Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Martha Washington candy! This delightful treat is a scrumptious blend of shredded coconut, crunchy nuts, and rich chocolate that just melts in your mouth. I first discovered these little gems at a family gathering, and I couldn’t believe how easy they were to make! Everyone was raving about them, and I just had to get the recipe. They quickly became a staple at my holiday celebrations. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re such a beloved sweet treat. They’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Ingredients List
To whip up these delicious Martha Washington candies, you’ll need some simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups shredded coconut (make sure it’s unsweetened for a balanced flavor)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (I love using pecans or walnuts, but feel free to mix it up!)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk (this is what makes it all stick together and adds sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that lovely aromatic flavor)
- 2 cups chocolate chips (I prefer semi-sweet, but dark or milk chocolate works great too!)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to making something truly special!
How to Prepare Martha Washington Candy
Making Martha Washington candy is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through each step! Just follow along, and you’ll have these delightful treats ready in no time.
Step 1: Mix the Base
First things first! In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, chopped nuts, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. I like to add the coconut and nuts first, then pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. This helps everything blend evenly. You want a sticky, thick mixture that holds together well. It should almost feel like a dough—trust me, you’ll know it’s ready when you can easily form it into balls!
Step 2: Form the Balls
Now comes the fun part! Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. I find that using my palms works best for shaping. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste amazing! Just try to keep them uniform in size for even coating later on. If you like, you can even use a small cookie scoop to help with this step—super easy!
Step 3: Chill the Balls
Once you’ve shaped all the balls, it’s time to chill them in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This step is crucial because it firms up the mixture, making it easier to coat with chocolate later. Plus, it gives you a little time to clean up the kitchen—win-win!
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While the balls are chilling, let’s melt the chocolate chips. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. This usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes total. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it can seize up! If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a little bit of coconut oil to the chocolate to make it extra shiny.
Step 5: Coat the Balls
Now, it’s time to dip! Take each chilled ball and gently drop it into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to roll it around until it’s fully coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off, then place it back on the baking sheet. You might want to use parchment paper here for easy removal later. Oh, and don’t forget to keep an eye on the chocolate—if it starts to thicken, just give it a quick stir to smooth it out!
Step 6: Final Chill
Finally, return those chocolate-coated balls to the baking sheet and pop them back in the fridge. Let them chill until the chocolate hardens, which usually takes about 30 minutes. This step is essential for that perfect snap when you take a bite. Once they’re set, you can store them in an airtight container, or if you’re like me, just enjoy them right away!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Martha Washington candy turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my go-to tips for achieving the best results:
- Stickiness is Key: When mixing your ingredients, don’t worry if the mixture seems a little sticky. That’s a good sign! It means everything will hold together nicely when you form the balls.
- Chill, Chill, Chill: This step is crucial! Make sure to chill the balls long enough before coating them in chocolate. If they’re too warm, they might fall apart when you dip them.
- Chop Your Nuts Well: For a better texture, chop your nuts finely. This helps them blend into the mixture and ensures that every bite has that delightful crunch!
- Chocolate Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate! Dark chocolate gives a rich flavor, while white chocolate adds sweetness. You could even swirl in some peanut butter chips for a fun twist!
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: When melting your chocolate, keep a close eye on it. Stirring frequently helps prevent overheating and ensures a silky smooth coating.
- Flavor Variations: Want to change things up? Try adding some almond extract instead of vanilla, or mix in a bit of crushed pineapple for a tropical twist! The possibilities are endless!
- Watch Your Portions: If you’re rolling the balls too large, they might not set properly. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter for that perfect bite-sized treat!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a Martha Washington candy pro in no time! Enjoy the process and don’t forget to taste along the way—after all, that’s the best part!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional information for these delightful Martha Washington candies! Keep in mind that these values are estimated and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. But here’s a rough breakdown per piece:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These little sweet bites pack a lot of flavor without too much guilt! Enjoy them in moderation, and don’t forget to share with friends and family—if you can resist keeping them all to yourself!
FAQ Section
Got questions about Martha Washington candy? No problem, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my trusty answers to help you out.
How should I store Martha Washington candy?
You’ll want to keep these delightful candies in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but I recommend keeping them in the fridge for the best freshness—plus, they’re super refreshing chilled!
Can I freeze Martha Washington candy?
Absolutely! These candies freeze beautifully. Just make sure to layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours.
What kind of nuts can I use?
Oh, the options are endless! While I love using pecans or walnuts, you can swap in almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts if you’re feeling fancy. Just remember to chop them finely for that perfect texture!
Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, you can! Using unsweetened coconut will give you a more balanced flavor, especially since you’re adding sweetened condensed milk. Just keep in mind that the texture will be similar, and it’ll still taste amazing!
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No worries! You could melt chocolate bars instead, or even use white chocolate for a sweeter twist. If you’re adventurous, try butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a fun flavor change!
Can I make these without nuts?
Definitely! If you have nut allergies or just want to skip them, you can replace the nuts with more coconut or even some crushed graham crackers for added texture. They’ll still be delicious!
How long do these candies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Martha Washington candies can last about a week in the fridge. But trust me, they’re so good they probably won’t last that long!
So, if you have any more questions, feel free to reach out! I’m always here to help you whip up these tasty treats and make your candy-making adventures a success!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these delightful candies ready to enjoy in no time!
- No-Bake: That’s right—no oven required! Perfect for those hot days when you still want something sweet.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out the nuts or even add your favorite mix-ins. The possibilities are endless!
- Great for Sharing: These treats are perfect for gifting or bringing to parties. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Perfect for Holidays: Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a birthday celebration, Martha Washington candy adds a festive touch to any occasion.
Martha Washington Candy: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Make It
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Martha Washington candy is a sweet treat made with coconut, nuts, and chocolate.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix shredded coconut, chopped nuts, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
- Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the balls for about 1 hour.
- In a microwave, melt the chocolate chips until smooth.
- Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Return the chocolate-covered balls to the baking sheet.
- Chill until the chocolate hardens.
Notes
- Store the candies in an airtight container.
- These candies can be made ahead of time and frozen.
- Use different types of nuts for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Martha Washington candy, coconut candy, chocolate candy