Easy Dark Chocolate Billionaires (Homemade Christmas Candy)
Chewy caramel, roasted pecans, and crispy rice cereal coated in rich dark chocolate make these Easy Dark Chocolate Billionaires the perfect homemade Christmas candy or edible gift. Quick, no-bake, and irresistibly delicious!
Servings: 50 pieces
Calories: 68kcal
Ingredients
- 11 ounces caramel bits, or unwrapped caramels
- 1½ cups chopped pecans, roasted
- 1 cup Rice Krispies
- 3 cups dark chocolate melting wafers or candy coating
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or water
Instructions
- Combine the caramel bits and one tablespoon of heavy cream or water in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. This will take 8-9 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, add the pecans and Rice Krispies and stir to combine.
- Use a 1-inch cookie scoop or melon baller and drop onto parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
- Place the melting wafers in a small microwave-safe container and microwave at half-power or defrost setting for 30 seconds. Stir well. Continue microwaving and stirring every 15 seconds until the mixture is smooth.
- Dip each piece of candy into the melted chocolate, coating all sides. (I used kitchen tweezers, or you could use wooden skewers or toothpicks.)
- Place the dipped candy on parchment or wax paper and let it set. When the chocolate is fully set, store it in an airtight container.
Notes
- I like to use Ghirardelli melting wafers. You can substitute milk chocolate if you prefer.
- A small, deep container, like a microwave-safe glass measuring cup, works well for both melting the chocolate and dipping the candy.
- You can also use unwrapped caramels in this recipe instead of the caramel bits.
- Roast your pecans just until fragrant; over-toasting can make them bitter. Spread your pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or heat them in a dry skillet until fragrant. (Already chopped pecans will cook in about half the time as halves. Start checking them at 4-5 minutes.) You can find more details in my step-by-step roasted pecans recipe.
- If your caramel stiffens, reheat gently before shaping.
- Rewarm your melted chocolate in 10-second microwave bursts if it starts to thicken. Use caramel bits instead of unwrapping dozens of caramel candies, a small lifesaver during busy holiday prep!
- Small scoops = elegant bite-size candies (big scoops make them too heavy to dip cleanly).
- I found the decorative gift boxes and Christmas tins at Hobby Lobby, but you can also find them online and in other specialty stores during the holidays.
- Billionaires will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 to 5 days. Or they can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for up to a month. I like to place parchment paper between the layers of candy when storing them.
Nutrition
Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0.4mg | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 42IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.3mg
