Oklahoma Nut Candy

If you’ve never tried Oklahoma Nut Candy, you’re in for a real treat! This old-fashioned delight has been making families smile for generations. It first showed up in 1936 under the name “Aunt Bill’s Brown Candy” in The Daily Oklahoman. Since then, it’s traveled far and wide, often making an appearance on holiday tables. Sweet, nutty, and just the right amount of chewy—it’s the kind of candy that feels like a warm hug from the past.

Ingredients

• 6 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup (half a stick) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

1. Prepare your pan: Lightly butter a 9×13-inch dish (or line it with parchment that hangs over the edges for easy lifting). If you’d like thicker pieces, choose a smaller pan.
2. Caramelize part of the sugar: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add 2 cups of sugar. Cook over low heat, stirring slowly and constantly, until the sugar melts into a golden liquid. This step takes patience—around 20 minutes—but it’s worth it.
3. Heat the cream mixture: While the sugar is melting, combine the remaining 4 cups of sugar and the cream in a large heavy pot. Stir well and let it gently simmer over low heat.
4. Combine the two mixtures: When the melted sugar is ready, carefully pour it into the cream mixture, stirring constantly. Raise the heat to medium and cook until the mixture reaches 244°F on a candy thermometer, or until it forms a soft ball when dropped in cold water (about 8–9 minutes).
5. Add the flavorings: Remove from heat. Stir in the baking soda, then add the butter and vanilla. Mix until the butter is fully melted.
6. Cool and beat: Let the candy cool for about 10 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, beat until it loses its shine and thickens slightly. Stir in the nuts.
7. Finish and set: Spread the candy evenly into the prepared pan. Allow it to cool for at least 2 hours before cutting. For quicker results, refrigerate. You can also cover and chill it overnight for easy slicing.