Oklahoma Nut Candy: A Heavenly Blend of Sweetness and Crunch

Prepare to embark on a journey of decadence with our Oklahoma Nut Candy. This delightful treat is a celebration of the rich flavors and textures that make traditional nut candies a cherished indulgence. Imagine a symphony of crunchy nuts, creamy caramel, and smooth chocolate, all coming together to create a heavenly confection. Whether you’re a confectionery enthusiast or a novice in the world of candy-making, this Oklahoma Nut Candy recipe promises to be a delightful addition to your repertoire. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind crafting this irresistible treat that captures the essence of sweet simplicity.

Ingredients

For the Nut Layer:

• 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), toasted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Layer:

• 2 cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

Instructions

Nut Layer:

1. Toast the Nuts:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the mixed nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant. Allow them to cool.
2. Prepare Caramel:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add butter and continue stirring until the mixture reaches a golden brown color.
3. Add Nuts and Flavor:
   • Carefully stir in the toasted nuts, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the nuts are evenly coated. Quickly spread the nut mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating an even layer. Let it cool.

Caramel Layer:

4. Create Caramel Base:
   • In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
5. Incorporate Sweetened Condensed Milk:
   • Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 245°F (118°C) or until a small amount dropped into cold water forms a soft ball.
6. Final Touches:
   • Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and salt. Pour the caramel evenly over the cooled nut layer. Allow it to set.

Chocolate Layer:

7. Melt Chocolate:
   • In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening together. This can be done using a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave.
8. Apply Chocolate Coating:
   • Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer, ensuring even coverage. Use an offset spatula to smooth the chocolate.
9. Chill and Serve:
   • Refrigerate the candy until the chocolate is set. Once fully chilled, cut the Oklahoma Nut Candy into squares or rectangles.

Cook Notes

• Toasting Nuts: Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Candy Thermometer: Using a candy thermometer ensures the caramel reaches the right temperature for a perfect consistency.
• Vegetable Shortening: Adding vegetable shortening to the chocolate creates a smoother and more manageable consistency for coating.
• Cutting Tips: To achieve clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe the knife between cuts for a polished finish.

Variations

Festive Holiday Twist:

• Add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies over the chocolate layer for a festive touch.

White Chocolate Drizzle:

• Drizzle melted white chocolate over the set chocolate layer for an elegant finish.

Sea Salt Sprinkle:

• Sprinkle a touch of sea salt over the chocolate layer for a sweet and salty contrast.

Keto Versions

Almond Flour Crunch:

• Replace the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener and use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for toasting the nuts.

Stevia-Sweetened Chocolate:

• Opt for chocolate sweetened with stevia or another keto-friendly sweetener.

Coconut Oil Magic:

• Substitute coconut oil for vegetable shortening in the chocolate layer for a keto-friendly alternative.

Low-Carb Versions

Low-Carb Nut Selection:

• Choose lower-carb nuts such as almonds and walnuts to reduce the overall carb content.

Monk Fruit Sweetener:

• Swap out traditional sugar for monk fruit sweetener in both the nut and caramel layers.

Dark Chocolate Delight:

• Use dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content for a lower-carb chocolate layer.

A Symphony of Sweet Perfection

In conclusion, our Oklahoma Nut Candy isn’t just a confection; it’s a symphony of sweet perfection that brings together the crunch of nuts, the lusciousness of caramel, and the indulgence of chocolate. Whether you follow the classic recipe, experiment with variations, explore keto adaptations, or savor the low-carb alternatives, this candy promises to be a star in your collection of sweet creations.

As you relish each bite, imagine the joy that comes from crafting a treat that blends different textures and flavors into a harmonious whole. The Oklahoma Nut Candy is not just candy; it’s a promise of shared moments, joyful celebrations, and the creation of delectable memories. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the art of candy-making, and revel in the anticipation of savoring a treat that elevates any occasion. Cheers to the Oklahoma Nut Candy – where every bite is a celebration of sweet indulgence and the joy of creating something truly special!