Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: Oklahoma nut candy! This delightful recipe has been a sweet staple in my family for as long as I can remember. There’s something about that perfect combination of crunchy nuts and rich caramel that just makes my heart sing! I can still picture my grandma whipping up a batch in her cozy kitchen, the warm, sweet aroma filling the air. Trust me, if you’ve never experienced the joy of biting into this crunchy, sugary goodness, you’re in for a real treat. It’s super easy to make and perfect for sharing, or just for keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!). So, let’s dive into this Oklahoma nut candy recipe and bring a little bit of that nostalgia into your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
How to Prepare the Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this delicious Oklahoma nut candy! I promise, once you’ve made it once, you’ll want to whip it up again and again. It’s such a crowd-pleaser! So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First off, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want our candy to bake evenly and come out just right.
- Next, grab a medium saucepan and throw in the sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches a rolling boil. Oh, the smell of melting sugar will make your mouth water!
- Once it’s boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in that lovely vanilla extract. Trust me, this is where the magic happens! The aroma is going to be heavenly.
- Now, take a large mixing bowl and combine your chopped pecans and roasted peanuts. Make sure they’re mixed well, as this will ensure every nut gets coated with that sweet caramel.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the nuts and give it a good stir until everything is evenly coated. You really want those nuts to be swimming in deliciousness!
- Spread the nut and caramel mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure it’s in an even layer so it bakes perfectly.
- Now, pop that baking sheet into the oven and let it bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir it occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Just keep an eye on it—nobody likes burnt candy!
- Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool completely before breaking it into pieces. Patience here is key because it’ll be really hot! I know it’s tough, but trust me, the wait is worth it!
And there you have it! A simple yet scrumptious Oklahoma nut candy recipe that’s bound to bring smiles to everyone who tries it. Enjoy every crunchy, sweet bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to make—perfect for those last-minute cravings or unexpected guests!
- Ideal for sharing with friends and family, or just keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!).
- Completely customizable—swap in your favorite nuts or even add some dried fruit for a unique twist.
- Deliciously sweet and crunchy, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
- It fills your kitchen with an irresistible caramel aroma that’ll have everyone running to the dessert table!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Oklahoma nut candy turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you achieve that crunchy, caramel-coated goodness every time.
- Watch the temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly before you bake. This ensures even cooking and that perfect caramelization. Trust me, a few degrees can make a big difference!
- Keep stirring: When you’re cooking the sugar mixture, stir it occasionally to prevent it from burning on the bottom. You want that smooth, glossy caramel, not a burnt mess!
- Choose your nuts wisely: Feel free to experiment! If you love almonds or cashews, go ahead and swap them in. Just remember, some nuts may toast faster than others, so keep an eye on them while baking.
- Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is crucial. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, your candy will come out in perfect pieces!
- Cool completely: Letting the candy cool completely before breaking it into pieces is key. If you try to break it while it’s still warm, you’ll end up with a sticky mess. Patience is a virtue, my friend!
- Store it right: Once cooled, store your Oklahoma nut candy in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy. It’ll last for about a week at room temperature, but I doubt it’ll stick around that long!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a pro at making this delicious Oklahoma nut candy in no time. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about this Oklahoma nut candy recipe is how versatile it is! You can get super creative with it, so let’s explore some fun variations that’ll keep things interesting!
- Nutty Mix-Up: Instead of just pecans and peanuts, try using a mix of your favorite nuts! Walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts add a delightful twist and different textures. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as some nuts may toast quicker than others.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a little indulgence, melt some chocolate (dark, milk, or white) and drizzle it over the cooled candy. It adds an extra layer of richness and a beautiful finish that’s sure to impress!
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel mixture for a surprising kick! The warmth of the spices complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Sweet & Salty: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top right after you take the candy out of the oven. The salty contrast against the sweet caramel is simply heavenly and totally addictive!
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in some dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots with the nuts. They not only add a pop of color but also a chewy texture that balances the crunchiness of the nuts.
- Nut Butter Bliss: For a more decadent version, you can fold in some nut butter (like almond or peanut butter) into the caramel before pouring it over the nuts. It adds a creaminess that’s downright irresistible!
Feel free to mix and match any of these ideas to create your own signature version of this Oklahoma nut candy. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them all!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made this delicious Oklahoma nut candy, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh and crunchy for as long as possible! Here’s how to store those sweet, nutty treats properly:
- Cool Completely: First things first, let your candy cool completely on the baking sheet. This is super important, as warm candy can create moisture and make it sticky.
- Airtight Container: Once cooled, transfer your nut candy to an airtight container. I love using glass containers because they keep everything fresh and allow me to see those delightful pieces inside!
- Room Temperature: Store the container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. It should stay good for about a week, but I can almost guarantee it won’t last that long!
- Refrigeration: If you think you might need to keep it longer, you can refrigerate the candy. Just be aware that it might lose some of its crunchy texture. If you do this, make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the nut candy! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let it thaw at room temperature.
As for reheating, this candy is best enjoyed at room temperature, so there’s really no need to heat it up. Just bring it out of storage, and it’s ready to be devoured! With these storage tips, you’ll keep your Oklahoma nut candy deliciously fresh and ready to share—or indulge in all by yourself!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying treats like this Oklahoma nut candy, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one serving of this delightful candy. Keep in mind that these are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
It’s a sweet little treat that brings a lot of joy! Just remember to enjoy it in moderation, and you’ll be golden! Happy snacking!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve been asked a ton of questions about this delightful Oklahoma nut candy recipe, so I thought I’d share some of the most common ones to help you out. Let’s dive in!
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the pecans and peanuts for your favorites. Almonds, walnuts, or even cashews work beautifully. Just keep an eye on them while baking, as some nuts toast faster than others!
What if I don’t have corn syrup?
No worries! You can substitute the corn syrup with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the texture and sweetness, but it’ll still be delicious!
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 4 servings, but let’s be honest—you might want to double it if you’re sharing! It’s so good, it disappears fast!
Can I store this nut candy?
Yes! Once cooled, store your Oklahoma nut candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate or freeze it. Just remember, freezing can affect the crunchiness a bit.
How do I break the candy into pieces?
After it cools completely, I find it easiest to gently tap it with the back of a spoon or a knife to break it into pieces. If it’s too sticky, you can also use a warm knife to help cut through it.
Can I add chocolate to the recipe?
Oh, definitely! Drizzling some melted chocolate over the cooled candy takes it to another level of indulgence. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate—whatever floats your boat!
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! This Oklahoma nut candy recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it doesn’t contain any meat or meat byproducts. Just be sure to check your sugar if you’re strictly following a vegetarian diet, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
Got more questions? Feel free to reach out, and I’ll be happy to help! Enjoy your candy-making adventure!
Print
Oklahoma Nut Candy Recipe: 7 Steps to Sweet Perfection
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and crunchy treat from Oklahoma made with nuts and caramel.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture boils.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- In a large bowl, mix pecans and peanuts.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the nuts and stir well.
- Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Try using different nuts for variation.
- Can be drizzled with chocolate for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: oklahoma nut candy recipe, nut candy, dessert recipe
