🍬 Warm Holiday Table Oklahoma Nut Candy
(Old-Fashioned Southern Style)
Makes: about 1 pound
🧾 Ingredients
2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or evaporated milk for richer flavor)
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (250 g) chopped pecans (or mixed nuts)
Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the candy base
In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar and milk
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves - Bring to soft-ball stage
Continue cooking without stirring too much until mixture reaches soft-ball stage (115°C / 240°F)
If you don’t have a thermometer:
Drop a little into cold water → it should form a soft ball - Add butter & cool slightly
Remove from heat
Add butter (don’t stir yet)
Let sit for 5 minutes - Beat the candy
Add vanilla and salt
Beat vigorously with a spoon until mixture thickens and loses its glossy shine - Add nuts
Quickly fold in chopped pecans - Drop or spread
Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper OR
Pour into a buttered pan and spread - Set
Let cool completely until firm
✨ Tips for Perfect Texture
Don’t overcook or it will turn crumbly
Beat just until it thickens—too much = dry candy
Work quickly once it starts setting