Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by Kimberly Stroh

Do you ever enjoy a treat that has tons of nostalgia around it? That’s what Pecan Log candy does for me every time I enjoy one. It brings back memories of childhood road trips, through Georgia, and stopping at a roadside station to buy a pecan log. This old-fashioned candy recipe is still one of my favorites today and I make it every holiday season.

Candy is sometimes intimidating to make. If you’re new to making candy, I’ve got some excellent tips below to help guide you. There’s a bit more technique involved vs. baking your usual holiday treats. The end outcome is worth it and the pecan logs are always enjoyed.

Pecan Logs are a candy that have been around forever. For whatever reason, our family only enjoy them when we were on a road trip. My mom would always purchase a coke and a pecan log to help us get through the monotony of a trip. I would look forward to pulling over just so I could get a little taste.

So now I make the logs every Christmas season. You make the candy and slice it into pieces. They look fantastic on a holiday treat tray and they’re a nice break from traditional cookies.

Looking for more recipes to make alongside your Pecan Logs? Here are my favorite candy recipes that everyone loves to eat:

• Christmas Almond Cluster Candy
• Slow Cooker Butterscotch Drop Candy
• Homemade Rocky Road Candy

How To Make Old-Fashioned Pecan Log Candy

For this recipe, you can use a double broiler or melt caramel in the microwave. A medium saucepan and an 8-inch square glass pan is also required. If you have the right tools, you’re all set to make your pecan log candy!

When We Love To Make This Recipe

I love a nutty treat any time of the year, but it’s great for the holidays. It’s a stray from the traditional cookies and people don’t expect it. Just be sure that there’s no nut allergy if you’re passing it out as a gift. Wrap a few pieces in cellophane treat bags and put a festive ribbon around the top.

How To Keep Pecan Log Candy Fresh

After you’ve made your pecan log, store them in an airtight food storage container. For best freshness, enjoy them for 4-5 days. I like to refrigerate them during the winter months. Candy can easily melt in a warm house.

Can You Freeze Pecan Log Candy?

Yes! You can easily freeze pecan log candy. Protect them from freezer burn by placing them in freezer bags. Freeze the pecan log for up to three months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving again.

What You’ll Need From The Grocery Store:

• Unsalted Butter
• Powdered Sugar
• Dry Milk Powder
• Granulated Sugar
• Light Corn Syrup
• Vanilla Extract
• Caramel Bits (Kraft)
• Whole Milk
• Chopped Pecans

Directions To Make Old-Fashioned Pecan Log Candy

Use the 2 teaspoons of butter to coat an 8” square pan. Whisk together the powdered sugar and the dry milk powder, set aside.

Place chopped pecans in a shallow dish, set aside. In a saucepan combine 1 stick of butter, sugar, and corn syrup stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.

Stir in the powdered sugar powdered milk mixture a little at a time until smooth, stirring constantly. Remove pan from heat and stir in the vanilla 

Pour the mixture into the buttered pan. Allow the mixture to cool until it comes together to like a taffy consistency and is cool enough to handle with bare hands.

Cut the mix into 4 equal size pieces and roll into log shapes. Place logs on a wax paper lined tray and freeze until firm.

In a double boiler or in the microwave melt the caramel with the milk and stir until smooth. One at a time, coat each log completely with caramel then roll in the chopped pecans.

Slice the logs into rounds, serve, share, and enjoy!