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
Scale
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.
