Oklahoma Nut Treat

 

Oklahoma Nut Treat

Treat yourself to the rich, nostalgic flavor of Oklahoma Nut Candy—a timeless confection that combines sweet caramelized sugar, smooth cream, and crunchy pecans. This step-by-step guide will help you create a batch that’s perfectly balanced in texture and flavor, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Granulated sugar (divided)	6 cups
Heavy cream	2 cups
Unsalted butter	½ cup
Baking soda	¼ teaspoon
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Chopped pecans (or preferred nuts)	1½ cups

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the pan
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.

Step 2: Melt the first portion of sugar
In a small saucepan over low heat, slowly heat 2 cups of sugar until completely dissolved, stirring occasionally. This will take about 20 minutes. The sugar should become a smooth, golden liquid.

Step 3: Heat the cream and remaining sugar
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the remaining 4 cups of sugar with the heavy cream. Gently simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Combine the mixtures
Carefully pour the melted sugar from Step 2 into the cream mixture, stirring constantly to combine.

Step 5: Cook to soft-ball stage
Increase the heat to medium and cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches 244°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. This ensures the candy will set properly.

Step 6: Add the baking soda
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the baking soda — the mixture will foam and become slightly lighter and airier.

Step 7: Add butter and vanilla
Stir in the butter until completely melted, then add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 8: Let it rest
Allow the mixture to sit in the pan for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it thickens slightly and the flavors develop.

Step 9: Fold in the nuts
Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the candy.

Step 10: Set and slice
Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch dish. Let cool undisturbed for 1–2 hours until firm. Once set, cut into small squares.

Enjoy your creamy, nutty, old-fashioned candy!