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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/oklahoma-nut-candy-recipe/