Health

OKLAHOMA NUT CANDY

admin 2 min read

Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe

Rich, creamy, and packed with crunchy nuts, this classic Oklahoma nut candy is perfect for holidays, gifting, or anytime you’re craving old-fashioned homemade sweets.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Set it aside while you make the candy.

2. Melt the first batch of sugar

  1. Add 2 cups of the sugar to a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  2. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently.
  3. Continue cooking until the sugar has fully melted and becomes a smooth liquid, about 20 minutes.

3. Start the cream mixture

  1. While the sugar is melting, place the remaining 4 cups of sugar and the heavy cream in a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
  2. Cook over low heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Combine the sugars

  1. When the sugar in the small saucepan has completely melted, carefully pour it into the large saucepan with the cream mixture.
  2. Stir continuously as you add it to ensure everything combines smoothly.

5. Cook to softball stage

  1. Increase the heat to medium.
  2. Cook the mixture, stirring often, until it reaches 244°F (the softball stage) on a candy thermometer.

6. Add baking soda

  1. Remove the pan from the heat.
  2. Quickly stir in the baking soda until it is fully incorporated.

7. Stir in butter and vanilla

  1. Add the unsalted butter and vanilla extract.
  2. Stir until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.

8. Let the candy rest

  1. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for about 20 minutes.

9. Add the nuts

  1. After resting, stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
  2. Continue mixing until the mixture loses its shiny appearance and thickens slightly.

10. Pour and cool

  1. Spread the candy mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Let it cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or leave it overnight for best texture.

11. Slice and serve

  1. Once fully set, cut the candy into small squares.
  2. Serve and enjoy, or store in an airtight container.