This recipe gives you everything you love about classic pecan logs:
✔ A smooth melt-in-your-mouth nougat center
✔ A silky caramel coating
✔ Deeply toasted, buttery pecans
✔ That perfect candy-shop look
This is the BEST pecan log recipe, and once you taste them, you’ll understand why people used to drive miles just to buy one!
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Pecan Log Recipe
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No candy thermometer required
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Perfect texture — creamy inside, crunchy outside
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Great for holidays, gifting, bake sales & parties
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Make ahead friendly — stays fresh for weeks
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Tastes EXACTLY like the famous Stuckey’s pecan logs
🧾 Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Pecan Logs
For the Nougat Center
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 cups powdered sugar
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2 ½ cups marshmallow creme (or marshmallow fluff)
For the Caramel Coating
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1 (14 oz) bag caramels, unwrapped
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2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Pecan Crunch
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3 cups chopped pecans, toasted for best flavor
🍬 How to Make Old-Fashioned Pecan Logs That Taste Like the Real Thing
STEP 1 — Toast the Pecans
Spread pecans on a baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes, stirring once.
Toasting deepens the flavor and helps the coating stick better.
Let cool completely, then chop.
STEP 2 — Make the Nougat Center
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In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
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Add granulated sugar and heavy cream.
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Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly until smooth.
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
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Add marshmallow creme — stir until fully blended.
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Mix in powdered sugar a little at a time until a thick dough forms.
The dough should be soft but not sticky — add more powdered sugar if needed.
