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Salted nut roll sliced on cutting board with several slices and one in candy paper.
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4.50 from 12 votes

Shortcut Salted Caramel Nut Rolls (Peanuts & Nougat)

A shortcut copycat version of the famous Pearson's Salted Nut Roll candy bars. No candy thermometer needed to make the fluffy vanilla nougat! It's made with marshmallows.
Prep Time25 minutes
Chill30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 533kcal
Cost: 7

Equipment

  • Microwave

Ingredients

  • 1 10-ounce package miniature or regular marshmallows
  • 2 tablespoons salted or unsalted butter
  • 3 cups confectioner's powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Parchment or wax paper
  • 1 1/2 11-ounce packages soft caramels (I used 54 pieces Kraft caramels)
  • 1 tablespoon water or whipping cream
  • 1 12-ounce can salted, skinless peanuts (3 cups), coarsely chopped or whole

Instructions

  • Place the marshmallows and butter in a large (3-quart) microwave safe glass bowl. For mini marshmallows, microwave, uncovered, on HIGH for 1 minute, stir until marshmallows are completely melted and mixture is smooth. (For regular size marshmallows, microwave 1 minute 15 seconds.)
  • Add vanilla. Gradually stir in powdered sugar until all sugar is incorporated. It’s ok to use clean hands to “knead” the mixture to incorporate the sugar at the end. Mixture will be fairly stiff.
  • Shape marshmallow “nougat” into six (5-inch-long) logs, about 3/4-inch-thick. Place on a parchment-lined plate in the freezer for about 30 minutes or until firm.
  • Meanwhile, unwrap the caramels. Combine caramels and water in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Microwave at HIGH for 1 minute; stir well. Microwave an additional 15 seconds; stir until smooth. Microwave an additional 15 seconds and stir until all caramels have melted.
  • Place whole or coarsely chopped peanuts on a plate or shallow bowl. Cut 6 pieces of parchment or wax paper (about 12x8”).
  • Working quickly with one nougat log at a time, coat with melted caramel, using two forks. (Keep remaining logs in the fridge until ready to coat.) Using the same two forks, place the coated logs onto the pile of peanuts.
  • Once the bottom of a log is covered in peanuts, use cean hands to roll and gently press peanuts into all areas. Place the log on a piece of parchment paper. When the caramel has cooled, roll it up and twist both ends to seal it. Tie curling ribbon around the ends for gifting, if desired.

Notes

Storage: Shortcut Caramel Nut Rolls can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will stay fresher if first wrapped in wax or parchment paper. This also prevents the caramel from becoming sticky if stored in the fridge. These candy bar logs can also just be placed in zip-top plastic bags, then laid on a cookie sheet to keep them flat or in airtight containers. 
Tips: The tablespoon of water or whipping cream helps thin out the caramel to coat the nougat rolls.
You can also melt the marshmallows and butter in a saucepan on medium-low heat on the stove top. The caramels and water can also be melted in a saucepan on medium-low heat on the stove top.
Substitutions & Variations
  • Marshmallows- Miniature marshmallows melt quickly. Ten ounces of regular size marshmallows can also be used, you'll just have to stir the mixture a bit longer for them to melt. A 7-ounce tub of marshmallow creme can be used if that's what you have on hand.
  • Powdered sugar- No real substitute for this but make sure it is lump-free. You may have to shake it through a sifter or fine metal strainer if yours has lumps from being exposed to moisture.
  • Vanilla extract- I prefer vanilla but if you love almond-flavored nougat don't overdo it. 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract goes a long way. I personally think it fights with the flavor of the peanuts, but hey, it is a "nut" roll.
  • Caramel- I used individually wrapped soft caramel candies because I always have them on hand and buy them when they are on sale. You can also use caramel tidbits found near the bags of chocolate chips. Just use about 16 ounces of either one.
  • Peanuts- You really can't go wrong here but if you want your nut rolls to look most like Pearson's use salted skinless peanuts like cocktail peanuts. Dry roasted peanuts will also work. Just don't use "raw" peanuts which are dried but not roasted.

Nutrition

Calories: 533kcal