Martha Washington Candy Recipe Most Heavenly Classic Candy

Sweet memories often spark culinary magic with martha washington candy.

Chocolate and coconut dance together in this nostalgic treat that connects generations.

Childhood kitchens whisper stories of delicate confections crafted with love and care.

Soft, creamy centers nestled beneath rich chocolate create an irresistible texture that melts perfectly.

Skilled hands have passed down this classic recipe through decades of family gatherings.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with just a few careful steps.

One bite transports you to warm conversations and shared moments of pure delight.

Explore this timeless recipe and create your own sweet tradition.

Storing Candy the Smart Way

• Store Martha Washington Candies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them chilled for up to 7 days to maintain their delightful texture and prevent spoiling.
• Carefully stack candies between wax paper layers in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh and delicious for 3 months, perfect for make-ahead treats.
• If serving within 2-3 days, place candies in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep them in a cool, dry spot to preserve their soft consistency.
• When ready to enjoy frozen candies, transfer them to the refrigerator and let them slowly defrost for several hours. This gradual thawing helps maintain their original creamy texture.

Sweets and Drinks That Go with This Candy

• Blend a refreshing piña colada that echoes the candy's coconut notes, creating a harmonious tropical taste experience.
• Serve a smooth Kentucky bourbon alongside the candy, where the whiskey's caramel undertones beautifully highlight the pecans' rich flavor.
• Enjoy a creamy vanilla latte that mirrors the candy's vanilla extract essence, providing a warm and indulgent companion to the sweet treat.
• Include a small piece of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa to cut through the candy's sweetness and add depth to the overall tasting experience.

New Twists on Martha Washington Candy

• Gluten-Free Martha Washington Candy: Replace powdered sugar with a gluten-free powdered sugar alternative and use certified gluten-free ingredients to make this classic treat safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Coconut Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk substitute, and replace pecans with toasted almonds for a plant-based version that maintains the original candy's rich flavor.
• Low-Sugar Martha Washington Bites: Utilize a sugar-free powdered sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit blend, reduce the overall sweetness, and add sugar-free dark chocolate coating for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Omit pecans completely and replace with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, keeping the candy's traditional texture and taste intact.

Why Martha Washington Candy Still Stands Out

• This Martha Washington Candy recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners who want to impress family and friends.
• The recipe eliminates oven time, allowing you to prepare delicious sweets without complex baking techniques or long preparation periods.
• Swap pecans for different nuts or add chocolate drizzle to personalize these candies, creating a versatile dessert that matches individual taste preferences.
• These sweet, nutty bites work wonderfully for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as homemade gifts that showcase your culinary creativity without demanding extensive cooking expertise.

Ingredients for Martha Washington Candy

Main Ingredients:

Sweetened Condensed Milk Group:- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy base that provides rich, sweet flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.

Butter Group:- Unsalted Butter: Soft and smooth foundation that adds richness and helps create a creamy texture. Best when at room temperature.

Powdered Sugar Group:- Powdered Sugar: Fine sugar that creates smooth consistency and sweetens the candy. Sifted sugar prevents lumps.

Additional Ingredients:

Flavoring Group:- Vanilla Extract: Adds classic sweet flavor and depth to the candy. Pure vanilla works best for authentic taste.

Nut and Coconut Group:- Pecans, Shredded Coconut: Provide crunchy texture and nutty, tropical flavor. Toasted pecans can enhance the overall taste. Fresh, unsweetened coconut recommended.

How to Shape and Coat Martha Washington Candy

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, grab your softened butter and sweetened condensed milk. Whip these together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until they transform into a silky, uniform mixture with no lumps.

Step 2: Enhance Flavor Profile

Pour in the vanilla extract and blend thoroughly. Slowly incorporate powdered sugar, adding one cup at a time. Continue mixing until the mixture develops a dense, slightly sticky consistency that holds together well.

Step 3: Add Delightful Textures

• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Ensure the add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Shape Delicate Candies

Use your hands to roll small portions of the mixture into bite-sized balls. Place each candy on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving slight space between them.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator. Allow the candies to firm up for approximately 1 hour, which will help them maintain their shape and enhance their flavor.

Step 6: Optional Chocolate Coating

If desired, melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave. Dip each chilled candy into the melted chocolate, using a fork to allow excess chocolate to drip off. Place back on the parchment paper and refrigerate until the chocolate sets.

Step 7: Store and Serve

Keep the Martha Washington Candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week, ready to delight your taste buds whenever you crave a sweet treat.

Tips to Nail the Texture of This Classic Candy

• Prevent Sticky Hands: Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray before rolling the candy to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers.
• Chill for Perfect Shape: Refrigerate the candy mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle and maintain a neat, uniform appearance.
• Customize Nut Options: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile, or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version of the candy.
• Control Sweetness Level: Reduce powdered sugar by 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet treat, adjusting the consistency as needed.
• Proper Storage Technique: Store Martha Washington Candies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.

Martha Washington Candy Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Sweet Martha Washington candies combine creamy coconut and chocolate for a nostalgic Southern treat that melts in your mouth. Classic confections bring comfort and joy to dessert lovers seeking a delightful homemade indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 cups (160 g) sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) chopped pecans

Filling Base:

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 can (14 ounces/397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Chocolate Coating:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (optional, for a smoother coating)

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Instructions

1. Cream butter and sweetened condensed milk in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Incorporate vanilla extract into the creamy base, stirring thoroughly to distribute the aromatic essence.
3. Systematically introduce powdered sugar, blending in incremental portions to develop a dense, cohesive mixture that holds its shape when manipulated.
4. Gently integrate shredded coconut and finely chopped pecans throughout the dough, ensuring even dispersion of nutty and tropical ingredients.
5. Form the mixture into small, uniform spheres using clean hands or a compact scoop, creating consistent candy morsels.
6. Arrange the freshly shaped confections on a parchment-lined surface, allowing them to rest and slightly firm up at room temperature.
7. Optional: For enhanced texture and visual appeal, roll the candy balls in additional finely chopped pecans or dust with a light coating of powdered sugar.
8. Refrigerate the prepared candies for approximately 30 minutes to solidify their structure and intensify the flavor profile.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to make handling easier and prevent sticky fingers while forming balls.
• Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform candy sizes, ensuring consistent texture and appearance across all pieces.
• Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• For dietary variations, swap pecans with alternative nuts like almonds or walnuts, and use dairy-free butter and condensed milk alternatives for vegan options.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 30
• Calories: 159
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 17 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg