Oklahoma Sooner Nut Candies

Delight your taste buds with Oklahoma Sooner Nut Candies, a decadent treat that blends the rich flavors of caramelized sugar, buttery pecans, and a hint of vanilla. This recipe begins with a careful process of caramelizing sugar to perfection, then adding cream and butter to create a luscious, smooth texture.

After incorporating crunchy pecans and pouring the mixture into a prepared pan, allow it to cool and set before cutting into squares. Perfect for sharing or indulging in a sweet moment, these candies offer a delicious taste of Oklahoma’s culinary heritage.

Oklahoma Sooner Nut Candies

Ingredients

1 teaspoon Vanilla

¼ teaspoon Baking Soda

6 cups Sugar, divided

2 cups heavy cream

½ cup Unsalted Butter

1 ½ cups Chopped Pecans

Instructions

Make sure to grease a 9×13 pan.

In a saucepan, with a heavy bottom cook 2 cups of sugar over low heat for about 20 minutes until it completely melts.

Add the remaining sugar and heavy cream while stirring continuously.

Increase the heat. Cook until the temperature reaches 244°F (118°C).

Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda until it blends well.

Add vanilla extract and butter stirring until the mixture becomes smooth.

Allow the mixture to rest for 20 minutes.

Stir in chopped pecans until you can no longer see a glossy finish on them.

Transfer the mixture into the pan ensuring it is spread evenly.

Let it cool for 1 to 2 hours. Cut it into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

To make a gluten-free variation of these delicious Oklahoma Sooner Nut Candies make sure that you use certified gluten-free vanilla baking soda and all other ingredients.

Also double check that the brands you choose are completely free, from any contamination risks.

By following these instructions you can enjoy the tastes and textures of this recipe without any concerns. Indulge in the sweetness, without any worries!

Equipment: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heating and to prevent burning when cooking the sugar. Have a candy thermometer on hand to accurately monitor the temperature.

Cooking the Sugar: When melting the first 2 cups of sugar over low heat, stir occasionally to help it melt evenly. Be patient during this step as it can take around 20 minutes for the sugar to completely melt and start caramelizing.

Adding Cream and Sugar: After adding the remaining sugar and heavy cream, stir continuously to dissolve the sugar completely. Increase the heat gradually to bring the mixture to the soft-ball stage, around 244°F (118°C). This temperature ensures the candies will set properly.

Incorporating Butter and Flavorings: Stir in the baking soda once the mixture reaches temperature. This helps to aerate the mixture and gives the candies a lighter texture. Add the vanilla extract and butter next, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Resting Period: Allowing the mixture to rest for 20 minutes after adding the butter and vanilla helps it cool slightly and allows flavors to meld.

Adding Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed and coated in the caramel mixture. This step ensures each candy piece will have a good amount of nuts.

Pouring and Setting: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 pan and spread it evenly. Let it cool for at least 1 to 2 hours at room temperature, or until fully set. You can also place it in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.

Cutting and Storing: Once cooled and set, cut the candies into squares using a sharp knife. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Layer parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s recommended to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the candies since the recipe doesn’t specify additional salt.

Why do I need to let the mixture rest for 20 minutes after adding the vanilla and butter?

Allowing the mixture to rest helps it cool slightly and allows the flavors to meld together for a smoother texture.

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts like almonds or walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts according to your preference.

Ensure they are chopped similarly to pecans for even distribution.

How long does it take for the candies to cool and set in the pan?

It typically takes 1 to 2 hours for the candies to cool and set at room temperature.

You can speed up this process by placing them in the refrigerator.

How should I store these candies?

Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Layer parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Can I reheat the candies if they become too hard?

It’s not recommended to reheat the candies once they’ve set as this may affect their texture.

Ensure proper storage to maintain their freshness.

What can I do if the caramel mixture crystallizes during cooking?

If crystallization occurs, you can add a small amount of corn syrup or lemon juice to the mixture and stir gently to dissolve the crystals before continuing to cook.

How do I prevent the candies from sticking to the pan?

Grease the 9×13 pan thoroughly before pouring in the mixture.

You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.

Can I use a candy thermometer to monitor the cooking temperature accurately?

Yes, using a candy thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the mixture reaches 244°F (118°C), the soft-ball stage necessary for the candies to set properly.

Are these candies suitable for people with nut allergies?

No, these candies contain pecans, which are tree nuts.

They are not suitable for individuals with nut allergies unless substituted with allergy-safe alternatives.