If you’re looking to dive into a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and crunchy nuts, the Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe is your go-to. This classic Southern delight brings together rich cream, buttery goodness, and toasted walnuts or pecans into a heavenly candy that’s as comforting as it is irresistible. Making this candy at home feels like wrapping yourself in a warm hug, and once you experience that buttery, nutty magic, it’s no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe is delightfully simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in delivering that iconic smooth texture and rich flavor. From the velvety heavy cream to the crunchy nuts, every element works in harmony to create candy perfection.
- 2 cups Heavy Cream: Adds the luscious creaminess that makes the candy rich and smooth.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter: Provides a silky texture and enhances the buttery flavor without overpowering sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Injects a warm, fragrant note that balances the caramelized sugar beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps create a lighter, more tender texture by aerating the candy.
- 6 cups Sugar (divided): The backbone sweetness, divided for melting and simmering, ensuring a perfect caramel base.
- 1 1/2 cups Walnuts or Pecans (chopped): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth, essential for that signature Oklahoma Nut Candy bite.
How to Make Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step might seem small but is essential to prevent the candy from sticking and to help you get those perfect squares once it’s set.
Step 2: Melt the Initial Sugar
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, gently melt 2 cups of sugar over low heat. You’ll need to stir frequently to ensure it melts evenly and doesn’t burn. The process takes about 20 minutes, and watching the sugar liquefy into a golden syrup is simply mesmerizing and sets the foundation for that deep caramel flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Cream and Sugar
Meanwhile, in a larger saucepan, combine the remaining 4 cups of sugar with the heavy cream and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer on low heat. This step helps meld the cream’s richness with the sugar, creating the perfect environment for that luscious candy texture.
Step 4: Combine the Melted Sugar and Cream
Slowly pour the molten sugar into the simmering cream mixture. It’s crucial to stir continuously at this point—this keeps the sugar from clumping and ensures a perfectly smooth blend.
Step 5: Bring to the Softball Stage
Turn up the heat to medium and cook the mixture until it reaches 244°F. This temperature is known as the softball stage, where the candy begins to set up nicely but still retains that soft chewiness. Using a candy thermometer is highly recommended here for accuracy.
Step 6: Add the Final Touches
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the baking soda, butter, and vanilla extract. The baking soda aerates the candy slightly, creating a fluffier texture, while the butter and vanilla contribute to its signature creamy, aromatic finish.
Step 7: Incorporate the Nuts
Let the mixture rest for about 20 minutes so it cools just enough, then gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans. This timing ensures the nuts stay perfectly crunchy and evenly distributed.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Transfer your nutty, creamy candy blend into the greased baking dish and let it cool for 1 to 2 hours. Once set, cut it into squares and revel in the joy of homemade Oklahoma Nut Candy.
How to Serve Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe
Garnishes
While the candy itself is a showstopper, a sprinkle of sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar on top can add an elegant finishing touch. These subtle garnishes provide a nice contrast to the candy’s sweetness and highlight the nutty flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Oklahoma Nut Candy pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of black coffee or a bold tea, which cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate. It also makes a festive addition alongside a cheese platter or fresh fruit for holiday gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable gift or party favor, wrap individual squares in wax paper tied with rustic twine. You can also layer pieces in a decorative tin with parchment paper between layers to keep each bite fresh and intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Oklahoma Nut Candy remains perfectly fresh stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping it covered prevents it from drying out or becoming sticky.
Freezing
If you need to extend its life, wrap the squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe container. Frozen Oklahoma Nut Candy can last for up to two months and thawing slowly at room temperature brings back that creamy texture beautifully.
Reheating
Since this candy is best enjoyed at room temperature, reheating isn’t typically necessary. However, if it feels too firm after freezing, allow it to sit out for 30 minutes before serving to let it soften naturally.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are traditional, almonds or even hazelnuts can be delicious substitutes. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size for even texture.
Is there a way to make this candy vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture, so substituting with plant-based cream and vegan butter could work but may change the flavor and consistency. Experimenting with coconut cream and vegan spreads might get you close!
How can I tell when the candy mixture reaches the softball stage?
The softball stage is around 244°F, and using a candy thermometer is the most reliable method. Alternatively, you can drop a small spoonful into cold water to see if it forms a soft, pliable ball.
Why is baking soda added to this candy?
Baking soda reacts with the acidic components in the mixture, creating tiny bubbles that make the candy lighter and less dense, giving it that lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I double the recipe for larger batches?
Yes, you can scale this Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe as needed. Just make sure you have a large enough pot for even cooking, and keep a close eye on the temperature to avoid scorching.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about making and sharing the Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe that warms both heart and home. With a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience, you create a candy that feels like a treasured family secret passed down through generations. Whether you’re gifting it, treating yourself, or adding a sweet note to your holiday table, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites to bake again and again.
Print
Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Oklahoma Nut Candy is a rich, creamy, and crunchy treat made by carefully cooking sugar and cream to the soft ball stage, then mixing in butter, vanilla, baking soda, and chopped walnuts or pecans. This classic Southern candy is perfect for festive occasions or as a delightful homemade sweet snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 6 cups Sugar (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups Walnuts or Pecans (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly and set it aside to prevent sticking when the candy is poured in.
- Melt Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 2 cups of sugar over low heat. Stir frequently for about 20 minutes until the sugar is fully liquefied and smooth.
- Simmer Cream and Sugar: In a separate large saucepan, combine the remaining 4 cups of sugar with 2 cups of heavy cream. Heat gently over low heat, allowing the mixture to simmer.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the melted sugar into the cream and sugar mixture slowly while stirring continuously to blend evenly.
- Cook to Softball Stage: Increase the heat to medium and continue cooking the mixture until it reaches 244°F, which is the softball stage in candy making. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the mixture from heat. Immediately stir in the baking soda, butter, and vanilla extract until the texture becomes smooth and uniform.
- Rest and Add Nuts: Allow the mixture to rest for about 20 minutes so it cools slightly. Then fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans evenly throughout the candy mixture.
- Set Candy: Transfer the nut-filled candy mixture into the prepared greased baking dish. Let it cool at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or until firm enough to cut into squares.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning the sugar during melting.
- Stir frequently during melting and cooking stages to avoid crystallization.
- The softball stage is a critical temperature (244°F), ensure use of a candy thermometer for accuracy.
- Allow the candy to fully cool and set before cutting for clean squares.
- Walnuts or pecans can be swapped according to preference or availability.
