Martha Washington Candy

Martha Washington Candy is a delightful treat that combines coconut, pecans, and cherries for an indulgent flavor that feels like a cozy hug. This easy-to-make old-fashioned candy is perfect for the holidays and makes for a fantastic gift or an impressive addition to any cookie tray. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, this candy brings joy to every occasion.

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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 Mixture
• For Coating
• How to Make Martha Washington Candy
• Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
• Step 2: Combine Ingredients
• Step 3: Chill the Mixture
• Step 4: Form into Balls
• Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheet
• Step 6: Dip in Chocolate
• Step 7: Repeat Dipping
• Step 8: Store Candies
• How to Serve Martha Washington Candy
• As Part of a Dessert Platter
• Gift Giving
• Holiday Cookie Tray
• Coffee or Tea Pairing
• Special Occasions
• Dessert Buffets
• 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
• What is Martha Washington Candy?
• Can I customize my Martha Washington Candy?
• How do I make Martha Washington Candy vegan?
• How long does it take to prepare Martha Washington Candy?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious candy without any complicated techniques.
• Perfect for Gifting: These candies look beautiful when packaged, making them ideal for holiday gifts or party favors.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of coconut, pecans, and cherries creates a rich flavor profile that appeals to many tastes.
• No-Bake Delight: There’s no need for baking; simply mix, chill, and coat in chocolate for a fuss-free dessert.
• Impressive Presentation: These candies are sure to impress your guests with their professional appearance on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Martha Washington Candy, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Paper towels
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Dipping tools (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients easily.
• Parchment paper: This prevents the candies from sticking to the baking sheet while they set up.
• Dipping tools: They help you dip the candy balls into chocolate without making a mess.

Ingredients

For the Candy Mixture

• 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 Coating

• 16 ounces candy coating

How to Make Martha Washington Candy

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Chop cherries into small pieces and place them on a paper towel so the liquid can be absorbed. Blot dry with additional paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except for the candy coating. Mix thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Refrigerate the mixture for at least two hours. The colder it gets, the quicker the chocolate will set when dipped.

Step 4: Form into Balls

Once chilled, form the mixture into balls about the size of a walnut or approximately 1 inch in diameter. Refrigerate these balls for an additional 20 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheet

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

Step 6: Dip in Chocolate

Dip each ball into the melted chocolate using dipping tools if you have them. Tap off any excess chocolate before placing them on the lined baking sheet. Be careful to remove as much chocolate as possible to avoid pooling at the bottom of each candy.

Step 7: Repeat Dipping

Continue dipping all balls until they are covered in chocolate.

Step 8: Store Candies

Store your Martha Washington Candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy this sweet treat anytime!

How to Serve Martha Washington Candy

Martha Washington Candy makes for an impressive treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or giving them as gifts, these delightful candies will surely impress everyone.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the candies alongside other desserts like brownies and cookies to create an appealing dessert spread.
• Use colorful treats to enhance the visual appeal of your platter.

Gift Giving

• Package Martha Washington Candy in decorative tins or boxes for a wonderful homemade gift.
• Include a personalized note to add a special touch to your gift.

Holiday Cookie Tray

• Incorporate these candies into your holiday cookie tray for a festive touch.
• Pair with classic cookies like gingerbread or sugar cookies for variety.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve the candies with coffee or tea as a sweet accompaniment during afternoon breaks.
• The rich flavors of the candy complement warm beverages beautifully.

Special Occasions

• Present them at birthdays, anniversaries, or family gatherings as a unique treat.
• Customize the appearance by adding festive sprinkles for different occasions.

Dessert Buffets

• Add Martha Washington Candy to dessert buffets at parties for guests to enjoy.
• This candy can serve as both a sweet treat and an eye-catching centerpiece.

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How to Perfect Martha Washington Candy

Creating the perfect Martha Washington Candy requires attention to detail and a few tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your candies are delicious every time.

• Chill Your Ingredients: Start with cold ingredients, especially if you’re working in a warm environment; this helps the mixture set better.
• Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality candy coating for better flavor and texture; it enhances the overall experience of the candy.
• Properly Drain Cherries: Ensure cherries are thoroughly dried before mixing them into the filling; excess moisture can alter consistency.
• Keep Your Hands Cool: If rolling the candies by hand, cool your hands under cold water beforehand to prevent melting during shaping.
• Store Correctly: Place candies in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, to maintain freshness longer.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different nuts or flavor extracts for unique variations of this classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Martha Washington Candy

While Martha Washington Candy stands out on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Chocolate Fondue – A warm chocolate dipping sauce that complements the coconut and pecan flavors perfectly. Serve with fruits and marshmallows.
2. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the candy and adds a pop of color to your spread.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs well with the sweet flavors of Martha Washington Candy, creating a delightful contrast.
4. Coffee Cake – A slice of moist coffee cake provides a nice balance between sweet and savory flavors when enjoyed alongside these candies.
5. Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites offer another layer of sweetness that works well with the coconut and cherry notes in the candy.
6. Nutty Trail Mix – A crunchy trail mix with nuts and dried fruit adds texture and makes for a great snacking option alongside your sweets.
7. Homemade Whipped Cream – Lightened whipped cream drizzled over chocolate cake pairs well, enhancing both textures and flavors without overpowering them.
8. Spiced Apple Cider – Warm spiced apple cider serves as a cozy drink option that beautifully complements the sweetness of Martha Washington Candy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Martha Washington Candy, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final product. Here are common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Not draining cherries properly: Ensure maraschino cherries are well-drained and blotted dry. Excess moisture can make your candy too soft and affect the coating.
• Skipping refrigeration: Refrigerate the mixture for at least two hours. This helps it firm up, making it easier to shape and dip.
• Using warm chocolate for dipping: If your candy coating is too warm, it may not set properly. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly before dipping.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements for butter and powdered sugar. Inaccurate amounts can change the texture and flavor of your candy.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: When placing dipped candies on a baking sheet, leave space between them. This prevents them from sticking together as they set.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Martha Washington Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored properly.

Freezing Martha Washington Candy

• Freeze candies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid.
• Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Martha Washington Candy

• Oven: Preheat to 200°F (93°C) and place candies on a baking tray for a few minutes to soften them slightly.
• Microwave: Use short intervals (10-15 seconds) on low power to avoid melting completely; check frequently.
• Stovetop: Place candies in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring gently until just softened.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Martha Washington Candy?

Martha Washington Candy is an old-fashioned treat made with coconut, pecans, and cherries, coated in chocolate. It’s perfect for holiday gifting!

Can I customize my Martha Washington Candy?

Absolutely! You can add different nuts like walnuts or almonds or even incorporate dried fruits for variety.

How do I make Martha Washington Candy vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate coating.

How long does it take to prepare Martha Washington Candy?

The total preparation time is about 15 minutes, but remember to refrigerate the mixture for at least two hours before forming balls.

Final Thoughts

Martha Washington Candy is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or gift-giving. Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts or fruits. Give this easy candy recipe a try—your friends and family will love it!