There's something truly magical about homemade holiday treats, and if you're looking for a classic confection that brings back nostalgic memories without the fuss of baking, then you've come to the right place! Get ready to discover the delightful world of Easy No-Bake Martha Washington Candies.
These candies are a beloved Southern tradition, known for their rich, creamy texture and irresistible blend of coconut, pecans, and sweet maraschino cherries, all enrobed in a perfectly crisp chocolate shell. Best of all? No oven required! They are incredibly simple to make, making them ideal for busy holiday seasons, potlucks, or just a sweet treat for your family.
What Are Martha Washington Candies?
Martha Washington Candies are a delectable no-bake candy believed to originate from the American South. Unlike many traditional candies that require complex cooking methods, these are made by combining a few simple ingredients into a rich, firm mixture that is then shaped and dipped in melted chocolate or candy coating. The star ingredients usually include shredded coconut, finely chopped pecans, and sweetened condensed milk, along with a touch of butter and vanilla for that signature creamy flavor. They're often associated with Christmas and other festive gatherings, though they're delicious any time of year!
Why You'll Love This Easy No-Bake Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Forget the oven! This recipe involves simple mixing and chilling, perfect for beginners or those short on time.
- Classic Flavor: A timeless combination of coconut, pecans, and cherry with a sweet chocolate finish that appeals to all ages.
- Perfect for Gifting: These beautiful candies make wonderful homemade gifts for friends, family, and neighbors during the holidays.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at any party or gathering, these candies disappear fast!
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to candy-making success. You'll need pantry staples like powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and the stars of the show: sweetened shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, maraschino cherries, and pecans. Don't forget your chosen candy coating! Using good quality ingredients will really make these candies shine.
How to Make No-Bake Martha Washington Candies
Making these candies is a straightforward process, primarily involving mixing and chilling. The detailed steps are provided in the recipe card below, but here’s a quick overview of what to expect:
- Combine the base ingredients: butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Stir in the coconut and condensed milk.
- Fold in the cherries and pecans.
- Press the mixture into a pan and chill until firm.
- Cut into squares and dip in melted candy coating.
- Allow to set and enjoy!
For more general information about confectionery and candy making, you might find this Wikipedia article on Confectionery interesting.
Tips for Success & Variations
Achieving the Perfect Chill
Chilling is crucial for Martha Washington Candies. Ensure your mixture is thoroughly chilled for at least two hours to make it firm enough to cut cleanly. If it's too soft, it will be messy to work with.
The Best Candy Coating
While any good quality candy coating or almond bark will work, high-quality melting wafers like Ghirardelli often provide the smoothest finish and best flavor. Ensure you melt it slowly and carefully, either in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, to prevent burning.
Fun Variations to Try
- Nut-Free: If there are nut allergies, you can omit the pecans and increase the amount of coconut slightly, or replace them with an equal amount of crispy rice cereal for texture.
- Orange Zest: A little fresh orange zest folded into the mixture can add a bright, citrusy note that complements the cherry and coconut beautifully.
- Different Coatings: Experiment with white chocolate coating, milk chocolate, or even a blend of dark and milk for a custom flavor.
- Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the candy mixture for a warm, holiday spice flavor.
Storing Your Martha Washington Candies
These candies store exceptionally well. Once the coating has fully set, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, they can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Ready to create some sweet magic? Dive into the recipe below and discover how easy and rewarding it is to make these classic no-bake treats. Happy candy making!
FAQs
What are Martha Washington Candies?
Martha Washington Candies are a traditional Southern no-bake confection featuring a rich, creamy filling made from coconut, pecans, and condensed milk, often dipped in a chocolate coating. They are especially popular during the holiday season.
Can I make Martha Washington Candies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These candies are perfect for making in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
What kind of candy coating should I use?
You can use various candy coatings like Ghirardelli melting wafers, almond bark, or even tempered chocolate. The key is to choose one that melts smoothly and sets firmly for a good shell. Always follow package instructions for melting.
Can I customize the ingredients in Martha Washington Candies?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can omit the maraschino cherries if preferred, or try adding a touch of orange zest, a different type of nut, or a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. For a nut-free version, replace pecans with crispy rice cereal.
Easy No-Bake Martha Washington Candies
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces 1x
- Diet: Sweet Treat
Description
These classic no-bake Martha Washington Candies are a delightful, rich confection featuring a creamy coconut-pecan filling and a crisp chocolate coating, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, melted
1 pound powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
10 ounces maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
3 cups finely chopped pecans
16 ounces candy coating (such as Ghirardelli melting wafers, Almond bark, etc.)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Stir in the shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
Step 3: Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and finely chopped pecans, mixing evenly throughout the batter.
Step 4: Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and press gently to smooth the surface.
Step 5: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or until firm enough to cut.
Step 6: Once set, remove from the pan and cut into small squares or desired shapes.
Step 7: Melt the candy coating in a double boiler or microwave according to package instructions until smooth.
Step 8: Dip each candy square into the melted coating, allowing the excess to drip off, then place them on parchment paper to set.
Step 9: Allow the coated candies to cool completely until the coating hardens before serving or storing.
Notes
Use parchment or wax paper to easily lift and cut the candy from the pan without sticking. For a festive touch, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture before chilling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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