Get ready to take a sweet stroll down memory lane with this classic treat—Boston Baked Beans Candy! These little candy-coated peanuts are a nostalgic delight, offering the perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and nutty goodness. If you’ve ever had that satisfying snap of the hard candy shell followed by the rich, roasted peanut inside, you know just how irresistible these old-fashioned candies are. Trust me, this homemade version is going to be a game-changer—simple to make, incredibly addictive, and perfect for sharing (if you can manage not to eat them all yourself!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Nostalgia: A beloved old-school candy that brings back sweet childhood memories.
- Crunchy & Sweet: The perfect combo of a hard candy shell wrapped around a crunchy roasted peanut.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make with pantry staples.
- Great for Gifting: Package them in cute jars or bags for a delightful homemade gift.
Ingredients
You’ll only need a few basic ingredients to make this nostalgic treat from scratch:
- Raw Peanuts: The star of the show—roasted for that classic crunch.
- Sugar: Provides that irresistible candy coating.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and form the syrup.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy-sweet depth to the candy shell.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of both the peanuts and the candy coating.
- Vanilla Extract: Gives a sweet, aromatic note to balance the flavors.
- Red Food Coloring: Optional, but it gives the peanuts that signature reddish-brown hue.
Note: Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Boston Baked Beans Candy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly greasing it—this will prevent the candy from sticking as it cools.
Step 2: Roast the Peanuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw peanuts on the baking sheet and roast them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Make the Candy Coating
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 4: Add Peanuts and Flavoring
Once the sugar syrup starts to bubble, stir in the roasted peanuts and add the vanilla extract and red food coloring (if using). Continue stirring until the syrup thickens and starts to coat the peanuts.
Step 5: Caramelize and Coat
Keep stirring until the sugar begins to crystallize around the peanuts. Spread the candy-coated peanuts back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake for the Final Crunch
Pop the coated peanuts back into the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This final bake gives them that classic, hard-shell crunch.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the peanuts cool completely on the baking sheet. Once they’re cool, break apart any clusters, and your homemade Boston Baked Beans Candy is ready to snack on!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh Peanuts: Fresh, raw peanuts will give you the best crunchy texture.
- Even Coating: Stir continuously while the syrup crystallizes to ensure every peanut gets an even candy shell.
- Add Extra Spice: For a twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Let Them Cool Fully: Make sure the peanuts are completely cooled before storing—this helps maintain their crunchy texture.
How to Serve
There are so many fun ways to enjoy Boston Baked Beans Candy:
- Classic Snack: Enjoy them by the handful as a nostalgic treat.
- Movie Night Munchies: A perfect crunchy snack for movie marathons.
- Topping: Sprinkle over ice cream or yogurt for a sweet, nutty crunch.
- Gift Idea: Package in jars or decorative bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your candy in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks—though they probably won’t last that long!
Freezing
While not typically necessary, you can freeze the candy-coated peanuts in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
No need to reheat—just store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their crunch.
FAQs
- Why are they called Boston Baked Beans Candy?
The name comes from their resemblance to actual baked beans, a dish that’s famously associated with Boston. But don’t worry—these are sweet, candy-coated peanuts, not savory beans! - Can I use pre-roasted peanuts?
Yes, but make sure they’re unsalted and unseasoned. You’ll still want to roast them briefly to ensure they’re warm and ready to absorb the syrup coating. - Is food coloring necessary for this recipe?
No, it’s optional! The traditional candy has a reddish hue, but the flavor will be just as delightful without it. - Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Absolutely! Almonds or cashews can be a delicious alternative, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
This Boston Baked Beans Candy Recipe is a sweet throwback to simpler times, offering that perfect mix of crunchy, nutty, and sweet that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making them for a party, a gift, or just because you’re craving something nostalgic, these little candies are sure to be a hit! 🍬
Print
Boston Baked Beans Candy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: about 2 cups of candy 1x
Description
Boston Baked Beans Candy is a classic American treat, known for its crunchy, sweet candy shell and a savory roasted peanut center. Despite the name, this candy has nothing to do with actual baked beans—its name comes from its resemblance to the traditional Boston baked beans dish. These nostalgic candies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, making them a favorite snack for all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted peanuts (unsalted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (optional, for authentic look)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the Peanuts:
Place the roasted peanuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and set aside.Make the Candy Coating:
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.Cook the Syrup:
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook until it reaches the soft-crack stage (270°F / 132°C) on a candy thermometer.Add Flavor & Color:
Remove the syrup from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a few drops of red food coloring.Coat the Peanuts:
Quickly pour the hot syrup over the roasted peanuts, stirring constantly to coat them evenly.Cool and Separate:
Spread the coated peanuts back onto the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely, then break them apart if they stick together.Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, transfer the candy-coated peanuts to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- You can skip the food coloring if you prefer a natural look.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise results—this step is essential for the perfect crunchy shell.
- Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 30mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg