Oklahoma Nut Candy

 

Oklahoma Nut Candy: A Southern Treat with Old-Fashioned Charm

Some recipes are more than just desserts — they’re traditions passed down through generations, wrapped in handwritten cards, and pulled out for holidays, church suppers, or family reunions. Oklahoma Nut Candy is exactly that kind of recipe.

Rich, sweet, and packed with crunchy toasted nuts, this classic Southern confection is a cross between fudge and praline. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and tastes like a bite of pure nostalgia. Whether you grew up in Oklahoma or you’re just looking for a timeless homemade candy, this is the treat you’ll come back to again and again.

---

What Is Oklahoma Nut Candy?

Oklahoma Nut Candy is a creamy, nut-studded candy made from sugar, evaporated milk, marshmallows, and butter — often flavored with vanilla and filled generously with pecans or walnuts. It has the rich texture of fudge but a lighter, slightly chewy bite that melts in your mouth.

This recipe is beloved for its simplicity, no-fail ingredients, and its ability to feed a crowd. It’s a holiday staple in many Southern and Midwestern homes — especially during Christmas, Thanksgiving, or community gatherings.

---

The Flavor of Tradition

If you close your eyes, you can almost taste the buttery sweetness, feel the crunch of roasted nuts, and remember the clink of candy being portioned onto wax paper. It’s the kind of dessert that grandmas used to make in big batches, storing it in tins for visiting guests or wrapping it in cellophane for thoughtful, homemade gifts.

And while it might be called Oklahoma Nut Candy, the flavors and sentiment behind it are universally comforting.

---

Oklahoma Nut Candy – Classic Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

• 1/2 cup evaporated milk

• 2 cups mini marshmallows

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts (lightly toasted, if desired)

• Optional: pinch of salt

---

Instructions:

1. Prepare your pan:
   Line an 8x8 or 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper or butter it well.

2. Cook the base:
   In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Stir continuously until mixture comes to a boil. Continue boiling for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches the soft-ball stage (around 235°F/112°C on a candy thermometer).

3. Add marshmallows and flavoring:
   Remove from heat and stir in the marshmallows until fully melted. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt (if using).

4. Fold in the nuts:
   Stir in the chopped nuts quickly before the mixture begins to set.

5. Pour and set:
   Pour the candy mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Let cool at room temperature until firm (about 2 hours). Cut into squares and enjoy!

---

Tips for Success

• Use fresh nuts: Toast them lightly for even more flavor and crunch.

• Want extra chew? Add a few more marshmallows or a spoonful of peanut butter for a creamier texture.

• For gifting: Wrap squares in wax paper or place in small candy tins — they make perfect holiday gifts.

• Make ahead: This candy stores well in an airtight container for up to a week (even longer if refrigerated).

---

A Piece of Oklahoma History

Recipes like this one often travel through families, scribbled in cookbooks, shared at potlucks, or whispered over the phone. Whether you're from Oklahoma or just adopting this beloved candy into your own traditions, you’re continuing a story — one bite at a time.

Oklahoma Nut Candy isn’t just a sweet treat. It’s a connection to simpler times, to family kitchens, and to the joy of sharing something homemade.

---

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-fuss candy that’s rich, nutty, and wrapped in Southern charm, Oklahoma Nut Candy is it. It’s easy enough for beginners, tasty enough for seasoned cooks to keep in their regular rotation, and nostalgic enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

One batch, and you’ll understand why this classic has stood the test of time — and why it deserves a spot in your recipe box.