Making Pecan Log Candy Bars: A Sweet Southern Tradition

A Sweet Southern Tradition: Making Pecan Log Candy Bars

The pecan log candy bar is a classic Southern candy treat. With its smooth chocolate exterior wrapped around a rich, nutty pecan filling, this confection evokes memories of old-fashioned candy stores and roadside stands. Pecan log rolls have a long history intertwined with American travel and tourism. Today, they remain a specialty of candy manufacturers across the South.

The Origins of the Pecan Log

During the early 20th century, candy bars became popular snacks for Americans on the go. Chocolate-covered logs made with coconut or peanut butter allowed candy makers to use local nuts and resources. The recipe for pecan log rolls likely emerged after the 1920s when pecans became a major crop in states like Georgia and Texas.

The first pecan log candy bars were handmade in small batches by independent candy stores and concession stands. By the late 1930s, a few Southern candy companies started producing them on a larger scale. However, pecan logs did not gain widespread fame until a savvy entrepreneur named Frank Hershey Stuckey began selling them across the country.

The Stuckey's Pecan Log Roll Legacy

Frank Stuckey owned a pecan orchard in Eastman, Georgia when he had the idea to sell candy made with his harvest. In 1937, he founded Stuckey's to sell chocolate covered pecan log rolls, pecan divinity, pralines, and other candy to travelers stopping at his roadside stand. Stuckey's pecan log rolls combined smooth chocolate with chopped and crunchy pecan pieces for an irresistible taste and texture.

Stuckey's first stand did so well that Frank decided to franchise the concept. He built a string of combination candy stores, gas stations, and tourist shops along major highways across the South and into the Midwest. As the Stuckey's empire grew into the 1960s, pecan log rolls became the stores' signature item. The candy's popularity exploded thanks to strategic highway advertising and Stuckey's nationwide distribution.

Producing Pecan Logs at the Stuckey's Candy Factory

By the 1970s, Stuckey's operated over 350 locations and had one of the largest candy manufacturing operations in the country. To meet demand, Stuckey's ran a highly productive candy factory in Eastman, Georgia churning out candy for its stores.

The process of making pecan log rolls began with processing raw pecans. Workers inspected pecans then roasted and chopped them to the desired texture. Other employees used tempering machines to melt chocolate coating and candy fillings.

On the production floor, laborers poured or piped melted chocolate into pecan-shaped molds. Pecan pieces were scattered in as garnish. The chocolate logs hardened as they moved down a cooling line then went for wrapping and packing.

At its peak, the Stuckey’s factory produced over 75,000 pecan logs per day along with massive amounts of other candies. But maintaining output levels took considerable manpower over three daily shifts.

Demand Grows for Southern Pecan Candy

Through the late 20th century, many iconic American road trip candies declined as highways changed and eating habits shifted. But the pecan log roll has shown surprising endurance thanks to its strong Southern identity.

Today, Stuckey's continues operating over 75 stores across 15 states. The company still makes its candy in Eastman using Frank Stuckey’s original recipes. Several other Georgia candy shops also sell handcrafted pecan logs by mail order.

The demand grows for quality Southern candies among tourists, nostalgic adults, and candy connoisseurs. While mass production of pecan logs has slowed, candy makers focus on using high-quality chocolate and fresh pecans. Many specialty producers offer gourmet variations with vanilla, caramel, or gingerbread flavored fillings.

The classic pecan log endures as a specialty Southern candy. Its lasting legacy pays homage to a pair of Georgian entrepreneurs who turned the local pecan into an iconic American treat.

FAQs

What are the main ingredients in a pecan log candy bar?

The main ingredients in a traditional pecan log are chocolate (usually milk chocolate or dark chocolate), pecans, sugar, condensed milk or corn syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Where did the idea for the pecan log candy originate?

The pecan log candy bar was first created in the Southern United States, likely sometime in the 1920s after pecans became a major crop in states like Georgia and Texas. Local candy stores and concession stands began handmaking them with their regional pecans.

Where can I find pecan log candy today?

You can still find mass-produced pecan log rolls at many iconic Stuckey’s roadside convenience stores and candy shops, primarily in the Southeastern US. Many small Southern candy stores also create gourmet pecan logs. Pecan log candies can also be ordered online from several retailers.

How long does pecan log candy stay fresh?

Pecan logs stay fresh for about 3-4 weeks if stored in cool, dry conditions. For maximum freshness, they are best consumed within 1-2 weeks of production. The high oil content of the pecans means the candy has a relatively short shelf life compared to some other chocolate candies.