Here’s a classic recipe for Oklahoma Nut Candy — a rich, buttery, nutty candy that’s easy to make and perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Ingredients (Makes ~2 pounds)
- 6 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups chopped pecans or walnuts (or a mix)
Instructions
- Prepare pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Cook candy base: In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cream, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (~240 °F / 116 °C) or thickens enough to coat a spoon.
- Add baking soda and vanilla: Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will bubble slightly.
- Add nuts: Quickly fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Set candy: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool at room temperature until firm, about 1–2 hours.
- Cut and serve: Once set, cut into squares or rectangles. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning.
- If you don’t have a candy thermometer, drop a small amount into cold water: it should form a soft ball when ready.
- Work quickly after adding nuts, as the mixture sets fast.
- For variation, try mixing pecans and walnuts, or lightly toast the nuts beforehand for extra flavor.
If you want, I can provide a step-by-step visual guide for making Oklahoma Nut Candy, which makes it easier to follow. Do you want me to do that?
