Dreamy Martha Washington Candy Recipe for Sweet Success

Sweet tooth enthusiasts adore this martha washington candy that brings nostalgic charm to holiday dessert tables.

Creamy coconut centers combine with rich chocolate in a delightful confection.

Generations of home bakers have cherished this classic treat passed down through family cookbooks.

Simple ingredients create magic in your kitchen with minimal effort.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of smooth textures and decadent flavors.

Chocolate lovers will find themselves captivated by this irresistible homemade confection.

You can’t resist diving into this delightful recipe that celebrates traditional American sweets.

Candy That Wraps Cherry Coconut in Classic Holiday Style

• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up these delightful Martha Washington Candies with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking for a hassle-free dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Classic: Packed with beloved ingredients like coconut, pecans, and cherries, these candies bring nostalgic flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds at family gatherings and festive celebrations.
• Versatile Make-Ahead Treat: Prepare these candies in advance and store them in the refrigerator, making them an ideal option for busy hosts who want to have a delicious dessert ready without last-minute stress.
• Impressive Chocolate-Coated Delight: Create stunning, professional-looking candies with a smooth chocolate coating that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant and irresistible sweet treat perfect for gifting or serving at parties.

Martha Washington Candy Pantry Breakdown

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy texture to the candy mixture.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps bind ingredients.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates smooth, sweet base for the candy.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• Coconut, Pecans, Cherries: Provides texture, crunch, and fruity accent to the candy.

• Chocolate Almond Bark, White Candy Melts: Creates smooth chocolate coating and decorative finish.

• Parchment Paper, Wax Paper: Helps with handling and preventing sticking.

Rolling Martha Washington Candy for a Traditional Treat

Step 1: Create Creamy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and blend butter, powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture transforms into a silky smooth consistency.

Step 2: Fold in Delightful Mix-Ins

• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans
• Vibrant maraschino cherries

Stir until all ingredients are beautifully combined.

Step 3: Chill and Set

Cover the mixture and nestle it in the refrigerator for half an hour, allowing it to firm up and become easy to handle.

Step 4: Shape Delectable Spheres

Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled mixture into adorable one-inch balls, placing them carefully on the lined sheets.

Step 5: Deep Chill

Return the trays to the refrigerator for two hours (or overnight for maximum firmness).

Step 6: Melt Chocolate Coating

Carefully melt half of the chocolate almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval until smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Dip and Coat

Using a toothpick or fork, lovingly dip each chilled candy ball into the melted chocolate. Let excess drip off and return to the lined sheet.

Step 8: Complete Chocolate Bath

Repeat the melting process with the remaining almond bark to coat the second tray of candies.

Step 9: Add Finishing Flourish

For an elegant touch, drizzle melted white candy melts over the chocolatey treats. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving.

Candy Tips That Make Martha Washington Treats Memorable

• Chill for Success: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to make rolling balls easier and prevent sticking.
• Perfect Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate in short intervals to avoid burning and stir between each interval for smooth, even coverage.
• Prevent Cracking: Keep candy balls cold while dipping in chocolate to maintain their shape and prevent chocolate from cracking.
• Texture Tip: Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing and ensure all ingredients are well combined before chilling.
• Storage Hack: Store candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Keep Martha Washington Candy Fresh Until Gifting

• Place candies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers, keeping them fresh for up to 7 days.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months, preventing freezer burn.
• Transfer frozen candies to the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to gradually soften without losing texture.
• Never leave Martha Washington candies out for more than 2 hours, as the chocolate and dairy ingredients can spoil quickly.

Martha Washington Candy Serving Partners

Savor Sweet Symphony: Perfect Pairings

• Sip Creamy Coffee Companions: Rich espresso or smooth cappuccino perfectly balance the candy's sweetness, cutting through the rich chocolate and nutty flavors with delightful contrast.
• Complement Refreshing Beverages: Chilled milk or light cream liqueur provide cooling relief and enhance the candy's decadent texture, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Match Nutty Wine Partners: Dessert wines like port or sweet sherry complement the pecan and cherry notes, bringing out deeper, more complex flavor profiles in the Martha Washington Candy.
• Elevate Dessert Plate Pairings: Fresh berries or citrus segments offer bright, tangy counterpoints that refresh the palate between bites of these rich, chocolatey treats.

Martha Washington Candy Sweet Spins

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular confectioners' sugar with gluten-free powdered sugar and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Nut-Free Variation: Substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk and dairy-free butter substitute to create a vegan-friendly version.
• Low-Sugar Version: Replace confectioners' sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining similar texture and sweetness.

FAQs

• What are Martha Washington Candies?

Martha Washington Candies are classic homemade holiday confections featuring a sweet coconut, pecan, and cherry center coated in rich chocolate, traditionally made during Christmas season as a festive treat.

• Are these candies difficult to make?

These candies are relatively easy to prepare, requiring basic mixing and chilling skills. The most time-consuming part is forming the balls and dipping them in chocolate, which just needs patience and careful handling.

• Can I modify the ingredients if I have allergies?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like almonds or omit them entirely. For cherry allergies, you can skip cherries or replace them with dried fruit like cranberries or chopped raisins.

• How long can these candies last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Martha Washington Candies can stay fresh for up to two weeks, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor throughout the holiday season.

Martha Washington Candy Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 30 1x

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Description

Sweet Martha Washington candy offers nostalgic southern charm with creamy coconut centers dipped in chocolate. Delicate pecans and rich chocolate create a luxurious treat perfect for holiday gatherings or elegant dessert tables.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 20 maraschino cherries, drained, chopped, and blotted dry

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 4 cups confectioners sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chocolate almond bark
• 1 cup white candy melts or white almond bark

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Instructions

1. Craft a creamy base by blending butter, confectioners’ sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Fold in coconut, pecans, and cherries, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Refrigerate the prepared mixture for approximately 30 minutes, allowing it to firm up and become manageable.
4. Prepare parchment-lined baking sheets as a staging area for candy formation.
5. Carefully shape the chilled mixture into uniform, bite-sized spheres, placing them methodically on the prepared sheets.
6. Return the trays to the refrigerator and allow candies to solidify completely, ideally for two hours or overnight.
7. Initiate the chocolate coating process by gently melting almond bark in a microwave-safe container, stirring periodically to ensure smooth liquefaction.
8. Carefully immerse each chilled candy ball into the molten chocolate, using a toothpick or fork to facilitate complete coverage and efficient drainage.
9. Position the chocolate-enrobed candies back onto the lined sheets, maintaining spacing between each piece.
10. Repeat the chocolate dipping process with the remaining candies, ensuring consistent coverage.
11. Optional: Embellish the candies with a delicate drizzle of white candy melts for visual appeal.
12. Allow the chocolate coating to set completely at room temperature before serving these decadent holiday confections.

Notes

• Chill the mixture thoroughly to ensure easy handling and prevent crumbling when shaping into balls.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and consistent texture.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the candy.
• Choose high-quality chocolate almond bark for a glossy, professional-looking finish on the candies.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 30
• Calories: 208
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 32 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg