Discover the delicious and heartwarming story behind Oklahoma Nut Candy, a Christmas treat with a rich history. This delightful candy has been bringing joy to families since it was first published in The Daily Oklahoman’s food column in 1936. Originally named Aunt Bill’s Brown Candy, it quickly gained popularity and became a beloved holiday tradition across the nation.

The recipe has stood the test of time, with its simple yet satisfying ingredients. The star of the show is the generous amount of sugar, which adds a delectable sweetness to every bite. Along with the sugar, you’ll find other baking staples that create the perfect texture and flavor.

While pecans and walnuts have traditionally been the nuts of choice, feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties. I personally love the classic combination of pecans, but I’m sure peanuts would be equally delightful. The choice is yours!

Now, this candy recipe may seem a bit tricky, but fear not! With the right tools and a little patience, you’ll create a masterpiece. A candy thermometer is essential for getting the temperature just right, and having an extra pair of hands during the stirring stage can make the process even smoother. Trust me, the end result is so incredibly worth it. One bite and you’ll be hooked!

Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe

Servings: 30 Prep Time: 1 hour Cook Time: 1 hour

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Ingredients

• 6 cups sugar, divided
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts or pecans

Preparation

1. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, melt 2 cups of sugar over low heat, stirring often. This process takes about 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the remaining 4 cups of sugar and heavy cream. Heat gently until the sugar in the small saucepan has melted, then add it to the large saucepan while continuously stirring.
4. Increase the heat to medium and cook the mixture until it reaches 244 degrees F or the softball stage.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda until well combined.
6. Add the butter and vanilla, stirring until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth.
7. Let the mixture rest for 20 minutes.
8. After resting, stir in the chopped nuts until the sheen disappears. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
9. Allow the candy to cool for 1-2 hours, or overnight. Once cooled, cut into small squares and serve.

With each bite of Oklahoma Nut Candy, you’ll experience the nostalgia and joy of Christmases past. Share this delightful treat with loved ones and make mealtime meaningful by supporting Share to Care, where 100% of the sponsor fees fund meals for families in need.

Share and make mealtime meaningful. 100% of Share to Care sponsor fees fund meals for families in need. Learn More