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Chocolate Billionaires

43 reviews
Total Time
Prep: 45 min. + chilling

By Stephanie Gravalese

Recipe by June Humphrey, Strongsville, Ohio

Tested by Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Taste Recipes's Editorial Process

Updated on Apr. 09, 2025

Crunchy, chewy and covered in chocolate—this chocolate billionaires candy is the ultimate sweet treat. It combines caramel, pecans and crispy rice cereal, so it is perfect for gifting or indulging!

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Looking for a sweet treat that’s both indulgent and easy to make at home? This billionaire’s chocolate candy combines smooth melted caramels, crunchy pecans and crispy Rice Krispies all coated in a layer of rich milk chocolate. With a satisfying mix of textures and a melt-in-your-mouth finish, these candies are the perfect homemade gift—or a little something special for yourself!

Ingredients for Chocolate Billionaires

  • Caramels: The soft, chewy base of the candy melts down to a rich and gooey consistency that ties everything together. You can use any store-bought brand.
  • Water: A small amount of water helps melt the caramels smoothly and prevents them from sticking to the pan.
  • Chopped pecans: Pecans add a nutty crunch that complements the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. You can substitute with walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
  • Rice Krispies: These provide a crispy texture that balances out the soft caramel. Any puffed rice cereal will work in a pinch.
  • Milk chocolate chips: Melted milk chocolate adds a creamy and sweet coating to the candies. If you want a less-sweet option, try semi-sweet or dark chocolate.
  • Shortening: A little shortening helps the chocolate melt smoothly and coats the candies evenly. Coconut oil works as a substitute.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare your pans

Line two baking sheets with waxed paper and grease them lightly. Set them aside. This will prevent the candies from sticking as they cool and harden.

Step 2: Melt the caramel

overhead shot of a pot of caramel being cooked on a portable electric stovetop, likely for making a dessert; The pot is filled with golden-brown caramel, bubbling gently as it simmers; A white silicone spatula is resting in the caramel, with a wooden handle that extends out of the potTASTE OF HOME

In a large and heavy saucepan, combine the caramels and water over low heat. Stir continuously until the caramel is completely melted and smooth. This can take a few minutes, so be patient.

overhead shot of a pan of rice crispy treats on a stovetop, a white spatula resting on top of the treats; the pan is on a black electric stovetop that has a green handleTASTE OF HOME

Once melted, stir in the chopped pecans and Rice Krispies. Make sure everything is well-coated.

Step 3: Form the candy clusters

overhead shot of a person preparing a batch of homemade caramel candy; a pan with the caramel and nuts mixture sits on the counter next to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; the person is scooping the gooey caramel and nuts mixture onto the baking sheet to set and cool; the baking sheet already has a few scoops of caramel and nuts mixture; the person's hand is holding a spoon with the caramel mixtureTASTE OF HOME

Drop teaspoonfuls of the caramel mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them out slightly. Pop the trays into the fridge for about 10 minutes to firm up.

Editor’s Tip: Using a small cookie dough scoop makes portioning the caramel mixture super easy and gives you even-sized clusters!

Step 4: Dip in chocolate

overhead shot of a person dipping peanut butter clusters into melted chocolate to make peanut butter cups; two baking sheets are on a wood table; one baking sheet holds the peanut butter clusters and the other holds the peanut butter clusters being dipped into chocolate; the person is holding two forks and is dipping a peanut butter cluster into the melted chocolate; a bowl of melted chocolate is near the baking sheetsTASTE OF HOME

While the candies are chilling, melt the milk chocolate chips and shortening in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Once your clusters are firm, dip each one into the chocolate and make sure to coat all sides. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the waxed paper.

Step 5: Set and store

Refrigerate the candies until the chocolate is fully set. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. Once set, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

3/4th shot of Chocolate Billionaires; it is presented on a white plate and consists of several large, round chocolate coated treats; nearby, there is a small white bowl filled with chopped pecans as well as another bowl containing rice cereal; to the side, a cup of black coffee, the background features a decorative blue and white patterned surfaceJONATHAN MELENDEZ FOR TASTE OF HOME

Chocolate Billionaire Variations

  • Try white chocolate: Instead of milk chocolate, melt white chocolate for a creamy and sweet twist on this classic.
  • Shape them into hearts: Use a silicone heart-shaped mold to create cute themed chocolates for Valentine’s Day or anniversaries.
  • Add sea salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each candy just after dipping for a sweet-salty combo that’s irresistible.

How to Store Chocolate Billionaires

Store these candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If your kitchen is warm, keep them in the fridge to prevent the chocolate from melting.

Can you freeze billionaire’s chocolate candy?

Yes! These candies also freeze well—just wrap them individually in storage wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Chocolate Billionaire Tips

overhead shot of Chocolate Billionaires; it is presented on a white plate and consists of several large, round chocolate coated treats; nearby, there is a small white bowl filled with chopped pecans as well as another bowl containing rice cereal; to the side, a cup of black coffee, the background features a decorative blue and white patterned surfaceJONATHAN MELENDEZ FOR TASTE OF HOME

How do I keep my chocolate from seizing?

Be sure to melt the chocolate slowly in intervals and avoid any contact with water.

Can I use dark chocolate instead?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give these candies a slightly more intense flavor.

What can I use instead of Rice Krispies?

Puffed quinoa or another crunchy cereal can be swapped in for the Rice Krispies for a fun variation.

Why is shortening used when melting chocolate?

Shortening helps the chocolate melt smoothly and makes dipping the candies easier by thinning the mixture slightly. If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute coconut oil.

Watch How to Make Chocolate Billionaires

Test Kitchen Approved

Chocolate Billionaires

43 reviews
Prep Time 45 min
Yield about 2 pounds

Ingredients

  • 1 package (14 ounces) caramels
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1-1/2 cups chopped pecans
  • 1 cup Rice Krispies
  • 3 cups milk chocolate chips
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons shortening
Text Ingredients

Directions

  1. Line 2 baking sheets with waxed paper; grease the paper and set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the caramels and water; cook and stir over low heat until smooth. Stir in pecans and cereal until coated. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto prepared pans. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until firm.
  2. Meanwhile, in a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip candy into chocolate, coating all sides; allow excess to drip off. Place on prepared pans. Refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

1 ounce-weight: 172 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

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Everyone raves about these chocolate and caramel candies. I received the recipe from a friend while living in Texas. When we moved, I made sure this recipe made the trip with me! —June Humphrey, Strongsville, Ohio
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