This Millionaire Candy is pure decadence — buttery caramel layered with crunchy pecans and coated in silky milk chocolate.
It’s easy to make, outrageously delicious, and perfect for holiday gifts, dessert trays, or anytime you want a show-stopping sweet treat!
Why You’ll Love Millionaire Candy
Sweet and Salty Balance: Rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and chocolate in perfect harmony.
Easy to Make: No candy thermometer required.
Impressive Presentation: Looks fancy, but simple to prepare.
Perfect for Gifting: Ideal for the holidays or special occasions.
Customizable: You can tweak nuts or chocolate types to your liking.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Pecans: Toasted for extra flavor and crunch.
Caramel Bits or Soft Caramels: Melted to create the gooey center.
Milk Chocolate Chips: Smooth, melty coating.
Sea Salt (optional): For a sweet-salty finish.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Toast the Pecans: It deepens their flavor.
Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Work Quickly: Caramel thickens as it cools.
Double-Dip the Candy: For an extra-thick chocolate coating.
Sprinkle Sea Salt Quickly: Before the chocolate hardens.
How to Make Millionaire Candy
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 6–8 minutes. Let cool.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt caramels with heavy cream and butter, stirring constantly until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble Candy
Arrange small clusters of 3–4 pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Spoon melted caramel over each cluster.
Let set for about 20 minutes.
Step 4: Coat with Chocolate
Melt milk chocolate chips until smooth.
Dip each caramel pecan cluster into the chocolate, ensuring full coverage.
Place back onto parchment paper.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touch
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Let candies set completely.
What to Serve It With
Coffee or espresso for a rich pairing
A glass of red wine or port
On a dessert platter with truffles and cookies
Wrapped in treat bags for gifts
Variations / Substitutions
Different Nuts: Use almonds, cashews, or walnuts.
Dark or White Chocolate: Swap out the milk chocolate for variety.
Homemade Caramel: Make your own from scratch for extra flavor.
Add a Splash of Bourbon: Stir into caramel for an adult twist.
Mini Version: Make smaller clusters for bite-sized treats.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Room Temperature: Safe to keep in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make Millionaire Candy ahead of time?
Yes! Perfect for prepping holiday treats.
Can I use homemade caramel?
Definitely! Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold.
How do I prevent chocolate from seizing?
Melt chocolate slowly and avoid water contact.
Is it necessary to toast the pecans?
It’s not required, but highly recommended for flavor.
Can I use candy molds?
Yes! It can make the candy even more uniform and polished.
Final Thoughts
Millionaire Candy is the perfect combination of rich, buttery caramel, crunchy pecans, and luscious chocolate.
It’s incredibly easy yet impressively elegant — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holidays, parties, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary.
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients
2 cups pecan halves
1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits (or 40 soft caramels)
2 cups milk chocolate chips
Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
Toast pecans at 350°F for 6–8 minutes. Cool.
Melt caramels, cream, and butter over medium-low heat.
Arrange pecan clusters on parchment.
Spoon caramel over.
Let set 20 minutes.
Melt chocolate. Dip each cluster to coat.
Sprinkle sea salt if desired. Let set completely.