🍬 Oklahoma Nut Candy
Makes 36+ squares | Prep: 5 min | Cook: 10–12 min | Chill: 2+ hrs
🛒 Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) unsalted butter
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups (300g) chopped pecans, lightly toasted (or walnuts)
6 cups (900g) powdered sugar, sifted
🔥 Pro Tip: Toasting the nuts deepens their flavor — do it in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 mins until fragrant.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Toast the Nuts (Optional but Recommended)
In a dry skillet, toast chopped pecans over medium heat, stirring often, until golden and fragrant (~3–4 mins).
Set aside to cool slightly.
2️⃣ Melt Butter & Milk
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt:
Butter
Sweetened condensed milk
Stir constantly until smooth and warm (do not boil).
3️⃣ Add Vanilla & Nuts
Remove from heat.
Stir in:
Vanilla extract
Toasted pecans
4️⃣ Mix in Powdered Sugar
Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, stirring vigorously.
Mix until fully combined and dough-like.
💪 It will be thick — use a spatula or wooden spoon!
5️⃣ Press & Chill
Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
Transfer mixture to the pan and press down firmly with a greased spatula or hands.
6️⃣ Set & Slice
Refrigerate at least 2 hours (or freeze 30–45 mins for faster setting).
Lift out using parchment and cut into small squares.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
On dessert trays with other candies
Wrapped in holiday tins as gifts
Packed in lunchboxes (no refrigeration needed)
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🌱 Gluten-Free? Naturally GF — just ensure no cross-contamination
🥥 Dairy-Free? Use plant-based butter + dairy-free condensed milk (like "Coconut Carnation")
🍫 Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled candy
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Keeps at room temp 1 week, fridge 2 weeks, or freeze for 3 months
🎀 Gift Idea: Cut small squares, wrap in cellophane, tie with ribbon, label “Oklahoma Nut Candy”
🧠 Why This Works So Well
Sweetened condensed milk = creamy, chewy texture without cooking sugar
Pecans = classic Southern flavor and crunch
Powdered sugar = soft sweetness that blends smoothly
One-pot method = minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
It’s not magic — it’s homemade goodness passed down through generations. ✨
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Recipes Are Simple & Sweet
You don’t need rare ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something truly special.
Just good butter, real sugar, and love.
This Oklahoma Nut Candy proves that the most beloved treats are often the simplest — where every bite tastes like home, comfort, and care.
So next time you want to make something meaningful…
Turn on the stove.
Let your kitchen fill with the scent of butter, vanilla, and joy.
And share it freely — because the best candies aren’t eaten alone.
They’re passed around, remembered, and loved. 💛