Buster'S Oklahoma Brown Candy
Buster's Oklahoma Brown Candy is a rich, nutty confection with caramelized sugar and crunchy pecans, perfect for those who love sweet, nostalgic treats with deep flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put 2 cups of sugar into a heavy skillet.
- Melt over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until it becomes a light brown syrup.
- Be careful not to let it smoke or turn dark brown.
- Dump 4 cups of sugar and 2 cups of milk into a large deep kettle.
- Place over low heat and simmer while stirring to melt the sugar.
- When the sugar in the skillet has melted, pour it in a fine stream into the mixture in the kettle, stirring constantly to blend.
- Cook and stir until the mixture reaches the firm ball stage (244° or 248°).
- Remove from heat.
- Add soda and stir as it foams.
- Set aside for 20 minutes.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and beat until the candy becomes thick.
- Fold in the broken pecans.
- Pour into a buttered pan and cool.
- Freeze if desired; the candy is delicious when frozen.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect firm ball stage, use a candy thermometer for accuracy. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. For a richer flavor, consider toasting the nuts before folding them in. Ensure your skillet is heavy to prevent burning as you melt the sugar. Stir consistently to avoid any scorching.
Serving Suggestions
These candies are delightful on their own as a sweet treat, but they also pair beautifully with Mary Adams' No Cook Ice Cream for a decadent dessert. Consider serving them alongside coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. They make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or bags.
Storage & Reheating
Once the Buster's Oklahoma Brown Candy is completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you prefer a chillier treat, freeze the candy in a sealed bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buster'S Oklahoma Brown Candy contains roughly 562 calories, with 8g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans provide a unique flavor and texture, you can easily substitute them with walnuts or even almonds. Just be sure to chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution in the candy.
What if I don't have a candy thermometer?
If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test for the firm ball stage by dropping a small amount of the mixture into cold water. If it forms a soft ball that holds its shape, you’re ready to proceed. Keep in mind that this method requires some practice to perfect.
How can I make this candy less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, consider decreasing the sugar by about half a cup. You might also want to add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Additionally, folding in some unsweetened cocoa powder can give it a richer, less sweet chocolate flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).