Grandmother’s Cherished Martha Washington Candy Recipe

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my mind whenever I think about this Martha Washington candy creation.

Clusters of sugary goodness beckon with their irresistible charm.

Homemade treats like these connect generations through shared culinary traditions.

Chocolate and coconut mingle in a delightful symphony of flavors that whisper comfort.

Unwrapping a piece and feeling instant nostalgia wash over you.

Simple ingredients come together to craft something truly magical.

Each bite promises a little piece of edible happiness that you’ll want to savor slowly.

Let’s transform humble pantry staples into a delectable confection that will become your new favorite sweet indulgence.

Martha Washington Candy Questions Explained

• What makes Martha Washington Candy so special?

These candies are a classic homemade treat that combines rich, creamy coconut-pecan filling with a smooth chocolate coating. They’re named after Martha Washington and have been a beloved holiday confection for generations.

• Are these candies difficult to make?

Not at all! While they require a few steps, the process is straightforward. The most important parts are chilling the filling and carefully dipping the balls in chocolate. Even beginner bakers can successfully make these delightful candies.

• Can I substitute any ingredients in the recipe?

Yes! You can swap pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds. If you don’t like coconut, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely. For the chocolate coating, you can use milk, dark, or white chocolate depending on your preference.

• How long do these candies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Martha Washington Candies can last up to two weeks. They’re perfect for making ahead of time for holiday gifting or special occasions.

What Makes Martha Washington Candy Special

• Crafting Creamy Comfort: These Martha Washington Candies deliver a luxurious blend of buttery softness and sweet richness that melts perfectly in your mouth.
• Quick No-Bake Magic: Whip up these delightful treats without turning on the oven, making them an effortless dessert for busy home bakers seeking delicious results in minimal time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Delight: Experience a sensational combination of smooth chocolate coating, crunchy pecans, and coconut-studded filling that creates an irresistible multi-layered treat perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
• Versatile Holiday Showstopper: Ideal for Christmas gifting, potlucks, or special occasions, these candies offer a homemade touch that impresses family and friends with minimal culinary expertise required.

Everything Needed For Martha Washington Candy

Main Ingredients:

• Butter, Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy foundation that provides rich texture and sweet flavor, softened butter ensures smooth mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Essential for creating thick, sticky candy dough with perfect consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor depth to the candy filling.

• Shredded Coconut, Chopped Pecans: Provide delightful texture and nutty character to the candy center, toasted pecans offer enhanced flavor.

• Chocolate Chips, Vegetable Shortening: Smooth chocolate coating that creates glossy, professional finish, shortening helps chocolate melt evenly and provides shine.

How To Make Martha Washington Candy Easily

Step 1: Blend Filling Ingredients

• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 2: Create Candy Balls

Scoop small portions of the filling and roll into compact spheres. Arrange these delightful orbs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer for approximately one hour until they become completely firm.

Step 3: Craft Chocolate Coating

Melt chocolate chips using one of two methods:

• Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl
• Heat in 30-second intervals
• Stir between each heating cycle
• Continue until chocolate reaches a smooth, glossy consistency

• Use indirect heat to melt chocolate
• Stir consistently
• Achieve a smooth, glossy texture

Step 4: Enrobe Candies in Chocolate

Retrieve chilled candy balls. Using a fork or specialized candy dipper, submerge each ball completely in melted chocolate. Allow excess chocolate to drip off. Carefully place chocolate-covered treats back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Set and Store

Allow chocolatey treats to set at room temperature. For faster results, place in refrigerator. Once chocolate hardens completely, transfer candies to an airtight container. These delectable treats will maintain their quality for several days when stored properly.

Martha Washington Candy Tips To Know

• Chill for Firm Texture: Refrigerate the coconut-pecan balls for at least an hour to help them maintain shape and make chocolate coating easier.
• Prevent Chocolate Seizing: Melt chocolate slowly and avoid water contact to ensure smooth, glossy coating without clumping.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Select fresh pecans and high-grade chocolate for richer, more authentic flavor in Martha Washington Candies.
• Master Dipping Technique: Tap fork gently on bowl's edge to remove excess chocolate and create clean, professional-looking candy shells.
• Store Smartly: Keep candies in cool, dry place or refrigerate to maintain texture and extend shelf life up to two weeks.

Best Way To Keep Martha Washington Candy Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store Martha Washington Candies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 7 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual candies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Thaw: Remove frozen candies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This gradual thawing prevents condensation and preserves the chocolate coating.
• Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. The candies taste best when slightly cool, allowing the chocolate to remain crisp and the filling creamy.

Pair Martha Washington Candy With These

• Pair with Rich Dessert Wine: Sip a sweet port or sherry alongside these Martha Washington candies to complement their rich, chocolatey flavor and enhance the nutty pecan undertones.
• Match with Classic Coffee: Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the candy's sweetness and provide a bold, robust contrast that elevates the entire tasting experience.
• Create a Nutty Beverage Combo: Enjoy an almond milk latte or hazelnut-flavored hot chocolate that mirrors the candies' pecan and coconut texture, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Serve with Creamy Accompaniment: Indulge with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to balance the chocolate's intensity and add a smooth, refreshing element to each bite.

Twist Your Martha Washington Candy Recipe

• Nutty Chocolate Adventure: Swap pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different crunch, creating a rich, nuanced flavor profile that adds depth to the classic Martha Washington Candy.
• Tropical Coconut Dream: Replace shredded coconut with toasted coconut flakes and add a splash of rum extract for a Caribbean-inspired version that transports your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
• Dark Chocolate Indulgence: Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a more intense, slightly bitter coating that complements the sweet filling, giving the candy a more sophisticated edge.
• Berry Bliss Remix: Incorporate finely chopped dried cranberries or cherries into the filling for a tangy burst of fruity flavor that brightens the traditional recipe.

Martha Washington Candy Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 36 1x

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Description

Sweet Martha Washington candies offer a delightful taste of Southern confectionery nostalgia. Creamy coconut centers and rich chocolate coating create an irresistible treat you’ll savor with pure 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

Wet Ingredients:

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

Coating Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Craft a velvety foundation by whisking softened butter and sweetened condensed milk into a luxurious, uniform mixture. Infuse the blend with vanilla extract’s aromatic essence.
2. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, stirring methodically until the composition transforms into a dense, malleable consistency. Gently fold shredded coconut and chopped pecans throughout the mixture, ensuring even distribution.
3. Delicately sculpt the mixture into petite, uniform spheres using a tablespoon as your guide. Arrange these delicate orbs on a parchment-lined tray, creating a neat arrangement.
4. Chill the nascent candies in the refrigerator or freezer, allowing them to firm and solidify for approximately one hour, enhancing their structural integrity.
5. Melt chocolate chips with vegetable shortening using a microwave or double boiler technique, stirring intermittently to achieve a glossy, smooth texture.
6. Carefully immerse each chilled sphere into the molten chocolate, utilizing a fork or specialized candy dipper. Ensure complete coverage, allowing excess chocolate to gracefully cascade back into the bowl.
7. Meticulously place chocolate-enrobed candies onto the parchment-lined surface, maintaining a precise, uniform appearance.
8. Allow the chocolate coating to set naturally at room temperature or expedite the process by refrigerating. Once hardened, transfer the completed confections to an airtight storage container, preserving their exquisite texture and flavor.

Notes

• Soften butter completely at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly with other ingredients.
• Use a stand mixer or hand mixer for easier and more consistent mixing of the candy filling, preventing arm fatigue during preparation.
• Control the sweetness by adjusting powdered sugar gradually – start with less and add more to achieve desired consistency and taste.
• Chill the candy balls thoroughly before chocolate coating to prevent them from falling apart during dipping and help chocolate adhere better.
• Choose high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for a richer, more decadent coating that complements the sweet filling.
• Create texture variations by toasting pecans before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the candy.
• Store candies in a cool, dry place or refrigerate to maintain their shape and prevent chocolate from melting, extending their shelf life.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 36
• Calories: 161
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 25 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg