The Perfect Martha Washington Candy Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet and nostalgic martha washington candy brings memories of grandmother’s kitchen flooding back to me.

Delicate coconut and condensed milk create a dreamy confection that melts on your tongue.

Generations have treasured this classic no-bake treat passed down through family cookbooks.

Soft, creamy centers dipped in rich chocolate offer a luxurious bite of pure comfort.

Colonial-era inspiration meets modern dessert magic in this simple yet elegant confection.

Rich chocolate coating and pillowy centers make these candies irresistible for holiday gatherings.

One taste connects you to a cherished culinary tradition that feels like a warm embrace.

Whip up these delightful treats and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Why Martha Washington Candy Is A Classic Favorite

• Craft with Ease: No advanced baking skills needed, perfect for beginners wanting to create delightful homemade candies.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Straightforward recipe that comes together quickly, allowing you to satisfy sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Delivers rich, decadent flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Adaptable recipe that can be customized with different nuts or chocolate coatings, giving you creative freedom in the kitchen.

Ingredients For Classic Martha Washington Candy

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: A rich and creamy ingredient that provides sweetness and helps bind the candy together.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds a smooth texture and enhances the overall flavor of the candy.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet foundation that helps form the candy's consistent texture.
• Pecans: Bring a delightful nutty crunch and depth of flavor to the candy mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the sweet ingredients.

• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Provides a rich chocolate coating that adds depth and richness to the candies.
• Vegetable Shortening: Helps create a smooth, glossy chocolate coating that sets nicely.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy candy removal and convenient cleanup during the making and chilling process.

Steps To Make Martha Washington Candy Easily

Step 1: Prepare Workspace

Set up a large mixing bowl and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make candy creation and cleanup super smooth.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Unsalted butter

Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture becomes silky and completely combined.

Step 3: Build Candy Dough

Remove the pan from heat and gradually fold in powdered sugar. Stir vigorously until a thick, smooth dough develops with zero sugar granules visible.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters

• Chopped pecans
• Vanilla extract

Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the candy base.

Step 5: Shape Delightful Balls

Using clean hands or a small scoop, form uniform bite-sized balls. Place each one carefully on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Chill Initial Candies

Refrigerate the formed candies for 30 minutes to firm them up and make chocolate coating easier.

Step 7: Craft Chocolate Coating

• Semisweet chocolate chips
• Vegetable shortening

in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water. Stir until completely melted and glossy.

Step 8: Dip and Cover

Use a dipping fork or skewer to submerge each chilled candy ball into the melted chocolate. Ensure full coverage and let excess chocolate drip off.

Step 9: Set Chocolate Layer

Return chocolate-coated candies to the parchment-lined sheet. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate sets completely.

Step 10: Store and Enjoy

Keep finished Martha Washington Candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Candies will stay fresh for up to one week.

Tips To Keep Martha Washington Candy Smooth And Sweet

• Smooth Candy Preparation: Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for even mixing without scratching your saucepan.
• Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Stir continuously while heating to ensure a smooth, creamy candy base without grainy texture.
• Perfect Chocolate Coating: Add a touch of coconut oil instead of vegetable shortening for a silkier chocolate dip with extra shine.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap pecans with toasted coconut flakes or finely chopped almonds for a delightful flavor and texture variation.
• Serving Suggestion: Let candies sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.

Tasty Mixes For Martha Washington Candy

• Nutty Chocolate Alternative: Replace pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different crunch and flavor profile.
• Coconut Chocolate Variation: Mix shredded coconut into the candy base and coat with dark chocolate for tropical sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free powdered sugar and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly treats.
• Vegan Chocolate Balls: Substitute condensed milk with coconut cream, use plant-based butter, and coat with dairy-free chocolate chips for a completely vegan version.

Perfect Pairings For Martha Washington Candy

• Savor Sweet Sips: Chocolate Pecan Candy Pairings
• Elevate Coffee Companion: Rich espresso or dark roast coffee cuts through the candy's sweetness, creating a balanced flavor experience that highlights the chocolate and pecan notes.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Select a port wine or sweet sherry to complement the candy's rich chocolate coating, enhancing the nutty undertones and providing a luxurious tasting moment.
• Creamy Milk Matchmaker: Cold whole milk offers a smooth, classic pairing that softens the chocolate's intensity and cleanses the palate between each delectable bite of Martha Washington Candy.
• Bourbon Bliss Pairing: A smooth Kentucky bourbon brings out the vanilla and pecan flavors, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that elevates the candy's complex taste profile.

How To Store Martha Washington Candy Like A Pro

• Store candies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, keeping them fresh for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual candies in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let frozen or refrigerated candies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly and enhance flavor before enjoying.
• Use wax paper or parchment paper between candy layers to maintain their shape and prevent chocolatey mess during storage.

FAQs For Martha Washington Candy Lovers

• Are Martha Washington Candies difficult to make?

No, these candies are surprisingly simple to prepare. With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can successfully create them in their home kitchen.

• Do I need special equipment to make these candies?

You only need standard kitchen tools like a saucepan, mixing bowl, baking sheet, and a double boiler (or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water) to make these delicious treats.

• Can I substitute pecans with another nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts work perfectly as an alternative to pecans. Just chop them to a similar size and follow the same recipe steps for equally delicious results.

Martha Washington Candy Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet martha washington candy offers a nostalgic journey through classic southern confectionery. Creamy coconut centers dipped in rich chocolate create a delightful treat you can savor with memories of grandma’s kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Nuts and Flavoring:

• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Coating Ingredients:

• 16 oz semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp vegetable shortening

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large mixing bowl and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy candy removal and cleanup.
2. Combine sweetened condensed milk and unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melting together over medium heat while stirring constantly until smooth and fully integrated.
3. Remove the mixture from heat and gradually fold in powdered sugar, stirring vigorously until a thick, uniform dough forms with no visible sugar granules.
4. Incorporate chopped pecans and vanilla extract into the mixture, kneading thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the candy base.
5. Using clean hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into uniform bite-sized balls, placing them carefully on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Chill the formed candies in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes to firm up and make dipping easier.
7. Create a double boiler by placing semisweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in a heat-safe bowl set over simmering water, stirring until completely melted and glossy.
8. Using a dipping fork or skewer, carefully submerge each chilled candy ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring complete coverage and allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
9. Return chocolate-coated candies to the parchment-lined sheet and refrigerate for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chocolate sets completely.
10. Store the finished Martha Washington Candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Notes

• Keep ingredients at room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending and prevent lumpy texture.
• Use a silicone spatula for easier mixing and scraping down sides of the bowl, reducing waste and achieving consistent candy texture.
• Experiment with alternative nuts like almonds or walnuts for different flavor profiles and personalized taste experiences.
• For gluten-free version, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially powdered sugar and chocolate chips.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 168
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg