Description
Old-Fashioned Martha Washington Candy is a nostalgic treat combining a rich, buttery, and sweet filling loaded with pecans, coconut, and maraschino cherries, all enrobed in smooth chocolate. This no-bake candy is chilled and dipped in melted chocolate to create delightful bite-sized confections perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 0.5 cup butter, softened
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 pounds powdered sugar
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 10 ounces maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
Coating
- 16 ounces chocolate melting wafers
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar into the mixture, stirring continuously until it is fully incorporated and forms a thick dough-like consistency.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and chopped maraschino cherries into the mixture until evenly combined throughout.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour, or until it firms up enough to handle and roll.
- Form Candy Balls: Roll the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the balls for 1 hour to solidify them further.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: Melt the chocolate wafers with coconut oil or shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
- Dip the Candy: Using a fork, dip each candy ball into the melted chocolate to fully coat it. Tap off excess chocolate and place the coated candies back onto the parchment-lined sheet to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Ensure maraschino cherries are well drained to prevent the filling from becoming too wet.
- For a firmer candy, freeze balls just before dipping and dip quickly to maintain shape.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Use good-quality chocolate melting wafers for a smooth coating that hardens nicely.
- Store candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
