Grandma’s Sweet Nostalgia: Martha Washington Candy Recipe

Sweet memories of grandmother’s kitchen come alive with this martha washington candy that connects generations through delectable nostalgia.

Creamy coconut and chocolate blend into an irresistible treat passed down through decades of family gatherings.

Childhood whispers echo in each carefully crafted bite of this classic confection.

Rich textures melt together, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Delicate yet indulgent, these candies transform simple ingredients into a magical dessert experience.

Soft centers wrapped in smooth chocolate promise a moment of pure culinary joy that you won’t want to miss.

Every piece tells a story of tradition and love, waiting to be savored.

How To Make Martha Washington Candy

Step 1: Melt Butter and Milk

Grab a big, sturdy pot and combine sweetened condensed milk with unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth blend.

Step 2: Whisk in Sugar

Pour powdered sugar into the warm mixture, whisking energetically to eliminate any potential lumps. Keep stirring until you achieve a glossy, velvety texture.

Step 3: Add Nutty and Coconut Goodness

• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Ensure these delightful ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.

Step 4: Enhance with Vanilla

Stir in vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to infuse the mixture with a deep, aromatic essence.

Step 5: Cool Down

Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes until it’s comfortable to handle.

Step 6: Shape Candies

Using clean hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into petite, consistent balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Chill Initial Balls

Refrigerate the shaped candies for 30 minutes to firm them up and make handling easier.

Step 8: Prepare Chocolate Coating

Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. Stir occasionally to maintain a smooth, glossy consistency.

Step 9: Dip and Coat

Carefully immerse each chilled candy ball into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to ensure complete coverage and tap off excess chocolate.

Step 10: Set Chocolate

Place chocolate-coated candies on a clean parchment-lined sheet, allowing excess chocolate to drip away.

Step 11: Dust with Sugar

Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle reserved powdered sugar over the candies for an elegant finishing touch.

Step 12: Final Chill

Refrigerate the Martha Washington Candies for 1 hour to set the chocolate and allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Pro Tips For Martha Washington Candy Success

• Prevent Lumpy Mixture: Whisk powdered sugar gradually and vigorously to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture in your candy base.
• Control Chocolate Coating: Use a fork when dipping candies into melted chocolate for an even, professional-looking finish that catches every delicious curve.
• Chill for Perfect Shape: Refrigerate the candy balls before and after chocolate coating to maintain their round shape and make handling easier.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let candies rest in the refrigerator for an hour after completing to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.
• Manage Sticky Situation: Keep hands slightly damp or wear food-safe gloves when shaping candy balls to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers.

Tasty Takes On Martha Washington Candy

• Vegan Coconut Bliss Balls: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream, use coconut oil instead of butter, and swap pecans for toasted almonds. Coat with dairy-free dark chocolate for a plant-based treat.
• Gluten-Free Nutty Clusters: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Substitute powdered sugar with powdered monk fruit sweetener for a low-carb option. Use alternative nuts like macadamia or walnuts for variety.
• Tropical Paradise Truffles: Swap pecans for dried pineapple and macadamia nuts. Add a hint of rum extract for depth. Use white chocolate coating instead of dark chocolate for a lighter flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Bites: Replace sweetened condensed milk with sugar-free condensed milk alternative.

What Goes Well With Martha Washington Candy

• Savor Sweet Companions: Perfect Pairings
• Match Robust Coffee: Dark, rich espresso or French roast coffee cuts through the candies' sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile that highlights the chocolate and coconut notes.
• Complement with Dessert Wine: Select a sweet Portuguese port or muscatel wine, which harmonizes with the candies' creamy texture and enhances the nutty pecan undertones.
• Elevate with Chilled Milk: Serve cold whole milk or almond milk alongside these candies, providing a cool, smooth contrast that refreshes the palate and softens the chocolate's intensity.
• Enhance with Nutty Accompaniment: Pair with roasted almonds or macadamia nuts to echo the pecan crunch and add an extra layer of richness to the dessert experience.

Storage Help For Martha Washington Candy

• Store candies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 7 days, keeping them chilled to maintain texture and prevent melting.
• Seal candies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, ensuring they are completely covered, and freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality or taste.
• Keep candies in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat, consuming within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and flavor preservation.
• Gently warm refrigerated candies at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore their smooth, creamy consistency and enhance chocolate coating's shine.

Martha Washington Candy Q&A

• Are Martha Washington Candies difficult to make?

No, they’re surprisingly simple. With basic ingredients and clear steps, even novice bakers can successfully create these delightful treats.

• Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

Yes, you can swap pecans with other nuts like almonds or walnuts. For chocolate coating, milk or white chocolate work well instead of dark chocolate.

• How long do these candies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Martha Washington Candies remain delicious for up to 7-10 days. Always keep them chilled to maintain their texture.

• Do I need special equipment to make these candies?

No special equipment is required. A saucepan, baking sheet, parchment paper, and basic kitchen tools are all you’ll need to create these candies.

Why Martha Washington Candy Is A Holiday Must

• Conquer Complexity: Surprisingly simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, breaking down intimidating candy-making into manageable tasks.
• Customize with Creativity: Swap nuts, experiment with chocolate types, or add different extracts to personalize these classic candies and make them uniquely yours.
• Crowd-Pleasing Confection: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or gifting, these Martha Washington Candies bring nostalgic charm and delightful sweetness to any occasion.
• Minimal Equipment Magic: Requires only basic kitchen tools like a saucepan, baking sheet, and mixing utensils, making it a stress-free cooking adventure for home bakers.

Martha Washington Candy Ingredient List

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: A creamy, sweet ingredient that provides a rich and smooth foundation for the candy.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety texture in the candy mixture.

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the candy mixture, creating a smooth and stable consistency.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical flavor and provides a delightful texture to the candy.
• Chopped Pecans: Introduces a nutty crunch and depth of flavor to the sweet base.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aromatic notes.
• Dark Chocolate: Provides a rich, decadent coating that complements the sweet interior.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Creates a delicate, elegant finishing touch to the candies.

Martha Washington Candy Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet Martha Washington Candy brings nostalgic southern charm to holiday dessert tables. Rich chocolate and coconut create creamy indulgence you’ll savor with pure delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

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

Nuts and Coconut:

• 2 cups shredded coconut
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Coating and Flavoring:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
• 16 oz dark chocolate (for coating)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk and unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and fully incorporated.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar to the heated mixture, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps and create a uniform, glossy texture.
3. Fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
4. Stir in vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to infuse the mixture with a rich, aromatic flavor.
5. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly until it becomes manageable to handle, approximately 10-15 minutes.
6. Using clean hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into small, uniform balls, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Refrigerate the formed candies for 30 minutes to firm up and make them easier to handle.
8. Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure a smooth, glossy consistency.
9. Carefully dip each chilled candy ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork to coat completely and tap off excess.
10. Place chocolate-coated candies on a clean parchment-lined sheet, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
11. Before the chocolate sets, dust the candies with reserved powdered sugar for a delicate, finishing touch.
12. Refrigerate the completed Martha Washington Candies for 1 hour to set the chocolate and enhance the flavor melding.

Notes

• Customize sweetness by adjusting powdered sugar amount for personal taste preferences.
• Use room temperature butter to ensure smooth, lump-free mixture during initial cooking process.
• Opt for toasted pecans to enhance nutty flavor and add deeper, richer dimension to the candy.
• Consider alternative coatings like white chocolate or crushed nuts for unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg