Big Hunk candy bars are a classic treat that many people remember from childhood. They are made with chewy nougat that is sweetened with honey and mixed with roasted peanuts. The candy is simple, filling, and full of peanut flavor.
This homemade Big Hunk candy recipe shows you how to make Big Hunk candy at home using easy-to-find ingredients. The recipe uses marshmallow creme to make the nougat softer and easier to prepare. You do not need special candy-making skills to get good results.
After the candy sets, you will have chewy peanut-filled nougat that looks and tastes like the original Big Hunk bar.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Chewy peanut candy: Big Hunk is an old-fashioned candy bar made with honey-flavored nougat and peanuts. This big hunk candy recipe lets you make a chewy and sweet version at home.
- Use a candy thermometer: You need to heat the sugar syrup to the right temperature, about 290°F. This helps the candy set properly so it is firm but still chewy.
- Get everything ready first: Before you start cooking the syrup, prepare the peanuts and marshmallow creme. Once the syrup reaches the right temperature, you need to move quickly to mix everything together.
What is Big Hunk Candy
Big Hunk is a classic candy bar that has been around for many years and is known for its simple ingredients and chewy texture. The candy is made from white nougat that is sweetened with honey and mixed with whole roasted peanuts. It does not have chocolate, which makes it different from many other candy bars.
The nougat is firm but still soft enough to chew. It has a mild honey sweetness, while the peanuts add a crunchy bite and a nutty flavor. Together, this creates a candy that feels filling and satisfying, not overly sugary.
Recipe for Big Hunk Candy
Big Hunk Candy Recipe
This Big Hunk candy recipe combines fluffy nougat, roasted peanuts, and a sweet vanilla flavor to recreate the classic chewy candy bar at home.
30
servings15
minutes15
minutes296
kcal3
hours3
hours30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
3 cups roasted peanuts
21 oz marshmallow cream
2¼ cups light corn syrup
2¼ cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
- Prepare the pan: Grease a large rimmed baking sheet well with butter or non-stick spray so the candy does not stick later. Spread the roasted peanuts evenly across the bottom of the pan in a single flat layer. Try to cover the entire surface so every piece of candy has peanuts underneath. This peanut layer forms the base of the Big Hunk candy.
- Get the marshmallow ready: Lightly grease a large heat-safe bowl with butter, making sure the sides are coated. Add all of the marshmallow creme to the bowl and set it aside. Place a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula next to the bowl so it is ready to use. The syrup will be very hot, so everything should be prepared in advance.
- Boil the sugar syrup: Add the corn syrup and granulated sugar to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat and stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves. Once the mixture begins to boil, stop stirring completely. Attach a candy thermometer and let the syrup boil until it reaches 290°F. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Do not stir while it boils. When the syrup reaches the correct temperature, turn off the heat and let it sit for about 2 minutes so the bubbling settles.
- Mix the syrup with the marshmallow: Carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the bowl with the marshmallow creme. Pour slowly and do not scrape the sides of the saucepan, since hardened sugar can cause grainy candy. Stir immediately using a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes thick, smooth, and bright white. The nougat will start to firm up quickly, so work steadily.
- Add butter and flavor: Add the butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the warm nougat mixture. Stir until the butter fully melts and everything blends. The nougat should look glossy, smooth, and slightly elastic. This step adds richness and makes the candy easier to spread.
- Spread the candy: Scrape the nougat mixture over the prepared peanuts in the baking sheet. Use a buttered spatula to spread it evenly across the pan. Press gently so the nougat settles around the peanuts and forms an even layer on top.
- Let the candy set: Leave the candy at room temperature until it becomes fully firm. This usually takes about 3 hours. For faster setting, place the pan in the refrigerator. Once firm, lift the candy out of the pan and cut it into bars or bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife.
Recipe Video
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Total number of serves: 30
- Calories: 296kcal
- Fat: 9.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 6mg
- Sodium: 99mg
- Potassium: 115mg
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugar: 46.8g
- Protein: 4.1g
- Calcium: 19mg
Tips and Notes
Tips for Best Texture and Consistency
- Use a thermometer: Cooking the syrup to the right temperature, about 290°F, is very important. A candy thermometer helps you know when the syrup is ready so the nougat turns out chewy, not too soft or too hard.
- Do not stir while boiling: Once the syrup starts boiling, stop stirring it. Stirring at this stage can cause sugar crystals to form, which can make the candy feel grainy instead of smooth.
- Get everything ready first: Before you start cooking the syrup, prepare the pan with peanuts and have the marshmallow cream ready. When the syrup is done, you need to move quickly because the candy starts to set fast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cooking the syrup for the wrong amount: If the syrup does not get hot enough, the candy will stay too soft and will not set well. If it gets too hot, the nougat can turn hard and brittle. Watching the temperature helps avoid this problem.
- Scraping the saucepan: When pouring the hot syrup into the marshmallow cream, do not scrape the sides of the pan. Scraping can add hard sugar bits that make the candy rough instead of smooth.
- Taking too long to spread the candy: Nougat firms up quickly once it is mixed. If you wait too long, it can harden in the bowl and become hard to spread. Work steadily and spread the candy as soon as it is ready.
How to Cut Big Hunk Candy
Once the Big Hunk candy is firm, place it on a cutting board with the peanut side facing down. Use a large, sharp knife to cut the candy into pieces. Pieces that are about one to two inches wide work well and are easy to eat.
Press the knife straight down with steady pressure. Do not saw back and forth, because this can make rough edges. If the candy feels too hard to cut, carefully run the knife under hot water, dry it well, and then continue cutting. The warm blade helps make cleaner cuts.
After cutting, wrap each piece in wax paper. This keeps the candy from sticking together and makes it easier to store or share.
How to Serve Big Hunk Candy
Big Hunk candy is sweet and chewy, so small pieces are best. You can serve it as a simple treat or wrap each piece in wax paper for a classic, old-fashioned look. This works especially well if you plan to give the candy as a gift or party favor.
You can also cut the candy into small chunks and sprinkle them over vanilla ice cream. The chewy nougat and peanuts add a fun texture and sweet flavor. Big Hunk candy is a nostalgic treat that many people enjoy sharing with family and friends.
Storage Instructions
How to Store Big Hunk Candy
Big Hunk candy is easy to store if you keep it covered and away from heat. Place the candy pieces in an airtight container so air does not dry them out. To stop the pieces from sticking together, wrap each one in wax paper or parchment paper before putting them in the container.
Keep the container in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat. If your kitchen is very warm, you can store the candy in the refrigerator. Before eating, let the pieces sit out for a few minutes so they soften and are easier to chew.
How Long Does Big Hunk Candy Last
When stored at room temperature, homemade Big Hunk candy stays fresh for about 2 weeks. If you keep it in the refrigerator, it can last up to 1 month. You can also freeze the candy for up to 3 months if it is wrapped well.
When taking candy out of the fridge or freezer, let it come back to room temperature before eating. This helps the nougat become soft and chewy again. Most of the time, the candy gets eaten quickly because it is sweet, chewy, and hard to resist.
FAQs
What type of candy is Big Hunk Candy?
Big Hunk Candy is a chewy nougat-style candy made with sugar, corn syrup, honey flavor, and roasted peanuts. It has a dense yet soft texture that feels firm at first bite and becomes chewy as you eat it. The candy is not brittle or crunchy, and it is known for its long-lasting chew and rich peanut flavor.
Can Big Hunk Candy be made at home without special equipment?
Big Hunk Candy can be made at home with basic kitchen tools. A heavy saucepan, a sturdy spoon, and a heatproof bowl are enough to prepare the candy. A candy thermometer is strongly recommended for best results, but careful temperature control and timing can still work if the thermometer is not available.
How do you keep Big Hunk Candy from becoming too hard or sticky?
The candy stays chewy and not hard when the sugar mixture is cooked to the correct temperature and not overheated. Cooking the syrup too long makes the candy hard, while undercooking makes it sticky. Proper cooling at room temperature and storing the candy in a dry, airtight container also helps maintain the right texture.
How long does homemade Big Hunk Candy last when stored properly?
Homemade Big Hunk Candy lasts about two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If wrapped individually and kept in a cool, dry place, it can last up to one month in the refrigerator. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to three months and softened at room temperature before serving.
