Irresistible Homemade Martha Washington Candies: A Classic No-Bake Treat
Step back in time with a single bite of a homemade Martha Washington candy. These delightful confections effortlessly transport you to cherished memories of grandma’s kitchen or the charm of an old-fashioned candy store. For good reason, these easy-to-make candies are a beloved classic—they are incredibly flavorful and remarkably simple to prepare in the comfort of your own home.
If you’re searching for a fun and rewarding no-bake candy recipe, your quest ends here. These exquisite chocolate-coated candies feature a luxurious filling crafted from sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, chopped maraschino cherries, and crunchy pecans. The combination delivers a perfect symphony of sweet, creamy, and textural harmony that’s hard to resist.
Martha Washington candies are a truly wonderful addition to any festive occasion. Imagine them gracing your Christmas treat menu, bringing a touch of vintage charm to your holiday spread. They are equally perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special homemade touch, or simply anytime you desire a little something sweet, special, and utterly comforting.
The Allure of Martha Washington Candies
What makes Martha Washington candies so enduringly popular? It’s their unique blend of simplicity and sophisticated flavor. The creamy, rich interior, studded with the distinct chew of coconut, the bright burst of cherry, and the earthy crunch of pecans, creates a multi-layered sensory experience. Encased in a crisp shell of chocolate, each candy is a miniature masterpiece that delights both the eyes and the palate.
The no-bake aspect is a game-changer, making these confections accessible to even novice candy makers. Without the need for ovens or complex cooking techniques, you can achieve professional-looking and tasting candies with minimal fuss. This ease makes them an ideal project for baking with children or when you need a impressive treat without spending hours over a hot stove.
Beyond their delightful taste and texture, these candies hold a special place in the heart of American confectionery. They represent a bygone era of homemade goodness, a testament to recipes passed down through generations. Making them at home isn’t just about creating a sweet treat; it’s about preserving a culinary tradition and sharing a piece of history with loved ones.
They are also fantastic for gifting to family and friends during the holidays or any special occasion. Package them in decorative boxes or bags, and you have a thoughtful, handmade present that is sure to be appreciated. Or, if you prefer, keep them all to yourself – your secret is safe with us!
Just be sure to give these tasty little cherry coconut bonbons a try. They are a special, nostalgic treat that is certain to win you over with their irresistible charm and flavor.
Why are they called Martha Washingtons?
Interestingly, Martha Washington candies are not named after America’s first First Lady. Instead, they owe their name to a prominent candy store chain. The ingenious creator of this recipe successfully trademarked “The Martha Washington Candy Store” in 1906, opening his first confectionery outlet that very same year. The brand quickly grew in popularity, expanding across the nation.
At its peak, the Martha Washington Candy Store chain boasted over 200 retail locations and 15 factories, a true testament to its widespread success and the appeal of its sweet treats. However, the economic devastation of the Great Depression in the 1920s eventually led to the closure of these beloved stores. Fortunately, the legacy of this iconic recipe and its namesake candies survived, continuing to bring joy to generations of candy lovers long after the stores closed their doors.
Customizing Your Classic: Easy Alterations & Creative Twists
While this candy recipe is truly perfect as written, it also offers fantastic flexibility for personalization. Feel free to experiment with ingredients you have on hand or adapt it to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences. Making it your own is part of the fun!
If maraschino cherries aren’t to your liking, simply omit them. This slight modification creates a confection very similar to traditional coconut bonbons, reminiscent of many grandma’s classic recipes, such as the delightful Grandma’s Coconut Bon Bons.
For an added layer of flavor, consider toasting the pecans before incorporating them into the filling. Toasted pecans release a deeper, more aromatic nuttiness that beautifully complements the sweetness of the candy. This simple step elevates the overall taste significantly.
Beyond pecans, you can experiment with other nuts. Chopped walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes, each offering a distinct flavor profile. If you’re catering to someone with a nut allergy, or simply prefer your candies nut-free (like my husband!), feel free to omit them entirely. The creamy coconut and cherry base is still wonderfully delicious on its own.
When it comes to decoration, you have many choices. Instead of the classic white chocolate drizzle, consider sprinkling the chocolate-dipped bonbons with extra chopped nuts for a rustic look, or use festive sprinkles for a vibrant, celebratory touch. These candies also look perfectly elegant and inviting even when left undecorated, showcasing the smooth, dark chocolate coating.
Make Them Ahead of Time: The Ultimate Convenience
One of the fantastic advantages of Martha Washington candies is their make-ahead potential, which significantly streamlines your holiday baking or party preparation. You can prepare the delicious centers up to three months in advance. Simply scoop them onto a wax paper-lined cookie sheet and freeze them for about two hours until firm. Once solid, transfer the centers to a freezer-safe, airtight container and store them in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful treats, simply retrieve the frozen centers, dip them in your preferred melted chocolate, allow the chocolate to set, and they’re ready to be served. This method allows you to spread out the candy-making process, making it less daunting and more enjoyable, especially during busy times.
These candies are not only a treat to eat but also a joy to make, offering a satisfying project that yields delicious rewards. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or trying your hand at no-bake treats for the first time, Martha Washington candies promise a delightful experience from start to finish.
More Great Candy Recipes
Crunchy Buckeyes With Rice Krispies
Homemade Mounds Coconut Candies
Old Fashioned Date Balls
Snowman Coconut Truffles
Martha Washington Candies
Carlee
48 Coconut Cherry Bonbons
One bite of a homemade Martha Washington candy and you will be transported to your grandma’s kitchen or an old timey candy store. These easy candies are a classic for good reason, they are really tasty. But the best part is they are easy to make at home.
20 mins
2 hrs 30 mins
2 hrs 50 mins
Equipment
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OXO Good Grips Small Cookie Scoop
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Farberware Stainless Series 2-Quart Double Boiler
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Dough Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 10 oz maraschino cherries
- 1 pound melting chocolate
- 1 cup white candy melts
Instructions
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Chop the maraschino cherries relatively finely and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Set aside.10 oz maraschino cherries
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In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.1 cup salted butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Gently stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and the prepared chopped cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.3 cups sweetened shredded coconut, 2 cups chopped pecans
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Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to handle and roll.
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Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, portion out the candy mixture. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
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Once all the candy centers are scooped and rolled into balls, place the baking sheet filled with candies in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. This prolonged chilling ensures they are firm enough for dipping.
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Next, prepare your melting chocolate. Melt it in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second increments and stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler for a more controlled melting process.1 pound melting chocolate
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Using a fork or a candy dipping tool, carefully dip each chilled candy ball into the melted chocolate. Tap off any excess chocolate gently before placing the coated candy back onto the parchment paper.
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Melt the white candy melts in a separate microwave-safe bowl, following the same 30-second increment method, until fully melted and smooth.1 cup white candy melts
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Transfer the melted white chocolate into a piping bag or a small plastic bag. Snip a tiny hole in one corner of the bag. Drizzle the white chocolate decoratively over the tops of the chocolate-coated candies.
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Allow the candies to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm. Once set, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness.
Notes
If you’re pressed for time, you can place the rolled balls of filling in the freezer for 30 minutes instead of chilling them in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This quickens the firming process.
The candy centers can be made well in advance and frozen. This allows you to dip them in chocolate at a later date, making holiday preparation much easier.
These versatile candies are delicious whether dipped in dark, milk, or even semi-sweet chocolate. Choose whichever variety you prefer to best suit your taste!
Video
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1candy |
Calories: 234kcal |
Carbohydrates: 30g |
Protein: 2g |
Fat: 12g |
Saturated Fat: 6g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g |
Cholesterol: 16mg |
Sodium: 69mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 26g
“Cooking With Carlee” is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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Conclusion: A Sweet Legacy for Your Kitchen
Martha Washington candies are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful journey into the past, offering a taste of tradition with every bite. Their simple no-bake preparation, combined with the rich flavors of coconut, cherries, pecans, and chocolate, makes them a perfect project for any home cook looking to create something truly special. Whether you’re making them for festive gatherings, thoughtful gifts, or simply to indulge your own sweet cravings, these classic candies are guaranteed to bring smiles and warmth.
We encourage you to embark on this sweet adventure and experience the joy of making your own batch of homemade Martha Washington candies. Share them with loved ones, create new memories, and keep this wonderful nostalgic tradition alive in your kitchen. Happy candy making!