Millionaire Candy Recipe

Active Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

55 mins

Yield:

30 candies

Millionaire candy is a classic boxed candy available in grocery stores and drug stores across the South. The rich combination of pecans, caramel, and chocolate is an enduring favorite, and the candy is fairly easy to replicate at home.

This version of millionaire candy starts with a store-bought shortcut, skipping the quite technical caramel-making process by using premade caramel candies. Melted down with chopped pecans, they form chewy, nutty nuggets that are then coated in milk chocolate just like a bon bon. While you might be tempted to melt your chocolate in the microwave, we suggest using a double boiler to ensure it melts evenly and doesn’t scorch, for a smooth and shiny chocolate coating.

Learn how to make millionaire candy. To help balance the sweetness of these candies, sprinkle a touch of flaky salt on top of each piece while the chocolate is still wet—the extra bit of salt really makes them taste like a million bucks.

Who Created Millionaire Candy?

The simplicity of this sweet treat is part of its old-school charm. The candies were created by Hugh T. Pangburn, a drugstore owner in Fort Worth, Texas. While he started the business in 1902 selling patent medicines, by 1914 he was making ice cream in the kitchen of his drugstore, and became known for using pecans and caramel to enhance his vanilla ice cream.

That same year, he also made the first batch of what would become his signature Pangburn’s Millionaires. His original recipe included pecans, milk chocolate, caramel, and honey. In 1915, Pangburn added a candy factory to his ice cream operation, becoming Fort Worth’s original candy company.

For decades the candies were made by hand, with an experienced worker able to dip more than 100 pieces an hour. In 1999 the business was bought by Russell Stover, but boxes of Millionaires still bear the Pangburn name today.

Ingredients for Millionaire Candy

Store-bought caramel candies make this candy a cinch to prepare. To make millionaire candy, you'll need:

Butter: For greasing the parchment or wax paper to prevent the caramel candies from sticking.
Caramel candies: Melted down for a shortcut caramel in no time.
Whole milk: Thins the caramel slightly for a creamier texture.
Pecan pieces: Folded into the caramel mixture for a nutty crunch throughout.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness of the caramel.
Milk chocolate melting wafers: Coats the candy for the perfect finish.

How To Make Millionaire Candy

If you thought candy-making was difficult, think again. These candies are endlessly impressive to serve, and almost effortless to make. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Prepare pans: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment or wax paper and grease with butter.
Step 2. Heat caramel: Bring 1 inch of water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Place a heatproof bowl over the top and add in caramels and milk. Stir until melted. Remove from heat, and stir in pecans and salt. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets.
Step 3. Top with chocolate: Return pan with water to a simmer, and place a clean bowl over the top. Place chocolate in bowl and stir until melted. Remove from heat and spoon over caramel mounds. Chill until set. Let candies come to room temperature before serving.

Millionaire Candy Variations

To add your own unique twist to this millionaire candy recipe, consider these variation ideas:

Nuts: Swap the pecans with toasted almonds, peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, or any other preferred type.
Mix-ins: Get creative by folding in toasted coconut or dried fruit. You can also scoop the caramel onto small shortbread cookies for a buttery crust.
Salt: Swap the kosher salt with flaky sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, or infused salt varieties for additional flavor.
Chocolate: Choose any type you love, including dark or white chocolate in the place of milk chocolate.
Garnishes: Drizzle with additional melted chocolate, or sprinkle with chopped nuts, flaky sea salt, or edible gold flakes to match the name.

Tips for the Best Millionaire Candy

While this candy is incredibly easy to prepare, there are a few tips to keep in mind for consistent results:

High-quality ingredients: The better the quality of the caramel candies and chocolate, the more flavorful the candies and the better the texture.
Salt: Don't be shy about adding salt. All that caramel and chocolate will completely transform and awaken with a pinch of salt for a truly gourmet candy result. Consider topping with flaky sea salt, as pictured, for a final flourish.
Don't overheat: Avoid overheating the caramel to keep the texture thickened enough to mound onto the baking sheets. If your mixture is too hot and runny, cool the caramel slightly at room temperature until scoopable.
Melting chocolate: When melting the chocolate, keep the pot of water at a very light simmer to avoid scorching the chocolate, or accidentally getting steam or splashes of water into the mix, which could cause the chocolate to seize.
Chill: Chill the candies until set to help the chocolate harden, but serve at room temperature for the most luscious texture.

How To Store Millionaire Candy

Store millionaire candy in an airtight container, stacked between layers of parchment paper if needed, at room temperature for up to two weeks. In the warmer months, store in the refrigerator to keep the caramel and chocolate from melting. Bring to room temperature before serving.

More Gift-Worthy Treats You'll Love

Brighten everyone's day by sharing these sweet, homemade treats with the ones you love:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

Butter, for greasing
55 caramel candies (such as Kraft) (from 2 [11-oz.] pkg.)
1 Tbsp. whole milk
2 cups pecan pieces, toasted
Pinch of kosher salt
2 cups milk chocolate melting wafers (such as Ghirardelli) (from 2 [10-oz.] pkg.)

Directions

Prepare baking sheets:

Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper; grease with butter.
Melt caramels:

Fill a medium saucepan with water to a depth of 1 inch, and bring to a simmer over medium. Place a heatproof bowl over pan, making sure water does not touch bottom of bowl. Place caramels and milk in bowl; cook over medium, stirring often, until caramels are melted, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat, and set pan aside.
Add pecans:

Stir in pecans and salt.
Scoop caramel mixture onto baking sheets:

Drop caramel mixture by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. (You will have about 30 mounds.)
Melt chocolate:

Return pan with water to a simmer over medium. Place a second heatproof bowl over pan, making sure water does not touch bottom of bowl. Place milk chocolate in bowl; cook, stirring occasionally, until melted, 3 to 5 minutes.
Spoon chocolate over caramels:

Remove from heat, and spoon melted chocolate evenly over caramel mounds. Add salt sprinkle, if desired.
Chill candies;

Chill until chocolate is just set, 10 to 15 minutes. Before serving, let candies come to room temperature, about 20 minutes. Store with wax paper or parchment paper between candy layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make millionaire candy without nuts?

To make millionaire candy without nuts, omit them from the recipe, or swap with dried fruit, toasted coconut, crushed pretzels, pumpkin seeds, rice cereal, or crumbled cookies.
How can I change up millionaire candy?

You can change up this recipe by swapping the nuts, salt, and chocolate with other types you prefer, adding mix-ins, or by topping with creative garnishes.
Should millionaire candy be refrigerated?

In warmer months, millionaire candy can be refrigerated to help keep its texture intact. In cooler months, it can be stored at room temperature.