This Oklahoma Nut Candy is a rich, decadent treat, perfect for special occasions or as a homemade gift. With its smooth caramel-like texture and crunchy nuts, this candy is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups sugar, divided (this amount is split into two portions during the cooking process)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts or pecans (adds crunch and nutty flavor)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Melt Sugar
- In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour in 2 cups of sugar. This smaller portion will melt first and form the base of the candy.
- Cook over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning. It takes about 20 minutes for the sugar to completely melt into a golden liquid.
Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients
- While the first batch of sugar is melting, combine the remaining 4 cups of sugar with 2 cups heavy cream in a larger saucepan or Dutch oven. Make sure the saucepan is large enough to handle the full volume of the candy mixture.
- Simmer this mixture on low heat while waiting for the sugar in the smaller saucepan to fully melt.
Step 4: Merge and Cook to Softball Stage
- Once the sugar in the small saucepan has melted, carefully add it to the larger pot with the cream and sugar mixture, stirring constantly to blend well.
- Increase the heat to medium and continue to cook the combined mixture until it reaches 244°F (the softball stage). This is critical for achieving the right consistency.
Step 5: Add Final Ingredients
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Quickly stir in the baking soda until it’s fully incorporated. The mixture might foam a bit, which is normal.
- Add the unsalted butter and vanilla extract. Stir well until the butter melts completely and the mixture is smooth.
Step 6: Let Mixture Rest
- Allow the candy mixture to rest undisturbed for 20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the texture to set slightly before adding the nuts.
Step 7: Add Nuts and Set
- Stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans until they are evenly distributed and the sheen of the mixture has dulled, indicating that it is starting to set.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
- Let the candy cool in the dish for 1-2 hours or preferably overnight to fully set.
- Once set, cut into small squares for serving. The candy should be firm but chewy.
This Oklahoma Nut Candy is a delightful, buttery treat with a rich caramel flavor and crunchy nuts that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings, gifting, or simply indulging yourself!