Introduction
Oklahoma Nut Candy is a delicious, crunchy treat that combines the best of both nuts and candy. With its rich, buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch.
it’s no wonder that this candy has become a favorite for many. Perfect for gift-giving or just enjoying as a snack, the unique blend of ingredients will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
2 cups Heavy Cream
1 1/2 cups Walnuts or Pecans chopped
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
6 cups Sugar divided
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the environment is just right for the candy to cook evenly.
Next, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, stirring it frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once the butter has melted, add the brown sugar and continue stirring.
Allow the mixture to come to a boil and let it cook for about 5 minutes, watching carefully to ensure it doesn’t boil over. At this stage, it will begin to thicken and develop a rich, caramel-like consistency.
Carefully stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt into the mixture. Continue stirring for another 2 minutes, allowing.
the flavors to meld and the mixture to become smooth and creamy. If you want to create a more pronounced nutty flavor, you can add a bit more vanilla or even a dash of cinnamon at this point.
Next, take your chosen nuts and spread them evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Pour the caramel mixture over the nuts.
making sure they’re fully coated. You can use a spoon to gently toss the nuts in the mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
Once everything is evenly spread and covered, place the sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until.
the candy is bubbling and golden brown. Be sure to keep a close eye on the candy during this time, as it can go from perfect to overcooked very quickly.
Once the candy is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes on the baking sheet.
After cooling, break it into pieces and enjoy the sweet, crunchy goodness. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
How to Make
Making Oklahoma Nut Candy is easier than you might think. The most important thing is to ensure your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before starting.
The caramel sauce is the key element, and achieving the perfect consistency is what makes this candy stand out.
Don’t rush the cooking process when making the sauce—let it come to a boil and bubble away until it thickens into a rich, golden caramel.
The choice of nuts is entirely up to you, but be sure to toast them lightly beforehand to enhance their flavor and crunch.
If you prefer a smoother candy, try using fewer or different types of nuts, such as just pecans or walnuts. A balance between nuts and caramel is key to making a delightful treat.
It’s essential to stay attentive while baking the candy, as sugar-based candies can burn very quickly in the oven.
Keep the oven light on so you can monitor the progress without opening the door constantly. Be patient as the candy cools—it needs this time to fully set and reach the perfect texture.
Don’t forget that timing is crucial, especially when pouring the caramel over the nuts. Work quickly to spread it evenly.
while it’s still hot and pourable, as it firms up fast. This ensures that each nut gets a nice coating of the rich, sugary goodness.
Once your candy is cooled, it can be broken into chunks or squares, perfect for snacking, sharing, or even gifting.
Be sure to store it in a cool, dry place to maintain its crisp texture. If you want to get creative, you can sprinkle a little sea salt over the candy before it fully sets to create a sweet-salty contrast.
To add an extra touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled candy for an indulgent finish. Dark or milk chocolate works well, adding both flavor and a bit of luxury to the candy.
Lastly, if you’re preparing this treat for a special occasion or holiday, consider packing the pieces in festive bags or containers. This adds an extra level of charm and makes for a great homemade gift idea.
Tips
To make sure your Oklahoma Nut Candy turns out perfectly, it’s important to use fresh, high-quality nuts. Rancid nuts can ruin the flavor of the candy.
so check that they’re fresh before using them. If you’re unsure, toast them lightly in a pan beforehand to release their natural oils and enhance their flavor.
When cooking the caramel mixture, keep the heat moderate. Too high of a heat could cause the sugar to burn.
while too low might not allow the mixture to thicken enough. Stir constantly to keep everything evenly distributed and prevent any burning.
If you want to add a bit of extra flavor to the candy, consider mixing in some cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
. You can also try adding some chopped dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a chewy contrast to the crunchy nuts.
Be careful when pouring the hot caramel mixture onto the nuts—hot sugar can cause serious burns.
Always use a pot holder to handle the saucepan and take care when spreading the mixture over the nuts.
For an extra layer of texture, you can use a mix of both raw and roasted nuts. The roasted nuts will add a deeper flavor.
while the raw ones provide a more neutral base. A combination can give the candy a unique taste.
If you plan to make large batches, you might want to use two baking sheets to prevent overcrowding. Spreading the nuts and caramel mixture too thickly can lead to uneven cooking.
Finally, experiment with different toppings like powdered sugar, crushed candy, or even a dash of cinnamon.
Small changes can result in a completely new flavor profile, making this candy adaptable to many tastes.
Conclusion
Oklahoma Nut Candy is a simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its delightful mix of nuts and rich caramel, it’s bound to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
The best part is that it’s easy to customize and can be adapted to suit your preferences, whether that means adding chocolate or swapping out the nuts.
Making this candy is not just about the final product, but the joy of creating something from scratch. Once you’ve made it, you’ll appreciate the balance of flavors and the crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth texture every time you take a bite. This recipe is one you won’t want to lose!