Martha Washington Candy

Martha Washington candy is a decadent, no-bake treat that’s rich, creamy, and coated in smooth chocolate. This classic candy is a favorite for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or just when you’re craving something sweet and indulgent. With a combination of butter, sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, coconut, and pecans, these candies have the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The best part? They’re easy to make in under an hour, and you don’t even need to turn on the oven! Whether you’re making them as a gift or as a special treat for yourself, Martha Washington candy will quickly become a go-to dessert in your kitchen.

This candy is known for its soft, melt-in-your-mouth filling that’s coated in a layer of luscious, melted chocolate. The shredded coconut and crunchy pecans add a delightful texture contrast, while the creamy center makes each bite irresistible. With its rich and satisfying flavor, this candy is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing your friends and family. It’s also versatile and can be adjusted to fit different tastes or dietary preferences, making it a great addition to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Irresistible Flavor

The creamy, buttery center combined with the rich chocolate coating is a flavor combination you won’t be able to resist.

2. Quick and Easy

In just 30 minutes, you can have a batch of homemade candies ready to enjoy or gift to someone special.

3. Perfect for Gifting

Martha Washington candy is beautifully bite-sized, making it perfect for wrapping up as a gift for friends, family, or colleagues.

4. No-Bake Recipe

This candy requires no baking, which means less mess and no need to worry about heating up the oven, especially in warmer weather.

5. Customizable

You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, whether that’s swapping the pecans for almonds or adding extra coconut.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 lbs powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 package shredded coconut
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 package chocolate chips

Variations

• Nut-Free: Replace the pecans with more shredded coconut or a different crunchy topping, such as crushed graham crackers.
• Darker Chocolate Coating: Use dark chocolate chips or a combination of milk and dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Fruit Add-ins: Add dried fruit such as cherries or cranberries to the filling for a fruity twist.
• Vegan Option: Use a plant-based butter substitute and dairy-free chocolate chips to make this candy vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, until everything is incorporated and you have a smooth, thick mixture.

Step 3: Stir in Coconut and Pecans

Add the shredded coconut and chopped pecans to the mixture, stirring until they are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 4: Shape the Candy Balls

Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.

Step 5: Chill the Balls

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill the candy balls for at least 30 minutes, or until they are firm.

Step 6: Melt the Chocolate

In a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips until smooth and fully melted, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Coat the Candy Balls

Once the candy balls have chilled and are firm, dip each one into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated.

Step 8: Set the Chocolate

Place the coated candy balls back on the wax paper and let the chocolate set at room temperature, or speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

Step 9: Enjoy

Once the chocolate is set, your Martha Washington candy is ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure the butter is softened: Using softened butter will make the creaming process much easier and ensure the texture of the candy is smooth.
• Chill the mixture: If the candy mixture becomes too soft to roll into balls, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before shaping.
• Use high-quality chocolate: The chocolate coating is a key element of the flavor, so be sure to use good-quality chocolate chips for the best result.
• Let the chocolate fully set: Allow the chocolate coating to completely firm up before serving or storing to prevent any mess or smudging.
• Chill thoroughly: For the best texture and firmness, make sure the candy balls are well-chilled before dipping them in chocolate.

How to Serve

Martha Washington candy is best served chilled or at room temperature. You can serve them as a sweet treat at the end of a meal, add them to a dessert platter, or present them as part of a gift basket. They’re also perfect for holiday gatherings, party favors, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Martha Washington candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks. Be sure to separate layers of candy with wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Freezing

These candies freeze well! To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

While Martha Washington candy is best served chilled or at room temperature, you can gently reheat the chocolate in a double boiler if you want to melt the coating for a drizzle effect.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of nut in this recipe?

Yes! You can use almonds, walnuts, or even hazelnuts if you prefer a different flavor.

2. Can I make these candies ahead of time?

Yes, Martha Washington candies can be made several days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

3. Can I use a different type of chocolate for coating?

Yes, you can use milk, dark, or white chocolate for the coating. Just make sure to melt it gently to avoid burning.

4. How can I make these candies gluten-free?

This recipe is already naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any flour or gluten-based ingredients.

5. Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?

Sweetened coconut works just as well in this recipe, but it will make the candy a bit sweeter.

6. How do I store the leftover candies?

Store the leftover candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.

7. Can I use sweetened condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free version?

Yes, you can use sweetened condensed coconut milk to make these candies dairy-free.

8. What should I do if the candy mixture is too soft to shape?

If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm up before rolling it into balls.

9. Can I add other mix-ins like dried fruit?

Absolutely! You can add dried cranberries, raisins, or any other dried fruit to customize the candy.

10. How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?

Allow the chocolate coating to cool gradually and set at room temperature, or chill it gently for the best texture.

Conclusion

Martha Washington candy is the ultimate indulgence—creamy, sweet, and covered in rich chocolate. With a simple list of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create this delightful candy at home to enjoy or share with others. Whether it’s for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, Martha Washington candy is sure to become a favorite in your candy-making repertoire. Don’t forget to store extras for later or gift them to your loved ones!

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