Description
Brazilian Pacoa Candy is a sweet and nutty treat made from finely processed roasted peanuts, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. This no-bake, easy-to-make candy combines the crunch of peanuts with the sweetness of sugar and the subtle texture of graham crackers, resulting in a delightful traditional Brazilian confection perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Pacoa Candy Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted roasted peanuts
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup fine graham cracker crumbs
- 1-2 teaspoons water, as needed
Instructions
- Process Peanuts and Sugar: Add the 2 cups of unsalted roasted peanuts, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt to a large food processor. Process the mixture until it becomes very fine but not a paste. Use a spatula to occasionally stir the mixture to ensure even processing throughout.
- Adjust Consistency: Test the mixture by pressing some in your hand; if it doesn’t hold together well, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water and process briefly to help the mixture bind.
- Mix in Graham Cracker Crumbs: Add ½ cup fine graham cracker crumbs to the peanut mixture and stir or pulse gently until combined evenly.
- Shape the Candies: Fill a small round cookie cutter or any small mold with the mixture. Press firmly to compact it and create a level surface.
- Remove from Mold: Carefully remove the formed candy from the mold to maintain its shape.
- Repeat the Process: Continue shaping the remaining mixture into candies using the mold or cookie cutter until all the mixture is used.
- Store Properly: Store the pacoa candies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add water sparingly to avoid over-moistening.
- Use a fine grinder setting on the food processor to avoid turning peanuts into peanut butter.
- The candy can be customized with a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder for extra flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs.
- Store candies in a cool, dry place away from humidity to prevent them from becoming sticky.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Brazilian
