Irresistible Kentucky Cream Pull Candy Recipe: Homemade Delight

Sweet memories of old-fashioned kentucky cream pull candy dance across childhood kitchens where patience meets pure sugar magic.

Generations have whispered secrets about this delicate confection crafted with careful hands and rhythmic stretching.

Soft, glossy strands emerge from a simple blend of cream and sugar, telling stories of traditional candy making.

Delicate pulling transforms sticky ingredients into a luminous, pale treat that shimmers with nostalgia.

Mountain families passed down this technique, transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary with careful technique and love.

Regional techniques demand precision and rhythm, rewarding you with a sublime confection that melts delicately on your tongue.

Each stretch and fold creates a silky masterpiece that connects you to cherished culinary traditions.

Let your inner candy maker embrace this delightful journey into sweet, creamy perfection.

Kentucky Cream Pull Candy That’s Soft and Sweet

• This Kentucky cream pull candy recipe offers a simple yet impressive homemade dessert that anyone can master.
• Pulling candy becomes an interactive experience that brings family members together, turning cooking into a fun, memorable moment full of laughter and shared excitement.
• Crafting this traditional Southern candy connects you with generations of home cooks, recreating a classic treat that tells a sweet story of culinary heritage.
• With just a few basic pantry staples like cream, sugar, and vanilla, you can transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary confection that looks and tastes professional.

Ingredients for Kentucky Cream Pull Candy

Main Ingredients:

• Sugar: The essential sweetener that provides the base structure and caramelized flavor for the candy.
• Heavy Cream: Gives rich, smooth texture and helps create the creamy candy consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness, helps with smoothness, and contributes to the candy's overall flavor profile.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic sweet aroma and depth of flavor to the candy.
• Salt: A tiny pinch that balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the candy.

• Butter (for hands): Used to prevent sticking during the pulling process and provide a light coating on hands.

• Choose high-quality, fresh heavy cream for the best results.
• Use pure vanilla extract for a more authentic flavor.
• Unsalted butter works best for controlling the salt content.
• Use granulated white sugar for consistent texture and sweetness.

Instructions to Make Kentucky Cream Pull Candy at Home

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

• Heavy cream
• Sugar
• Butter

In a medium saucepan, mix all ingredients and cook over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture starts boiling. Continue boiling for 5-10 minutes until reaching soft ball stage (234-240 degrees Fahrenheit on candy thermometer).

Step 2: Add Flavor Enhancers

• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Remove pan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Allow mixture to cool 5-10 minutes until comfortable to handle.

Step 3: Pull Candy

Butter your hands thoroughly. Begin pulling candy by stretching and folding over itself repeatedly. Keep pulling and folding until candy becomes thick, shiny, and resistant to stretching. This process requires patience and typically takes 10-15 minutes of continuous working.

Step 4: Shape Candy

Once candy reaches glossy, thick consistency, stretch into long ropes. Cut ropes into bite-sized pieces. Let candy cool completely before serving and enjoying.

Tips for Pulling the Perfect Cream Candy

• Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Stir constantly while cooking to dissolve sugar evenly and avoid grainy texture.
• Nail the Temperature Precision: Use a reliable candy thermometer to hit the exact soft ball stage between 234F-240F for perfect consistency.
• Master the Pulling Technique: Butter hands thoroughly to prevent sticking and work quickly while candy is warm to achieve smooth, glossy finish.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like peppermint or almond instead of vanilla for unique taste profiles.
• Store Smartly: Keep pulled candy in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Kentucky Pull Candy

• Store pulled candy in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
• Place candy in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and humidity. Maintains best texture at cool room temperature for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual pieces in wax paper or parchment paper to protect from air and maintain softness. Prevents candy from becoming sticky or hardening.
• For long-term storage, freeze candy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to preserve original texture.

Best Pairings for Cream Pull Candy

• Pair this sweet Kentucky cream pull candy with a rich, smooth medium-roast coffee that complements its buttery vanilla notes, balancing the candy's sweetness with a warm, robust beverage.
• Select a smooth Kentucky bourbon like Maker's Mark or Woodford Reserve to enhance the candy's regional roots, creating a delightful interplay between the sweet confection and the whiskey's oak and caramel undertones.
• Top a scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream with small pieces of the pulled candy, creating a decadent dessert that highlights the candy's silky texture and rich flavor profile.
• Brew a strong black tea with a splash of milk to provide a creamy counterpoint that softens the candy's intense sweetness and offers a pleasant palate cleansing experience.

Candy Flavor Twists to Try Next

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan butter for a plant-based version that maintains the classic candy texture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to create a diabetic-friendly candy with reduced calories and glycemic impact.
• Flavor Adventure: Infuse the candy with different extracts like peppermint, almond, or lavender to create unique taste profiles while keeping the traditional pulling technique.
• Nut Lovers' Version: Fold chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the candy during the pulling process for added crunch and nutty richness.

Kentucky Cream Pull Candy Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet caramel-colored Kentucky Cream Pull Candy delights with nostalgic Southern charm. Handcrafted sugar strands create a delectable treat that connects generations through traditional candy-making magic you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup light corn syrup

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or peppermint extract for a minty variation)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• Butter, for greasing hands and surfaces

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Instructions

1. Combine heavy cream, sugar, and butter in a medium saucepan, heating over medium flame while continuously stirring to dissolve sugar and create a smooth base.
2. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, monitoring temperature carefully until it hits the soft ball stage between 234-240 degrees fahrenheit, which typically takes 5-10 minutes of consistent stirring.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat, incorporating vanilla extract and a delicate pinch of salt, then permit the concoction to cool for several minutes until it becomes manageable to touch.
4. Thoroughly coat hands with butter to prevent sticking, then commence the candy pulling technique by stretching and folding the mixture repeatedly.
5. Continue the pulling process with consistent motion, transforming the mixture into a progressively thicker and more lustrous consistency that becomes increasingly resistant to stretching.
6. When the candy achieves a glossy, robust texture after approximately 10-15 minutes of dedicated pulling, carefully elongate the mixture into slender, uniform ropes.
7. Slice the pulled candy into delicate, bite-sized segments using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.
8. Allow the freshly crafted candies to cool completely at room temperature, ensuring they set and develop their signature smooth, creamy texture before serving.

Notes

• Precisely control cooking temperature using a reliable candy thermometer to ensure the perfect soft ball stage.
• Buttering hands thoroughly prevents sticking and helps maintain smooth candy texture during pulling process.
• Working quickly during pulling stage is crucial since candy hardens rapidly as it cools, making stretching more challenging.
• Humidity and weather can impact candy consistency, so choose a dry day with low moisture for best results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg