If you’ve ever road-tripped through Texas and stopped at Buc-ee’s, you know about Beaver Nuggets. These sweet, caramel-coated corn puffs are light, crunchy, and impossible to stop eating once you start.
Making them at home means you can enjoy that same irresistible flavor without waiting for your next Buc-ee’s visit. With a handful of ingredients and a little stovetop caramel magic, you can whip up a batch that rivals the original.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade version captures the light, airy crunch and buttery caramel sweetness that makes Beaver Nuggets so addictive. They’re perfect for snacking, gift-giving, or serving at parties.
Because you’re making them yourself, you can control the sweetness, adjust the flavoring, or even add fun twists like cinnamon or vanilla. Plus, they store well, so you can keep a stash ready for cravings.
What You’ll Need
- 1 (8-ounce) bag plain puffed corn (like Chester’s Puffcorn)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pro Tips
- Use plain puffed corn without cheese flavoring for the best match to the original.
- Stir the caramel constantly to prevent burning.
- Baking the coated puffs helps the caramel set with a crunchy texture.
- Work quickly once the caramel is ready—it thickens fast.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the nuggets crisp.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large baking sheet
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
Substitutions & Variations
- Sweetener: Swap brown sugar for white sugar for a lighter caramel.
- Flavoring: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or maple extract for a twist.
- Extra crunch: Stir in toasted pecans or almonds before baking.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter.
- Salted caramel: Sprinkle sea salt over the nuggets before baking.
Make-Ahead Tips
These nuggets keep well for up to a week, so you can make them ahead for parties or road trips. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
For gift-giving, portion them into cellophane bags and tie with ribbon—they make a great homemade treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Prepare the Puffed Corn
Pour the puffed corn into a large mixing bowl or directly onto the lined baking sheet.
3. Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup until the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Boil the Caramel
Boil for 2–3 minutes without stirring, then remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla—mixture will foam.
5. Coat the Puffed Corn
Quickly pour the caramel over the puffed corn. Stir to coat evenly, working quickly before the caramel sets.
6. Bake
Spread the coated puffed corn evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
7. Cool and Break Apart
Remove from oven and let cool completely. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Leftovers & Storage
Store Beaver Nuggets in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight bag for up to 2 months.
To refresh their crunch, warm in a 250°F oven for 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Benefits
While Beaver Nuggets are definitely a treat, making them at home means you can use quality ingredients and adjust sweetness to your liking. Corn puffs are naturally gluten-free, making this a snack most people can enjoy.
They’re perfect for portioning into small bags for controlled snacking—or just for sharing with friends and family.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use popcorn instead of puffed corn?
Yes, but make sure it’s plain and fully popped for even coating.
2. Why do I need to bake the nuggets?
Baking sets the caramel and gives a crisp texture.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.
4. Is this gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your puffed corn and flavorings are gluten-free.
5. Can I make it without corn syrup?
You can use honey or maple syrup, but the texture will be slightly different.
A Texas Favorite You Can Make Anywhere
Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets are more than just a snack—they’re a piece of Texas road trip tradition. This homemade version delivers the same sweet, buttery crunch, no matter where you live.
Whether you’re making them for a party, as a gift, or just to enjoy at home, this recipe ensures you can have that iconic flavor anytime. Once you try them fresh from your oven, you may never go back to store-bought.
