Martha Washington Candy Recipe

Martha Washington Candy Recipe

Martha Washington Candy Recipe is a classic homemade treat. It is sweet, creamy and full of coconut and nuts. Many people love this old-fashioned candy.

It is perfect for holidays and special moments. This Martha Washington Candy Recipe is easy and fun to make. You can prepare it with simple pantry items.

If you enjoy homemade sweets, you will love this recipe. Let’s learn how to make Martha Washington Candy step by step.

My Experience With This Recipe

I first made this candy during a holiday season. The smell was sweet and comforting. The texture was soft inside and rich outside. Everyone loved the chocolate coating.

It reminded me of traditional homemade treats. I enjoy making it with family. It is simple and fun to prepare. Now, it is a regular part of my dessert table.

Recipe Card info

  • Recipe Name: Martha Washington Candy
  • Servings: 20 pieces
  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American
  • Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Martha Washington Candy Recipe
Martha Washington Candy Recipe

Equipment List

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
  • Spoon

Ingredients You Need for Martha Washington Candy

  • 1/2 cup butter (softened)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Mix Butter and Sugar

Take a mixing bowl. Add softened butter and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. This creates a soft base for the candy filling.

2. Add Vanilla and Milk

Pour in vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk. Mix slowly until fully combined. The mixture should look smooth and slightly thick.

3. Add Coconut and Pecans

Add shredded coconut and chopped pecans into the bowl. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined. This gives texture and flavor to the candy.

4. Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 1 hour. This makes the mixture firm and easy to shape.

5. Shape the Candy Balls

Take small portions of the mixture. Roll them into bite-sized balls using your hands. Place them on a lined baking tray. Keep space between each piece.

6. Melt the Chocolate

In a double boiler or microwave, melt chocolate chips with shortening. Stir until smooth. This creates a glossy chocolate coating.

7. Coat the Candy

Dip each ball into melted chocolate. Use a fork or spoon to coat evenly. Place back on parchment paper. Let excess chocolate drip off.

8. Set and Serve

Let the chocolate-coated candies cool at room temperature. You can also chill them for faster setting. Once firm, they are ready to serve and enjoy.

Read More: Dolly Parton’s Holiday Biscuits Recipe

Tips to Make the Best Martha Washington Candy

  • Use fresh coconut for better flavor
  • Chill the mixture well before shaping
  • Melt chocolate slowly to avoid burning
  • Use a fork for easy dipping
  • Store in a cool place for best texture

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not chilling the mixture properly
  • Overheating the chocolate
  • Making balls too large
  • Skipping parchment paper
  • Using too much liquid in the mixture

Serving Suggestions

Serve Martha Washington Candy as a dessert or snack. Place them on a decorative tray for parties. They are perfect for holidays and gift boxes.

You can enjoy them with coffee or tea. Their rich chocolate coating and creamy center make them a crowd favorite. They also look beautiful on dessert tables.

Variations You Can Try

  • Add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries
  • Use walnuts instead of pecans
  • Add a hint of almond extract for extra flavor
  • Use dark chocolate for a richer taste
  • Roll candies in shredded coconut before coating

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store candies in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to two months. Let them thaw before serving. Do not reheat, as chocolate may melt unevenly.

Nutrition Information

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories180 kcal
Carbohydrates22 g
Protein2 g
Fat10 g
Sugar18 g

Health Benefits

This candy provides quick energy from sugar and fats. Coconut adds fiber and a rich taste. Nuts provide healthy fats and protein.

While it is a sweet treat, enjoy it in moderation. It can be part of a balanced diet when eaten occasionally.

Martha Washington Candy Recipe

Martha Washington Candy Recipe

Emily Grace
Martha Washington Candy Recipe is a classic homemade treat. It is sweet, creamy and full of coconut and nuts. Many people love this old-fashioned candy.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 20 Pieces
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil

Instructions
 

Mix Butter and Sugar

  • Take a mixing bowl. Add softened butter and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. This creates a soft base for the candy filling.

Add Vanilla and Milk

  • Pour in vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk. Mix slowly until fully combined. The mixture should look smooth and slightly thick.

Add Coconut and Pecans

  • Add shredded coconut and chopped pecans into the bowl. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined. This gives texture and flavor to the candy.

Chill the Mixture

  • Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 1 hour. This makes the mixture firm and easy to shape.

Shape the Candy Balls

  • Take small portions of the mixture. Roll them into bite-sized balls using your hands. Place them on a lined baking tray. Keep space between each piece.

Melt the Chocolate

  • In a double boiler or microwave, melt chocolate chips with shortening. Stir until smooth. This creates a glossy chocolate coating.

Coat the Candy

  • Dip each ball into melted chocolate. Use a fork or spoon to coat evenly. Place back on parchment paper. Let excess chocolate drip off.

Set and Serve

  • Let the chocolate-coated candies cool at room temperature. You can also chill them for faster setting. Once firm, they are ready to serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use fresh coconut for better flavor
  • Chill the mixture well before shaping
  • Melt chocolate slowly to avoid burning
  • Use a fork for easy dipping
  • Store in a cool place for best texture
Keyword Martha Washington Candy Recipe

FAQs about Martha Washington Candy

1. How to make Martha Washington Candy smooth and creamy?
Mix butter and sugar well until smooth. Use good quality condensed milk. Chill the mixture before shaping for best texture.

2. Can I make this candy ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few days earlier. Store it in the fridge. This helps flavors develop and keeps the candy fresh.

3. What are the key Ingredients for Martha Washington Candy?
The main ingredients include coconut, pecans, butter and chocolate. These create a rich and creamy candy with a crunchy texture.

4. Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk, dark or white chocolate. Each type gives a different flavor. Choose according to your preference.

5. Why is my candy too soft to shape?
This happens if the mixture is too warm. Chill it longer in the fridge. This will help firm it up for easy shaping.

Final Thoughts

Martha Washington Candy Recipe is simple and delicious. It is perfect for holidays and special occasions.

The creamy filling and chocolate coating make it special. You can easily make it at home with basic ingredients.

This recipe is fun and rewarding. Try it today and enjoy a homemade sweet treat with your loved ones.

Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!