Oklahoma Nut Candy is a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of heavy cream, sugar, and your choice of nuts. This candy is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want to indulge in something sweet. Its creamy texture and nutty crunch make it a standout dessert that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and nuts creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a dessert, a snack, or even as a gift during the holidays.
Crowd-Pleaser: This Oklahoma Nut Candy is sure to impress friends and family alike with its delightful flavors.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to switch between walnuts and pecans based on your preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making Oklahoma Nut Candy, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Heavy-bottomed saucepan
Large saucepan or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Candy thermometer
9×13-inch baking dish

Importance of Each Tool

Heavy-bottomed saucepan: Helps prevent sugar from burning by distributing heat evenly.
Candy thermometer: Ensures you reach the perfect temperature for that ideal chewy texture.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your pots.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Base

2 cups Heavy Cream
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda

For the Sweetness

6 cups Sugar (divided)

For the Nutty Goodness

1 1/2 cups Walnuts or Pecans (chopped)

How to Make Oklahoma Nut Candy

Step 1: Preparation

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, setting it aside for later use.

Step 2: First Sugar Melt

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 2 cups of sugar over low heat. Stir frequently until fully liquefied, which should take about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Creamy Fusion

While the first batch of sugar melts, combine the remaining 4 cups of sugar and heavy cream in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Simmer this mixture on low heat.

Step 4: Merge the Sugars

Once the sugar in your smaller saucepan is completely melted, pour it into the larger saucepan while stirring continuously.

Step 5: Achieving Softball Stage

Increase the heat to medium and cook until the mixture reaches 244°F, also known as the softball stage.

Step 6: Baking Soda Incorporation

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the baking soda until it’s fully mixed into the candy base.

Step 7: Flavor Infusion

Add in unsalted butter and vanilla extract. Continue stirring until the butter melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth.

Step 8: Rest & Settle

Allow this mixture to rest for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.

Step 9: Nutty Finale

Once rested, stir in your choice of chopped walnuts or pecans until no glossy sheen remains. Transfer this mixture to your greased baking dish.

Step 10: Final Touch

Let your Oklahoma Nut Candy cool for at least 1-2 hours—or overnight if you can wait! Slice into bite-sized squares and enjoy this delicious creation!

How to Serve Oklahoma Nut Candy

Oklahoma Nut Candy is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

For Special Occasions

Plate it Up: Serve the candy on decorative platters for birthdays or holidays. This adds a touch of elegance.
Gift Boxes: Package pieces in beautiful boxes tied with ribbons. Perfect for gifts during festive seasons!

As Party Favors

Individual Wraps: Wrap each piece in colorful cellophane. This makes it easy for guests to take home treats.
Candy Buffet: Include Oklahoma Nut Candy as part of a buffet table alongside other sweets for a fun dessert spread.

With Beverages

Coffee Pairing: Enjoy a piece with freshly brewed coffee. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
Milk or Hot Chocolate: Dip pieces into hot chocolate or milk for a deliciously creamy experience.

As Snacks

On-the-Go Treats: Cut into smaller pieces and pack them as snacks for road trips or school lunches.
Movie Night Munchies: Serve alongside popcorn for a sweet and salty combination during movie nights.

How to Perfect Oklahoma Nut Candy

Perfecting your Oklahoma Nut Candy involves attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these guidelines to achieve the best results.

Monitor Temperature Closely: Use a candy thermometer to ensure you reach the exact softball stage at 244°F for perfect texture.
Stir Gently but Constantly: Stirring helps prevent burning while ensuring an even mixture; do this diligently throughout cooking.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the candy to cool fully before slicing. This ensures clean cuts and prevents it from crumbling.
Use Fresh Nuts: Freshly chopped walnuts or pecans enhance flavor and texture, making your candy even more delightful.

Best Side Dishes for Oklahoma Nut Candy

Oklahoma Nut Candy pairs beautifully with various side dishes that can balance its sweetness. Here are some excellent options:

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich sweetness of the candy.
Cheese Platter: Offer a variety of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie, to balance out the sugariness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful pairing, enhancing the overall treat experience.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of candy into warm chocolate for an indulgent dessert option that’s sure to please.
Coffee Cake: Serve slices of coffee cake alongside for brunch; the flavors complement each other well.
Nutty Granola Bars: These add texture and provide an additional nutty flavor that enhances your candy experience.
Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of whipped cream can brighten up your plate when served with Oklahoma Nut Candy.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fruit and bits of candy for a fun twist on dessert or breakfast!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Oklahoma Nut Candy, it’s easy to encounter pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Neglecting to Measure Accurately: Always measure your ingredients carefully. Too much or too little sugar can affect the texture and taste of your candy.
Using High Heat: Cooking at too high a temperature can lead to burnt sugar. Always stick to low and medium heat as specified in the recipe.
Skipping the Rest Time: Allowing the mixture to rest is crucial for achieving the smooth texture that makes Oklahoma Nut Candy delightful. Don’t rush this step.
Not Stirring Continuously: Failing to stir while melting sugar can result in uneven melting, leading to a grainy texture. Keep stirring for best results.
Overcooking the Mixture: Make sure you check the temperature carefully. Cooking beyond 244°F can lead to hard candy instead of a soft, chewy texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Oklahoma Nut Candy in an airtight container.
It will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Oklahoma Nut Candy

Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap before placing in an airtight container.
Oklahoma Nut Candy can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Oklahoma Nut Candy

Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F and place the candy on a baking sheet until slightly warm.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 10-second intervals, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Place the candy in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Oklahoma Nut Candy.

What is Oklahoma Nut Candy?

Oklahoma Nut Candy is a sweet treat made primarily with sugar, heavy cream, and nuts like walnuts or pecans. It’s known for its rich flavor and chewy texture.

Can I use different nuts?

Yes! While walnuts and pecans are traditional, you can use other nuts such as almonds or cashews for a unique twist on Oklahoma Nut Candy.

How do I know when my candy is ready?

The mixture should reach 244°F, which is known as the softball stage. A candy thermometer is helpful for accurate readings.

Can I add chocolate to Oklahoma Nut Candy?

Absolutely! Drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled candy adds a delicious layer of flavor. Just let it set before cutting into squares.

Final Thoughts

Oklahoma Nut Candy is not just a fantastic dessert; it offers versatility for customization with various nuts or flavors. Its rich taste will bring comfort and joy to any occasion. Try making it today, and enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends!

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Oklahoma Nut Candy

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Author: Ana
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Oklahoma Nut Candy is a mouthwatering treat that combines the creamy richness of heavy cream with the delightful crunch of walnuts or pecans. This easy-to-make candy boasts a chewy texture and a sweet, nutty flavor that makes it perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to casual snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups heavy cream
6 cups sugar (divided)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans

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Instructions

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 2 cups of sugar over low heat, stirring frequently until liquefied (about 20 minutes).
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine remaining 4 cups of sugar and heavy cream; simmer on low heat.
Once the first batch of sugar is melted, pour it into the larger saucepan while stirring continuously.
Increase heat to medium and cook until the mixture reaches 244°F (softball stage).
Remove from heat and stir in baking soda, then add butter and vanilla until smooth.
Allow to rest for about 20 minutes before stirring in chopped nuts.
Pour into the greased baking dish and let cool for at least 1-2 hours before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American