The name alone—Oklahoma Nut Candy—is enough to intrigue any dessert lover. With a rich history and a uniquely sweet flavor, this iconic treat has captivated generations. Let’s dive into its origins, the art of candy-making, and, of course, the recipe that brings this time-honored confection to life.
A Sweet History: From “Aunt Bill’s Brown Candy” to a Holiday Favorite
Oklahoma Nut Candy, originally known as Aunt Bill’s Brown Candy, debuted in 1936 in The Daily Oklahoman. Over the decades, this recipe has become a holiday staple in households across the United States, celebrated for its deep caramel flavor and nutty richness. It’s a testament to the enduring power of family recipes and culinary traditions.
The Secret Ingredients
This candy’s magic lies in its simplicity—and its decadence. The recipe features:
- 6 cups of sugar (yes, really!)
- Heavy cream
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Baking soda
- Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are the classics)
Don’t let the sugar quantity deter you; it’s essential for creating the candy’s perfect texture and caramel flavor.
Make It Your Own: Choosing the Nuts
While pecans and walnuts are traditional, peanuts or even mixed nuts can offer a creative twist. For my version, I stuck to classic pecans for their buttery taste, but feel free to experiment.
The Art of Candy-Making
Candy-making is equal parts science and art, requiring precision and patience. A candy thermometer is a must to reach the correct softball stage (244°F). Stirring constantly and monitoring the heat are crucial to achieving the desired consistency.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your candy doesn’t set correctly, it’s likely due to temperature. Ensure your sugar mixture reaches the softball stage, and don’t skip the thermometer. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a couple of tries!
Storage and Enjoyment
Once cooled and cut, Oklahoma Nut Candy stores beautifully in an airtight container, making it ideal for gifting or enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Candy, Oklahoma Nut Candy
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 6 cups sugar, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Melt the First Sugar Batch: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 2 cups of sugar over low heat, stirring frequently. This process takes about 20 minutes.
- Simmer the Cream Mixture: In a larger saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the remaining 4 cups of sugar and heavy cream. Simmer over low heat.
- Combine Sugars: Gradually pour the melted sugar into the cream mixture, stirring continuously.
- Cook to Softball Stage: Increase the heat to medium and cook until the mixture reaches 244°F, the softball stage.
- Incorporate Baking Soda: Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the baking soda until fully combined.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Rest the Mixture: Allow the mixture to rest for about 20 minutes.
- Add Nuts: Stir in the chopped nuts until the mixture loses its glossy sheen.
- Pour and Set: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Let it cool for 1–2 hours or overnight.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Roll with tradition by using pecans for a buttery, rich flavor.
- If gifting, wrap individual pieces in wax paper for a charming, vintage touch.
- A dash of sea salt on top adds a modern twist to the classic recipe.
Enjoy this nostalgic slice of sugar heaven and share a taste of Oklahoma’s culinary heritage with friends and family!
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