Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets are a delicious snack that has been a favorite of Texans for decades. This crunchy, sweet, and savory snack is made with a combination of corn, sugar, and bacon.
4-5ouncesof premium plain or butter-flavored Puffcornhighly recommended: Old Dutch for an authentic touch
1/2cupof tightly packed Imperial Sugar Light Brown Sugarensuring a perfect balance of sweetness
1/2teaspoonof pure vanilla extractchosen for its exceptional flavor profile
1/2cupof richunsalted butter, selected for its superior quality
1/2teaspoonof aromatic maple extractadding a hint of woodland warmth
1/4cupof golden light corn syrupsourced from the finest cornfields
1/2teaspoonof baking sodathe secret ingredient for a delightful texture
1/4teaspoonof butter extract/flavoringelevating the buttery essence to perfection
Instructions
Preheat And Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Prepare The Puffcorn:
Place the premium Puffcorn in a large mixing bowl. Ensure it’s plain or butter-flavored for the authentic Buc-ee’s touch.
Create The Caramel Mixture:
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the rich, unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add the tightly packed Imperial Sugar Light Brown Sugar and golden light corn syrup to the melted butter. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Bring To A Boil:
Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring consistently to prevent burning.
Add Flavor Enhancements:
Stir in the baking soda, pure vanilla extract, aromatic maple extract, and butter extract/flavoring. Mix well to incorporate the flavors evenly.
Coat the Puffcorn:
Pour the caramel mixture over the Puffcorn in the mixing bowl. Gently fold and stir until the Puffcorn is evenly coated with the caramel goodness.
Bake To Perfection:
Spread the coated Puffcorn onto the prepared baking sheet, creating an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure an even coating.
Cool And Break Apart:
Once baked to a golden perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Beaver Nuggets cool on the sheet.
Break apart any clusters to achieve bite-sized nuggets.
Enjoy The Delightful Treat:
Once completely cooled, transfer the Beaver Nuggets to an airtight container.
Revel in the addictive crunch and irresistible sweetness of your homemade Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets!
Notes
Here are a few tips that will help you get the best results when making Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets:• Be sure to mix the dough until it has a smooth consistency.• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the dough balls.• Fry the Beaver Nuggets in small batches so that they cook evenly.• Serve the Beaver Nuggets warm for maximum flavor.• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.