Description
Martha Washington candy offers a nostalgic journey through classic American confectionery, blending rich chocolate and sweet coconut for a delightful treat. Sweet memories melt together with each creamy bite, inviting you to savor a timeless dessert that celebrates homemade comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 14 ounces (397 grams) sweetened shredded coconut
- 3 cups pecans (chopped)
- 10 ounces (283 grams) maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
Binding and Sweetening Ingredients:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 14 ounces (397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Coating Ingredients:
- 6 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 tablespoons shortening
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk softened butter, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Gradually fold in powdered sugar, ensuring a smooth texture without lumps, then gently incorporate shredded coconut, chopped maraschino cherries, and finely crushed pecans.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 90-120 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and firm up for easier handling.
- Using clean hands, roll the chilled mixture into bite-sized spheres, approximately 1-inch in diameter, placing them on a clean baking sheet.
- Prepare the chocolate coating by microwaving chocolate chips and shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely melted and glossy.
- Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully submerge each candy sphere into the warm chocolate, ensuring complete coverage.
- Gently tap the fork to remove excess chocolate, then place coated candies onto a parchment-lined tray.
- Refrigerate the chocolate-covered candies for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate sets completely and becomes firm.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, allowing flavors to develop and maintain optimal texture.
Notes
- Softening butter beforehand ensures smoother, easier blending without lumps.
- Chilling the mixture completely helps maintain shape during chocolate coating and prevents crumbling.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation and consistent texture.
- For dietary variations, swap regular chocolate with dairy-free or sugar-free alternatives to accommodate different nutritional needs.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20
- Calories: 462
- Sugar: 39 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg