Texas Beaver Nuggets
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Inspired by a Texas road trip classic—made right in your own kitchen.
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If you’ve ever cruised through Texas, chances are you’ve pulled into Buc-ee’s and grabbed a bag (or three) of their legendary Beaver Nuggets. Sweet, crunchy, and totally addictive, they’re the ultimate road trip snack. But if Buc-ee’s isn’t nearby, don’t worry—we’ve crafted a homemade version that hits all the right notes. These golden puffs are buttery, caramel-coated, and dangerously snackable. Give them a try and see if they bring back those roadside memories.
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💛 Why You’ll Love These Nuggets
- Sweet & Crunchy: A caramel glaze transforms corn puffs into irresistible bites.
- Easy to Make: No special equipment needed—just a saucepan and a baking sheet.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties, road trips, or gifting in jars.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays crisp for days in an airtight container.
🧾 Ingredients
| Main Ingredients | |
|---|---|
| 8 cups corn puff cereal | 1 cup packed brown sugar |
| 1 cup unsalted butter | ¾ cup light corn syrup |
| ½ cup maple syrup | 1 tsp salt |
| 1 tsp vanilla extract | 1 tsp baking soda |
👩🍳 Preparation
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add corn puff cereal to a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the Caramel Coating
- In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt.
- Heat over medium until mixture reaches a gentle boil.
- Lower heat and simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Flavor & Foam
- Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, maple syrup, and baking soda.
- The mixture will foam and lighten—this is normal and helps coat the cereal evenly.
4. Coat the Cereal
- Pour the hot mixture over the cereal.
- Use a greased spatula to gently mix until all pieces are coated.
5. Bake & Stir
- Spread coated cereal onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even crisping.
6. Cool & Enjoy
- Let the nuggets cool completely—they’ll crisp up as they cool.
- Break into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container.
🌟 Tips for Success
- Grease Your Tools: A lightly oiled spatula makes mixing easier.
- Customize It: Add a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle with melted chocolate once cooled.
- Gift It: Package in jars or treat bags for a fun homemade gift.
