Aunt Bill’s Famous Oklahoma Pecan Praline Candy
Rich, buttery, and irresistibly creamy, this classic Oklahoma Nut Candy—also known as Aunt Bill’s Brown Candy—is a treasured Southern confection. Packed with toasted pecans and cooked to perfection, each bite melts in your mouth with deep caramel flavor and old-fashioned charm. Perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or whenever you’re craving a nostalgic homemade treat.
Ingredients
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
½ cup unsalted butter
⅛ teaspoon salt
7 ounces marshmallow creme
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2½ cups pecans, chopped and lightly toasted
Instructions
Prepare Your Pan Line a baking sheet or large tray with parchment paper or lightly butter it. Set aside.
Toast the Pecans In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Candy Base In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve.
Bring to the Perfect Temperature Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches 238°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat immediately.
Add the Finishing Ingredients Quickly stir in the marshmallow creme and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated. Fold in the toasted pecans.
Beat Until Creamy Using a wooden spoon, beat the mixture vigorously for 3–5 minutes, until it begins to thicken and loses some of its gloss.
Drop the Candy Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the candy onto the prepared baking sheet.
Cool and Set Allow the candies to cool completely at room temperature until firm.
Tips for Success
Have all ingredients measured and ready before you begin—timing is important.
Use a candy thermometer for the best results.
If the candy begins to set too quickly, stir in a teaspoon of warm evaporated milk.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
Sweet, buttery, and packed with crunchy pecans, these old-fashioned pralines are a timeless treat everyone will love.
