Unwrap the secret to perfect holiday candy with this Millionaire Candy recipe! Classic caramel gets a nutty twist with toasted pecans and is elegantly draped in smooth milk chocolate. A must-try homemade treat for all your festive gatherings and gift-giving needs.

three pieces of millionaire candy on a stack of plates.

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a classic treat? Dive into the world of Millionaire Candy – a Southern favorite that’s about to become your new go-to gift and indulgence. With a delightful blend of creamy caramel, crunchy pecans, and luxurious chocolate, this recipe is as rich in flavor as its name suggests.

Never heard of Millionaire Candy? It’s relatively new to me too! It originated in the South and is a delightful trio of pecans, caramel, and chocolate. Its name hints at its rich and luxurious taste, truly making you feel like you’ve struck gold with every bite. While its exact origins are a bit hazy, it’s been a staple in drugstores and grocery stores across the South for generations. This candy has undoubtedly stood the test of time, weaving itself into the fabric of Southern holiday traditions and memories. You know I love a bit of nostalgia in my kitchen, so this recipe is perfect for me!

pile of millionaire candy on a cake stand.

Making candy around the holiday and Christmas season has become a new tradition for me. I try a new recipe every year. It all started with this Crock Pot Candy (so easy and delicious!) that I made several years back. Since then I’ve made Caramel Turtles, Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy, Peanut Butter Truffles, and more.

Candy-making can seem intimidating and I’m sure there are complicated recipes out there, however, I’ve managed to find and make easy and approachable recipes that yield beautiful and delicious results.

I find this type of candy-making to be almost calming. I throw on some Christmas music (maybe make a festive cocktail) and get to work. The end results are like little bite-sized treasures. They make a lovely addition to a Christmas cookie tray and double as a handmade gift anyone would love to receive.

plate filled with millionaire candy with one piece cut open.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How To Make

4 Frequently Asked Questions

5 More Homemade Treats You’ll Love

6 Millionaire Candy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There is flavor harmony in every bite. The creamy caramel, crunchy pecans, and velvety chocolate come together in a symphony of flavors and textures, creating a candy experience that’s nothing short of exquisite.
Not all of us have the patience (or time) for the intricate steps of candy-making. As I mentioned above, this is an easy recipe! It even uses a store-bought caramel shortcut, so you’re already halfway there before you even start!
Thinking of what to give your neighbor or your kid’s teacher this holiday season? Let this be it! These candies are not just tasty but also look elegant and make a thoughtful gift.

Ingredients

You’ll only need a handful of ingredients to craft this decadent candy recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to add to your shopping list.

Caramel candies: Using store-bought caramels gives us a sweet head start, ensuring that rich, chewy center we all love.
Whole milk: A splash of milk helps our caramels melt into a lusciously smooth texture, making the candy-making process a breeze.
Pecans: Toasted to perfection, these chopped pecans add a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy caramel.
Flake sea salt: A pinch of this salt enhances the flavors and adds a gourmet touch. And don’t forget that extra sprinkle on top for a fancy finish.
Milk chocolate melting wafers (I prefer Ghirardelli): Using Ghirardelli ensures that rich, premium chocolate taste, making every bite a little piece of heaven.

Now that you know the magic behind each ingredient, let’s get to crafting these delectable treats!

millionaire candy on cake stand and pieces served on a plate.

How To Make

We’ve gathered up all of our ingredients, so now it’s time to start making some candy. I’ll walk you through the steps for this Millionaire Candy below. For your convenience, I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

Line two baking trays with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
Fill a medium-sized pot with about one inch of water. Heat on medium until it starts to simmer. Place a heat-resistant bowl on top of the pot, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bowl’s base. Add the caramels and milk.

Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly until the caramels melt, approximately 10 minutes.
After melting, transfer the bowl to a heat-resistant surface. Stir in the pecans and a pinch of salt.

spatula stirring pecans into melted caramel.

Use a tablespoon scoop to drop the caramel mixture onto the prepared baking trays, creating around 30 mounds.
Bring the pot of water back to a simmer. Set another heat-resistant bowl over the pot, ensuring the water doesn’t touch its base. Add the chocolate wafers. Stir occasionally until fully melted, about three to five minutes.

caramel and pecan mounds on a baking sheet.

Once melted, dip the caramel mounds into the chocolate using a fork. Use a second fork to slide the dipped candy back onto the parchment-lined tray. Sprinkle with a touch of flake sea salt if desired.
Refrigerate the trays for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up the chocolate.

millionaire candy cooling on baking sheet.

To store, place wax or parchment paper between layers of candies in a sealed container. These can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Candy-making doesn’t get much easier than that.

The resulting bites are like a little caramel-filled nut cluster. SO GOOD! This was one of those candy recipes that I had to hide from myself so I didn’t eat them all before Christmas. Ha!

millionaire candy split apart on a stack of plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give the candy a richer, less sweet flavor. Just follow the same melting instructions.

What if I can’t find Ghirardelli melting wafers?

You can use any high-quality milk chocolate. The melting process might vary slightly, so keep an eye and stir regularly to avoid scorching.

Can I freeze these candies?

Yes, you can! Ensure they’re in a sealed container with layers separated by parchment or wax paper. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature.

Can I add other nuts or dried fruits?

Definitely! While pecans are traditional, feel free to mix in your favorites like almonds or dried cranberries for a personal touch.

millionaire candy stacked on a small white cake stand.

More Homemade Treats You’ll Love

That’s a wrap! Whether you’re making a batch for your family, friends, or just for yourself (no judgment here!), I know you’re going to love this Millionaire Candy recipe! If you do, be sure to come back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

Want more from Inspired by Charm? Join the IBC Mailing List for inspiration in your inbox! Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!