If you’re looking for a cozy, nostalgic treat that brings a touch of history and homemade charm to your kitchen, this Old Fashioned Martha Washington Candy Recipe is an absolute treasure. This delightful confection blends creamy sweetness, nutty crunch, and rich chocolate into bite-sized pieces that feel like a warm hug from the past. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll find yourself falling in love with this classic Southern candy that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Old Fashioned Martha Washington Candy Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating perfect texture and flavor. Whether it’s the sweet creaminess, the nutty crunch, or that luscious chocolate coating, every item is essential to this candy’s charm.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Provides the creamy, sweet base that binds everything together perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness and helps firm up the candy mixture.
- Shredded coconut: Brings a chewy texture and subtle tropical flavor that balances the richness.
- Chopped pecans: Adds a satisfying crunch and a distinctly nutty Southern touch.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the depth of flavor and gives the candy a warm, inviting aroma.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Creates a smooth, decadent coating that pairs beautifully with the filling.
- Vegetable oil (optional): Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and ensures an even, glossy coating.
How to Make Old Fashioned Martha Washington Candy Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and a splash of vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until it forms a thick, sticky mixture. This is the heart of your candy, so don’t worry if it looks a little dense — that’s exactly what you want!
Step 2: Shape the Candy Centers
Next, get ready for some hands-on fun. Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls or gently shape them into ovals, whichever you prefer. Place each piece on a lined baking sheet, giving each candy space to chill and firm up without sticking together.
Step 3: Chill to Firm Up
Refrigerate the candy centers for at least 30 minutes. This step is important because it helps the candies hold their shape and makes dipping them in chocolate much easier later on.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While your candy centers get firm, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or use the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well in between. For an ultra-smooth coating, stir in a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the melted chocolate. This trick helps the chocolate glide easily over your candy pieces.
Step 5: Dip and Coat
Once chilled, take each candy center and dip it into the melted chocolate, using a fork or dipping tool to ensure every nook is covered. Tap off the excess chocolate gently on the bowl’s edge, then place the coated candy back onto your parchment-lined sheet.
Step 6: Set and Enjoy
Allow the chocolate to set by letting the candies rest at room temperature or placing them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Once the chocolate is firm, your classic Old Fashioned Martha Washington Candy is ready to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Martha Washington Candy Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra sparkle and flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of finely chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar over the candies before the chocolate fully sets. These simple garnishes add a pretty visual touch and hint at the yummy ingredients inside.
Side Dishes
This charming candy pairs beautifully with a comforting cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a holiday punch. Its rich sweetness makes it a perfect ending to a casual family meal or an elegant dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Old Fashioned Martha Washington Candy Recipe truly shine by arranging the candies in festive mini cupcake liners or stacking a small tower on a decorative plate for parties. Gift boxes tied with ribbon also make a heartfelt homemade present for friends and loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Martha Washington candies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week, making them easy to enjoy over several days or share during gatherings.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delightful treats on hand longer, freezing is a great option. Place the candies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll hold beautifully for up to three months.
Reheating
Since these candies are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply let frozen candies thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying their full flavor and texture.
FAQs
What gives Old Fashioned Martha Washington Candy its unique texture?
The combination of shredded coconut and chopped pecans mixed with sweetened condensed milk and powdered sugar creates a chewy yet slightly crunchy texture that makes this candy so special.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can work wonderfully if pecans aren’t your favorite or readily available. Just chop them finely to maintain a pleasant texture.
Is it necessary to add vegetable oil to the melted chocolate?
While optional, adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil helps make the chocolate coating smoother and easier to work with. It also gives the candy a nice glossy finish.
How long can I keep these candies stored?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the candies last up to a week. Refrigeration can extend their shelf life to about two weeks, and freezing keeps them fresh even longer.
Can this recipe be made without coconut?
Technically yes, but the shredded coconut is essential for the classic texture and flavor of the Old Fashioned Martha Washington Candy Recipe. Omitting it will change the candy’s character significantly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing a recipe with history and heart, and the Old Fashioned Martha Washington Candy Recipe offers just that. It’s an easy, comforting treat that warms the soul and evokes sweet memories. I encourage you to give it a try—once you taste these rich, nutty, chocolate-coated bites, you’ll understand why they’ve been cherished for generations.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Old Fashioned Martha Washington Candy is a nostalgic treat combining a rich, coconut and pecan filling coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate. This no-bake candy features a luscious sweetened condensed milk base mixed with powdered sugar, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla, all hand-rolled into bite-sized pieces and dipped in melted chocolate. Perfect for holidays or anytime you crave a classic, homemade confection.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or melting chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for smooth coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well blended; it will be thick and sticky.
- Shape the Candy Centers: Using your hands or a spoon, scoop small amounts of the mixture and roll into balls or shape into small ovals. Place these onto a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper. Continue until all mixture is shaped.
- Refrigerate the Candy Centers: Chill the shaped candy centers in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until they firm up to maintain their shape during dipping.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl set over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Optionally, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for a smoother coating.
- Dip the Candy: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled candy center into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Tap off excess chocolate on the edge of the bowl.
- Set the Candy: Place the dipped candies back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set at room temperature or refrigerate for about 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely.
- Store and Serve: Once chocolate is set, candies are ready to enjoy. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Notes
- Chilling the candy centers before dipping helps maintain their shape and prevents melting.
- Add vegetable oil to melted chocolate if you prefer a shinier, smoother coating.
- Store candies in a cool, dry place to prevent chocolate from blooming or melting.
- Use wax paper or parchment for easy removal and cleanup.
- These candies make great homemade gifts and holiday treats.
