Big Hunk Candy Bars bring back sweet memories of my childhood, filled with creamy marshmallow and crunchy peanuts. This delightful homemade version captures the essence of those nostalgic treats, combining simple ingredients to create a candy bar that satisfies your sweet cravings. Perfect for sharing or indulging yourself, let’s dive into how to recreate this classic American candy in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Big Hunk Candy Bars
This recipe is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s also about the joy of creating something special. Here are several reasons to love these homemade treats:
- Simple ingredients that you likely have on hand.
- A perfect blend of chewy and crunchy textures.
- It’s a fun and engaging recipe to make with kids.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts or flavors.
- Ideal for parties, snacks, or just a personal treat.
- Offers a healthier alternative to store-bought candy bars.
- It fits a vegetarian diet and is sure to please everyone.
With these Big Hunk chocolate bars, you can enjoy a nostalgic treat while knowing exactly what goes into them!
Ingredients for Big Hunk Candy Bars
Gather these items:
- 3 jars Kraft Marshmallow Creme (7 ounces each)
- 2.25 cups Light Corn Syrup (No substitutes recommended)
- 2.25 cups Sugar (Regular granulated sugar is best)
- 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (Use quality pure vanilla)
- 6 tablespoons Butter (Slightly melted; margarine can be used as a substitute)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (Adjust according to taste)
- 3 cups Peanuts (Lightly salted for enhanced flavor)
How to Make Big Hunk Candy Bars Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Grease a large cookie sheet with butter or shortening and spread lightly salted peanuts evenly across the sheet.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, add Kraft marshmallow creme and set aside for later.
- Step 3: In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup and sugar over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until boiling and then clip a candy thermometer. Let it boil until it reaches 290°F.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and let the syrup rest undisturbed for 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Carefully pour the hot syrup into the bowl with marshmallow creme and mix until smooth. Add melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Step 6: Quickly pour the mixture over the peanuts on the greased cookie sheet and spread evenly.
- Step 7: Allow to set at room temperature for about 3 hours or refrigerate to expedite the process.
- Step 8: Cut into squares or rectangles and store in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Big Hunk Candy Bars
Keep these in mind:
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure your syrup reaches the right temperature.
- For a different flavor, consider adding a dash of almond extract.
- Store the bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
- Remember that the mixture will be very hot; handle with care!
Best Ways to Serve Big Hunk Candy Bars
Enjoy these homemade bars in various ways:
- Serve them as a sweet treat after dinner.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a delightful surprise.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tasty dessert.
How to Store and Reheat Big Hunk Candy Bars
To maintain their deliciousness, cut and store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer time, you can refrigerate them. These bars can last up to two weeks, making them ideal for meal prep and on-the-go snacking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Hunk Candy Bars
What’s the secret to perfect Big Hunk Candy Bars?
The secret lies in achieving the right temperature for the syrup. Ensuring it reaches 290°F will give the bars the perfect chewy texture. Using high-quality ingredients like Kraft Marshmallow Creme also enhances the flavor.
Can I make Big Hunk Candy Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They actually taste better after resting for a day as the flavors meld.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Big Hunk Candy Bars?
To avoid mistakes, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Also, keep an eye on the syrup temperature to prevent burning. Lastly, be quick when pouring the mixture over the peanuts; it sets fast!
Variations of Big Hunk Candy Bars You Can Try
Here are some variations you can explore:
- Substitute peanuts with almonds or cashews for a different crunch.
- Add chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Try adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added sweetness.
- Make them gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Each variation adds a unique spin to the classic recipe, making it versatile!
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making gingerbread cookies for a festive treat. If you’re looking for something savory, our South Carolina Bird Dog recipe is a must-try!
For more information on the benefits of homemade candy, you can visit Healthline.
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Delightful Big Hunk Candy Bars Recipe for Sweet Nostalgia
- Total Time: 215 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Homemade Big Hunk Candy Bars for Sweet Nostalgia
Ingredients
- 3 jars Kraft Marshmallow Creme (7 ounces each)
- 2.25 cups Light Corn Syrup (No substitutes recommended)
- 2.25 cups Sugar (Regular granulated sugar is best)
- 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (Use quality pure vanilla)
- 6 tablespoons Butter (Slightly melted; margarine can be used as a substitute)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (Adjust according to taste)
- 3 cups Peanuts (Lightly salted for enhanced flavor)
Instructions
- Grease a large cookie sheet with butter or shortening and spread lightly salted peanuts evenly across the sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, add Kraft marshmallow creme and set aside for later.
- In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup and sugar over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until boiling and then clip a candy thermometer. Let it boil until it reaches 290°F.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup rest undisturbed for 2 minutes.
- Carefully pour the hot syrup into the bowl with marshmallow creme and mix until smooth. Add melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Quickly pour the mixture over the peanuts on the greased cookie sheet and spread evenly.
- Allow to set at room temperature for about 3 hours or refrigerate to expedite the process.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Big Hunk Candy Bars









