Salted Nut Roll Recipe

Grandma’s Secret Salted Nut Roll Recipe for Sweet Success

Sweet nostalgia meets crunchy satisfaction in this beloved salted nut roll that promises a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

Childhood memories of classic candy bars come flooding back with each carefully crafted bite.

Soft, pillowy nougat provides a luxurious base for the stunning nutty exterior that creates an irresistible contrast.

Salty and sweet elements dance together in perfect harmony, revamping simple ingredients into a spectacular treat.

Home bakers can easily recreate this beloved confection with straightforward techniques and minimal equipment.

Professional-level results await those willing to invest a small amount of time and creativity.

The combination of smooth, creamy centers and crisp nut coatings guarantees a sensational homemade experience that surpasses store-bought versions.

Tips for Chewy, Crunchy Salted Nut Rolls

  • Master the Marshmallow Melt: Use low power in the microwave to prevent burning and ensure smooth, even melting of butter and marshmallow cream.
  • Prevent Sticky Hands: Lightly coat your hands with powdered sugar when kneading and shaping the filling to reduce sticking and create cleaner logs.
  • Freeze for Perfect Form: Allow logs to freeze completely for at least two hours to maintain their shape during the caramel coating process.
  • Caramel Consistency Trick: Let caramel cool slightly before mixing to achieve the right texture and prevent separation of ingredients.
  • Peanut Pressing Technique: Gently press chopped peanuts into the caramel coating to ensure they adhere securely to the log's surface.

Best Storage Tips for Salted Nut Roll Treats

  • Refrigerate: Place Salted Nut Roll pieces in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Room Temperature: Let chilled pieces sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the caramel and enhance flavor. Avoid leaving out for extended periods to prevent spoilage.

Pairings That Work with Salted Nut Roll

  • Elevate Nutty Sweetness: Pair this salted nut roll with a cold glass of milk for a classic, comforting combination that balances the rich caramel and peanut flavors.
  • Brew the Perfect Companion: Serve alongside a hot cup of dark roast coffee, which cuts through the sweetness and complements the nutty undertones of the dessert.
  • Wine Lover's Delight: Choose a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a Port to enhance the caramel and peanut notes, creating a luxurious after-dinner treat.
  • Unexpected Refreshment: Match with a crisp hard apple cider that provides a tangy contrast to the sweet, creamy filling and adds a surprising flavor dimension.

Unique Flavors for a New Take on Salted Nut Roll

  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Replace chopped peanuts with a mix of almonds, pecans, and cashews for a complex, rich nut profile that adds extra texture and depth to the classic salted nut roll.
  • Dark Chocolate Peanut Blast: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the caramel-coated logs before adding nuts, creating a decadent layer of intense chocolate flavor that complements the sweet and salty elements.
  • Spicy Honey Nut Sensation: Incorporate a small amount of honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the caramel coating, delivering a subtle heat that enhances the nutty sweetness and provides an unexpected kick.
  • Sea Salt Maple Edition: Swap regular caramel for maple-flavored caramel and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the nuts, elevating the traditional recipe with a sophisticated and balanced flavor combination.

Why Salted Nut Roll Is a Sweet and Salty Classic

  • Create Nostalgic Candy Bar Magic: This homemade Salted Nut Roll transforms classic candy shop memories into a delightful treat you can make right in your kitchen.
  • Texture Paradise: Experience a perfect blend of creamy marshmallow filling, crunchy peanuts, and smooth caramel that delivers an incredible mouthfeel with every single bite.
  • Simple No-Fuss Preparation: With basic microwave techniques and minimal ingredients, even beginner bakers can craft these impressive candy logs without complicated cooking skills or specialized equipment.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust the recipe by changing nut types, experimenting with different caramel variations, or scaling batch sizes to match your sweet tooth's desires.

What Goes Into a Perfect Salted Nut Roll

Filling Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for the filling and helps bind ingredients together.
  • Marshmallow Cream: Adds sweetness and smooth texture to the filling, creating a soft and fluffy consistency.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling, helping it hold its shape.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Caramel Bits, Unsalted Butter: Melt together to create a smooth, golden caramel coating that enrobes the filling.
  • Chopped Peanuts: Adds crunch, nutty flavor, and classic salted nut roll texture to the exterior.

How to Roll and Slice a Salted Nut Roll Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Marshmallow Base

  • Melt butter
  • Marshmallow cream

Combine ingredients in microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-60 seconds until completely smooth.

Step 2: Create Filling Mixture

  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Blend melted marshmallow mixture with sugar and vanilla until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Shape Filling Dough

Knead mixture on parchment paper into smooth ball. Gently divide dough into 6 equal portions and roll each into 7-8 inch logs about 1 inch thick.

Step 4: Freeze Filling Logs

Wrap each log in parchment paper and freeze for 2 hours until firm and solid.

Step 5: Prepare Caramel Coating

  • Caramel bits
  • Butter

Melt ingredients in 11×7-inch baking dish for approximately 1.5 minutes. Allow mixture to cool slightly and remix separated butter.

Step 6: Create Caramel Sections

Score caramel mixture into 6 equal portions across baking dish.

Step 7: Coat Filling Logs

Remove frozen log and spread caramel over center. Press chopped peanuts into caramel coating. Wrap in fresh parchment paper and refrigerate. Repeat for remaining logs.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Cut each log into 1-inch bite-sized pieces when ready to enjoy.

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Salted Nut Roll Recipe

Salted Nut Roll Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Midwestern salted nut roll offers nostalgic candy bar magic with creamy marshmallow center and classic peanut coating. Sweet memories unfold as layers of nougat and nuts create perfect homemade confection for classic treat enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 cups chopped peanuts
  • 2 11 ounces (311 grams) caramel bits

Filling Components:

  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
  • 7 ounces (198 grams) marshmallow cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Coating Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare a microwave-safe bowl and combine butter with marshmallow cream, heating until completely liquefied and smooth.
  2. Transfer the melted mixture into a large mixing bowl, incorporating powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Gently blend until a uniform consistency develops.
  3. Transfer the soft mixture onto a parchment-lined surface, using hands to knead and consolidate into a cohesive mass.
  4. Partition the dough into six equivalent segments, carefully rolling each portion into elongated cylindrical shapes approximately 7-8 inches long and maintaining consistent thickness.
  5. Individually wrap each cylindrical log with parchment paper, then position inside the freezer for approximately two hours to achieve firm texture.
  6. Create caramel coating by melting caramel bits with butter in a baking dish, allowing the mixture to become thoroughly integrated and smooth.
  7. Let the caramel mixture cool slightly, gently reincorporating any separated butter and distributing evenly across the dish’s surface.
  8. Remove a frozen log and methodically coat its surface with caramel, ensuring complete coverage before generously pressing chopped peanuts into the exterior.
  9. Rewrap the caramel-coated log in fresh parchment and refrigerate. Repeat the coating process for remaining logs.
  10. When ready to serve, slice each log into bite-sized pieces approximately one inch in length.

Notes

  • Delectably transforms marshmallow cream and butter into a smooth, stretchy base that becomes the heart of this nostalgic treat.
  • Kneading the mixture creates a pliable dough that will hold its shape beautifully when rolled into perfect logs.
  • Freezing firms up the filling, ensuring clean cuts and a professional-looking candy that reminds you of classic convenience store snacks.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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