DessertsMedium

Turrón de Navidad (Mexican Christmas Nougat)

Name: Turrón de Navidad (Mexican Christmas Nougat)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 200 g Roasted, shelled peanuts; 100 g Pecans; 250 g Grated piloncillo; 60 ml Water; 1 tbsp Lemon juice; 8 Wafers for base

45 min (15 prep + 30 cook) Medium 16 servings Nacional

Edmond Bojalil

Recetas Mexas

Published: 24 Mar 2026 · Updated: 29 Mar 2026

Mexican Christmas nougat with peanuts and pecans.

About this recipe

Mexican Christmas nougat made with peanuts and pecans in piloncillo caramel, crunchy and aromatic.

History & Origin

Mexican Christmas nougat is a mestizo creation fusing the Spanish nougat-making tradition with New World ingredients. While Spanish turron uses almonds and honey, Mexican turron uses peanuts and pecans sweetened with piloncillo. At Christmas markets across Mexico, turron vendors prepare and sell this sweet in large sheets cut to order.

Estimated cost

£5.00

Total cost

£0.31

Per serving

* Approximate prices based on UK supermarkets

Nutritional information per serving

200

Calories

Protein

26g

Carbohydrates

10g

Fat

Fibre

40mg

Sodium

* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.

Method

1
Toast the peanuts on a dry griddle over medium heat for 5 minutes. Roughly chop the pecans.
2
In a heavy-bottomed pan, place the grated piloncillo with the water and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat without stirring until hard-ball stage (150°C).
💡 Test by dropping a blob into cold water: it should form a hard ball.
3
Remove from heat and immediately add the peanuts and pecans. Mix rapidly.
💡 Work quickly - the caramel hardens in seconds.
4
Place wafers on a flat surface. Pour the mixture over the wafers. Cover with more wafers and press lightly.
5
Leave to cool completely (30-45 minutes). Cut into rectangular portions.