Martha Washington Candy

Introduction

I first encountered Martha Washington Candy at a holiday gathering, and it immediately became one of my favorite treats. These indulgent, sweet coconut-pecan balls, coated in rich chocolate and finished with a decorative drizzle of white candy melts, are the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy coconut filling pairs beautifully with the crunch of pecans, while the chocolate coating makes each bite a little piece of heaven. I was so impressed by how easy it was to make these candies that I couldn’t wait to try them myself. The result was nothing short of delightful! Each bite was sweet, creamy, and satisfying, and my family loved them just as much as I did. They’re the perfect treat for holidays, special occasions, or just whenever you want a delicious homemade candy to enjoy. Whether served as a gift or enjoyed as a personal indulgence, Martha Washington Candy is sure to please.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 20 maraschino cherries, drained, chopped, and blotted dry
• 1 lb chocolate almond bark
• 1 cup white candy melts or white almond bark

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
2. Stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and chopped maraschino cherries. Make sure the ingredients are evenly incorporated into the mixture.

Step 2: Form the Candy Balls

1. Roll the coconut-pecan mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. This will keep the candies from sticking and make them easier to transfer later.

Step 3: Chill the Balls

1. Refrigerate the coconut balls for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up. Chilling the balls is crucial for making them easier to dip into the melted chocolate and ensures they hold their shape.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate and White Candy Coatings

1. In two separate microwave-safe bowls, melt the chocolate almond bark and the white candy melts. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolates are smooth and fully melted.

Step 5: Dip the Candies

1. Dip each coconut ball into the melted chocolate almond bark, ensuring it is completely coated. After dipping, return the chocolate-coated balls to the wax paper-lined sheet.
2. Drizzle or dip the white candy melts over the top of the dipped chocolate balls for an elegant touch. You can either drizzle the white candy or dip the balls partially in the white chocolate for a layered look.

Step 6: Let the Candies Cool

1. Allow the candies to cool completely at room temperature, allowing the chocolate and white candy coating to set. This may take about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 Candy)

• Calories: 160 kcal
• Serving Size: 1 candy
• Total Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 20-25 pieces

How to Serve

• As a festive treat: Serve these candies as part of a holiday dessert table or as a homemade gift in decorative boxes or bags.
• With coffee or tea: Pair these sweet candies with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance their richness and add a cozy touch to your dessert experience.
• On their own: Martha Washington Candies are indulgent enough to enjoy on their own as a treat any time of day.

Additional Tips

1. Keep the butter at room temperature: Softened butter helps to combine the ingredients more smoothly, especially when mixing the butter with the powdered sugar and sweetened condensed milk.
2. Be gentle with the maraschino cherries: After chopping, make sure to blot the cherries dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture that could affect the texture of the filling.
3. Use good-quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate almond bark for the best flavor and smoothness. A good chocolate coating is key to achieving the perfect balance of sweetness.
4. Add a bit of flavoring: You can add a teaspoon of almond extract or coconut extract to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Let the candies cool properly: Allow enough time for the candies to set completely before serving. This ensures that the chocolate and white candy coating firm up and prevent them from being too soft.

Recipe Variations

• Coconut-Almond Variation: Swap out the pecans for sliced almonds for a slightly different flavor while still keeping the same great texture.
• Dark Chocolate Option: Instead of the chocolate almond bark, use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the coconut and cherries.
• Peanut Butter Addition: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the filling mixture for a subtle nutty flavor that complements the coconut and chocolate layers.
• Minty Twist: For a holiday twist, try adding ½ tsp of peppermint extract to the coconut mixture for a minty version of this candy.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Gift: Martha Washington Candies make a thoughtful homemade gift for family and friends. Package them in decorative boxes or jars with a cute ribbon for a personalized touch.
• With a Dessert Platter: Include these candies as part of a dessert platter alongside cookies, brownies, or fudge at a party or gathering.
• For Special Occasions: Serve these candies as a treat for birthdays, holidays, or any special event. Their rich flavor and elegant appearance will make them the star of the dessert table.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Martha Washington Candies freeze well for up to 2 months. Store them in an airtight container, separated by layers of wax paper, to keep them fresh. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Storage: Store these candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They should remain fresh and firm as long as they are properly stored.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use sweetened coconut flakes instead of sweetened shredded coconut?
Yes, sweetened coconut flakes will work as a substitute. Just make sure the coconut is sweetened for the right flavor.

2. Can I use maraschino cherries from a jar?
Yes, be sure to drain and chop the maraschino cherries and blot them dry to remove excess moisture that could affect the texture.

3. Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute, but the flavor might slightly differ from using real butter.

4. What other nuts can I use besides pecans?
You can use walnuts, almonds, or even cashews if you prefer a different nut. Each will add its own unique flavor and texture.

5. How can I make the candies less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling slightly, or use a bittersweet or dark chocolate almond bark for a more balanced sweetness.

6. Can I use dark chocolate for the coating?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate in place of the milk chocolate almond bark for a richer taste.

7. How long do these candies need to chill?
Refrigerate the candies for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up properly before serving.

8. Can I use different candy melts for decoration?
Yes, you can use any color of candy melts for decorating the candies. Feel free to experiment with different shades for a festive look.

9. How do I know when the candies are fully cooled?
The candies are fully cooled when the chocolate coating has set and is no longer soft to the touch.

10. Can I use coconut extract instead of vanilla?
Yes, you can swap out vanilla extract for coconut extract for a more intense coconut flavor in the filling.

Conclusion

Martha Washington Candy is an incredibly indulgent and easy-to-make treat that is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. The combination of creamy coconut, sweetened cherries, and crunchy pecans, all coated in rich chocolate, makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a festive treat for the holidays, a homemade gift, or just a decadent snack, these candies deliver on every front. Their delicious flavor and impressive presentation make them perfect for any occasion, and their easy-to-follow recipe ensures that anyone can make them at home. So grab your ingredients and start making these delicious candies for a sweet treat that everyone will love!

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