🍬 Oklahoma Nut Candy (Old-Fashioned Pecan Candy)
🍽️ Yields: 24–30 pieces
⏱️ Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20–25 min | Cool: 2–3 hours
🧂 Ingredients:
-
2 cups granulated sugar
-
1 cup evaporated milk
-
1 tbsp unsalted butter
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
2 to 2½ cups chopped pecans (or walnuts)
-
Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan:
-
Grease or line a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch square pan with parchment or wax paper. Set aside.
2. Cook the Candy Base:
-
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine:
-
Sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and a pinch of salt.
-
-
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a soft-ball stage (235–240°F / 113–116°C on a candy thermometer).
✅ If you don’t have a thermometer: Drop a bit of the mixture into cold water. It should form a soft, pliable ball.
3. Add Flavor and Nuts:
-
Remove from heat.
-
Stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
-
Continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly and begins to lose its gloss — this may take 2–3 minutes.
4. Pour and Cool:
-
Quickly pour the mixture into your prepared pan.
-
Smooth out with a spatula if needed.
-
Let cool at room temperature for several hours or until firm.
-
Cut into squares once fully set.
📝 Tips & Variations:
-
For a richer flavor, toast the nuts before adding.
-
Mix in a handful of mini marshmallows or a touch of maple extract for added sweetness.
-
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Would you like a no-cook version, a chocolate twist, or a giftable label template for holiday tins?
