Martha Washington Candy

Martha Washington Candy is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of coconut, pecans, and cherries into a sweet bite-sized confection. This easy-to-make old-fashioned candy is perfect for various occasions, especially during the holiday season. Its beautiful presentation makes it an impressive addition to any cookie tray or a heartfelt gift for loved ones.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Candy Base
• For the Coating
• How to Make Martha Washington Candy
• Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
• Step 2: Combine Ingredients
• Step 3: Chill the Mixture
• Step 4: Form Balls
• Step 5: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
• Step 6: Dip in Chocolate
• Step 7: Repeat Dipping Process
• Step 8: Store Properly
• How to Serve Martha Washington Candy
• On a Dessert Platter
• As a Gift
• With Coffee or Tea
• At Holiday Parties
• In Cookie Trays
• How to Perfect Martha Washington Candy
• Best Side Dishes for Martha Washington Candy
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Martha Washington Candy
• Reheating Martha Washington Candy
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use unsweetened coconut for Martha Washington Candy?
• How do I customize my Martha Washington Candy?
• How should I store leftover Martha Washington Candy?
• What is the best way to dip the candies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills and can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of coconut, pecans, and cherries creates a unique taste that is sure to impress family and friends.
• Versatile Treat: Martha Washington Candy can be made for several occasions, including holidays, parties, or as thoughtful gifts.
• Impressive Presentation: These candies look stunning on dessert tables or gift boxes, adding a touch of elegance.
• No-Bake Delight: Enjoy the ease of making this no-bake candy that doesn’t require an oven.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making Martha Washington Candy, gather your tools to ensure a smooth preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Refrigerator

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spills.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.

Ingredients

For the Candy Base

• 1 cup butter (melted)
• 1 pound powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 14 ounces shredded coconut (sweetened)
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 10 ounces maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
• 3 cups finely chopped pecans

For the Coating

• 16 ounces candy coating

How to Make Martha Washington Candy

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Chop the maraschino cherries into small pieces. Place them on a paper towel to absorb excess liquid. Blot dry with additional paper towels. This step helps prevent excess moisture in your candy mixture.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except for the candy coating. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Refrigerate the mixture for at least two hours. A colder filling helps the chocolate set quickly when dipped.

Step 4: Form Balls

After chilling, form the mixture into balls about the size of walnuts (approximately 1 inch). Place these balls back in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up further.

Step 5: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the candy coating according to package directions until smooth.

Step 6: Dip in Chocolate

Using dipping tools if available, dip each ball into the melted chocolate. Tap off any excess chocolate to prevent pooling at the bottom. Place them on the lined baking sheet to set.

Step 7: Repeat Dipping Process

Continue dipping each ball until all are coated in chocolate.

Step 8: Store Properly

Once set, store your Martha Washington Candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy this delightful treat anytime!

How to Serve Martha Washington Candy

Martha Washington Candy is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or gifting it to friends, these suggestions will help you make the most of this delicious candy.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the candies on a beautiful dessert platter for an eye-catching display.
• Add some fresh fruits or nuts for added color and texture.

As a Gift

• Package the candies in decorative boxes or jars tied with ribbons.
• Include a handwritten note for a personal touch.

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve Martha Washington Candy alongside coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat.
• The rich flavors complement warm beverages beautifully.

At Holiday Parties

• Set out bowls of candies at holiday parties for guests to enjoy.
• This adds a festive atmosphere and encourages guests to mingle.

In Cookie Trays

• Include the candies as part of your cookie trays during the holiday season.
• Their unique flavor profile makes them stand out among traditional cookies.

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How to Perfect Martha Washington Candy

Perfecting Martha Washington Candy involves attention to detail and following some best practices. These tips will help you achieve the best results every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Always choose high-quality butter and chocolate for richer flavors.
• Chill the Mixture: Ensure the filling is well-chilled before forming into balls; this helps with shaping and coating.
• Avoid Excess Chocolate: When dipping, tap off excess chocolate to prevent pooling at the bottom of the candy.
• Store Properly: Keep your candies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and avoid drying out.
• Experiment with Toppings: Consider adding crushed nuts or sprinkles on top of the chocolate coating for extra flair.

Best Side Dishes for Martha Washington Candy

While Martha Washington Candy is delightful on its own, pairing it with certain side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances the richness of the candy.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast to the sweet flavors.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer a crunchy texture that complements the soft candies well.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Pairing with chocolate fondue allows guests to dip fruits or marshmallows into more chocolate.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving Martha Washington Candy over vanilla ice cream creates a delicious dessert sundae.
6. Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake works wonderfully with these sweet treats, perfect for brunch gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Martha Washington Candy, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to avoid to ensure your candies turn out perfect.

• Not drying the cherries properly: If you skip blotting the cherries, excess moisture can affect the texture of the candy. Always make sure to absorb any liquid before mixing.
• Over-mixing the ingredients: Mixing too much can lead to a tough texture. Combine just until everything is evenly incorporated for soft and chewy candies.
• Skipping refrigeration: Failing to chill the mixture before forming balls can lead to melting problems when dipping in chocolate. Always refrigerate for at least two hours.
• Ignoring chocolate coating tips: Not tapping off excess chocolate can cause a messy pool at the bottom of your candies. Tap gently and ensure even coating for a cleaner look.
• Improper storage: Storing candies in non-airtight containers can make them go stale quickly. Use an airtight container for maximum freshness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Martha Washington Candy in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Martha Washington Candy

• Wrap each candy individually in plastic wrap for best results.
• Store wrapped candies in an airtight freezer bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Martha Washington Candy

• Oven: Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C). Spread candies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-10 minutes until slightly softened.
• Microwave: Place candies on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short intervals of 10-15 seconds until just warmed; do not overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a double boiler on low heat. Place candies in the top pot until softened and warm but not melted.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Martha Washington Candy, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions that might help.

Can I use unsweetened coconut for Martha Washington Candy?

Unsweetened coconut can be used, but it will alter the overall sweetness of the candy. Stick with sweetened coconut for best results.

How do I customize my Martha Washington Candy?

You can add different nuts or replace cherries with other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for unique flavors!

How should I store leftover Martha Washington Candy?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for up to two weeks.

What is the best way to dip the candies?

Using dipping tools helps ensure an even coating while keeping your hands clean. Tap off any excess chocolate before placing them on parchment paper.

Final Thoughts

Martha Washington Candy is a delightful treat that brings nostalgia and joy during the holidays. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for gift-giving and impressing friends and family. Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts or fruits, making it uniquely yours! Don’t hesitate—try making this delicious candy today!