adjust cream quantity accordingly.
- Store pecan logs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For a firmer texture, chill longer after coating.
