Oklahoma Nut Candy is a beloved treat that combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty with a satisfying crunch. This decadent candy is known for its delightful mixture of caramel, peanuts, and chocolate, making it an irresistible treat for anyone who loves homemade candies. Whether you’re enjoying it as an after-dinner snack, serving it at a party, or gifting it to friends and family, Oklahoma Nut Candy is guaranteed to bring joy to any occasion.
The rich caramel coating pairs beautifully with the crunchy peanuts and is topped with a smooth layer of chocolate. What makes this candy even better is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The result is a candy that’s perfectly chewy, sweet, and salty all in one bite.
Ingredients (Measured in Grams)
For the Candy:
- 200g unsalted peanuts
- 200g granulated sugar
- 120g unsalted butter
- 60ml light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
- ½ teaspoon salt (3g)
- 200g semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Line a 23cm x 23cm (9×9-inch) baking dish or pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This will help with clean-up and make it easy to lift the candy out after it sets.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Coating
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Be careful not to burn the mixture.
- Once the caramel reaches a golden color, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The caramel will bubble a bit as you stir, so be cautious.
Step 3: Coat the Peanuts
- Immediately pour the caramel over the peanuts and stir to coat them evenly. The caramel should be sticky and coat each peanut nicely.
- Transfer the peanut-caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. Allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the chocolate topping.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips. If using a saucepan, do this over low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Step 5: Top with Chocolate
- Once the caramel and peanuts have cooled slightly, pour the melted chocolate over the top of the peanut mixture. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly, covering the caramel-coated peanuts completely.
Step 6: Let the Candy Set
- Allow the candy to cool to room temperature for about 1-2 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing the candy in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Step 7: Cut and Serve
- Once the candy has set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into squares or pieces of your desired size.
Nutrition Information (Per Piece, Approximate)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
Note: Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Tips & Tricks for Making the Best Oklahoma Nut Candy
✅ Use Fresh Peanuts – Make sure the peanuts you use are fresh and crunchy, as the texture plays a big role in the candy’s overall experience.
✅ Be Careful with the Caramel – The caramel needs to be cooked to the right temperature to achieve that perfect chewy texture. If it gets too dark, it can harden too much when it cools.
✅ Experiment with Nuts – While peanuts are traditional, feel free to experiment with other roasted nuts like cashews, almonds, or pecans for a unique twist.
✅ Don’t Rush Cooling Time – Allow the candy to cool completely before cutting into pieces. This ensures that the chocolate and caramel set properly and don’t melt when you cut them.
✅ Store Properly – Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. If you want to keep it for longer, store it in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Variations to Try
- Salted Caramel Oklahoma Nut Candy – Sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets to add a salty-sweet contrast.
- Peanut Butter Oklahoma Nut Candy – Add peanut butter to the caramel mixture for a peanut butter and chocolate flavor combo.
- White Chocolate Oklahoma Nut Candy – Use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate for a different flavor profile.
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