Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe

Introduction

Oklahoma Nut Candy is a classic, buttery treat featuring crunchy nuts coated in a sweet, creamy candy base. This nostalgic confection is perfect for sharing during holidays or enjoying as a special homemade snack.

Ingredients

• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups chopped pecans (or mixed nuts of choice)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, corn syrup, and butter. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.
3. Step 3: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the mixture reaches 236°F (soft-ball stage), about 15–20 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the chopped pecans or your chosen nuts until well coated.
5. Step 5: Pour the hot mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature (about 1 hour). Once set, cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews for different flavors and textures.
• If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test the mixture by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form a soft ball that flattens when removed.
• For a richer taste, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the candy mixture.

Storage

Store the nut candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep it fresh longer, layer pieces between sheets of parchment paper. Reheating is not recommended, as it may alter the texture of the candy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use nuts other than pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, cashews, or any mixed nuts you prefer. Just chop them roughly and follow the recipe as is.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

You can test the candy’s doneness using the cold water test: drop a small amount of hot mixture into cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball that flattens when removed, it has reached the soft-ball stage.

Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe

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4.4 from 76 reviews

Oklahoma Nut Candy is a classic Southern treat featuring a rich, creamy, and sweet candy base combined with crunchy pecans or mixed nuts. This easy-to-make confection uses simple pantry ingredients like sugar, milk, and corn syrup, cooked to the perfect soft-ball stage to create a smooth texture and buttery flavor enhanced by vanilla. Ideal for gifting or holiday indulgence, it sets firm and cuts into delightful squares.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: About 24 squares 1x
• Category: Confectionery
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

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Candy Base

• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nuts

• 3 cups chopped pecans (or mixed nuts of choice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside for later.
2. Make the candy base: In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, whole milk, light corn syrup, and unsalted butter. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.
3. Cook to soft-ball stage: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until it reaches 236°F (soft-ball stage). This process typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Add flavor & nuts: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, then carefully fold in the chopped pecans or your preferred nuts until they are well coated with the candy mixture.
5. Set the candy: Pour the hot mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
6. Cool and cut: Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature, which should take about 1 hour, until it sets firmly. Once set, cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.

Notes

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
• Make sure to stir constantly while cooking to avoid scorching the mixture.
• The soft-ball stage is critical; test with a candy thermometer for accuracy.
• Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or mixed nuts according to preference.
• Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
• If the candy becomes too hard to cut, let it sit at room temperature for a bit longer or warm the knife slightly before slicing.

Keywords: Oklahoma Nut Candy, pecan candy, Southern candy, soft-ball candy, homemade nut fudge, holiday candy