old fashioned martha washington candy

Every year around the holidays, I find myself thinking about the recipes that connected me to family traditions I never experienced firsthand. My late husband Mark grew up on the East Coast, where his grandmother made delicate, candy-filled treats each Christmas. When I first tasted old fashioned Martha Washington candy, I understood why he’d speak so fondly of these chocolate-covered confections.

Now, I make this old fashioned Martha Washington candy with Lila and Jack every December, and they’ve become our own special tradition. These elegant candies combine sweetened coconut, crunchy pecans, and smooth cherries, all wrapped in rich chocolate. The old fashioned Martha Washington candy recipe reminds me that the best dishes carry stories across generations, connecting us to people and places we hold dear.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Martha Washington Candy

This old fashioned Martha Washington candy delivers everything you want in a homemade confection. First, the recipe requires no complicated candy-making techniques or special equipment. Additionally, these candies look absolutely stunning on holiday platters, impressing guests without stressing you out. The combination of texturescreamy filling, crunchy pecans, chewy cherriescreates an unforgettable bite.

Moreover, making Martha Washington candy old fashioned style becomes a wonderful activity for children. Lila loves rolling the candy mixture into balls, while Jack enjoys the chocolate-dipping process (though some chocolate always ends up in his mouth). Furthermore, these candies keep beautifully, making them perfect for gift-giving or preparing ahead for parties.

The flavor profile balances sweetness with richness. Consequently, even people who don’t typically love coconut find themselves reaching for seconds. My sister Grace, who claims she dislikes coconut, devours these every time I make them. That’s the magic of this old fashioned Martha Washington candy recipeit wins over everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for old fashioned Martha Washington candy is wonderfully straightforward. Most items live in your pantry already. Here’s everything you need:

Ingredient	Amount
Butter, softened	1/2 cup
Sweetened condensed milk	1 can (14 oz)
Powdered sugar	2 pounds
Sweetened shredded coconut	14 oz (about 4 cups)
Chopped pecans	2 cups
Maraschino cherries, chopped and drained	10 oz jar
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	24 oz (4 cups)
Paraffin wax (food-grade)	2 oz
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

The paraffin wax helps create that signature glossy coating on old fashioned Martha Washington candies. However, you can omit it if preferredI’ll explain alternatives in the next section.

Substitutions & Variations

This Martha Washington candy recipe old fashioned adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. First, replace paraffin wax with coconut oil for a more natural coating. Use about 2 tablespoons of coconut oil instead. The chocolate won’t be quite as shiny, but it tastes wonderful.

If someone has nut allergies, simply omit the pecans. The old fashioned Martha Washington candy still tastes fantastic. Alternatively, substitute sunflower seeds for a different crunch. For a flavor twist, try adding a tablespoon of cherry juice from the maraschino jar to intensify the cherry flavor.

Dark chocolate lovers can swap semi-sweet chips for dark chocolate. I’ve made this substitution many times, especially when making old fashioned Martha Washington candy for my dad, who prefers less-sweet treats. You can also try white chocolate for a completely different look.

Additionally, experiment with different nuts. Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts all work beautifully. Some folks add a splash of almond extract alongside the vanilla. Grace likes adding a pinch of sea salt to the filling for a sweet-salty contrast in her old fashioned Martha Washington candies.

This Martha Washington candy recipe old fashioned adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. For a delicious twist, consider trying a refreshing strawberry crackle salad creamy dessert idea that complements the rich flavors of the candy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making old fashioned Martha Washington candy follows a simple process. Start by preparing your workspace. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

First, cream together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl. Beat them until smooth and well-combined. Next, gradually add the powdered sugar.

Mix thoroughly after each addition. The mixture will become thick and somewhat difficult to stirthat’s perfect.

Then, fold in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and well-drained chopped cherries. Make sure you drain those cherries really well. Excess moisture can make your old fashioned Martha Washington candy mixture too soft.

I usually pat them dry with paper towels. Add the vanilla extract and mix everything until evenly distributed.

Now comes the fun part. Roll the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Lila and Jack love this step.

Place each ball on your prepared baking sheets. Once you’ve rolled all the candy, refrigerate the sheets for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is crucialit helps the old fashioned Martha Washington candies hold their shape during dipping.

Meanwhile, prepare your chocolate coating. Combine the chocolate chips and paraffin wax in a double boiler. Heat gently, stirring constantly, until completely melted and smooth. Never let water touch the chocolate, as it will seize.

Remove the chilled candy balls from the refrigerator. Working with one at a time, drop each ball into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to roll it around, coating completely.

Lift it out, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the pot. Place the coated candy back on the parchment paper. The chocolate sets quickly, creating that beautiful glossy finish characteristic of Martha Washington candy old fashioned recipe.

Repeat until all candies are coated. Let them stand at room temperature until the chocolate sets completely, about 30 minutes.

Pro Tips for Success

After making old fashioned Martha Washington candy countless times, I’ve learned several tricks. First, invest in a small cookie scoop for rolling uniform balls. Consistent sizes ensure even coating and professional appearance.

Second, keep your hands slightly damp when rolling the candy mixture. This prevents sticking without adding extra moisture to the filling. I keep a small bowl of water nearby and lightly dampen my palms between batches.

Third, don’t rush the chilling process. Properly chilled old fashioned Martha Washington candies dip much more easily. If the centers are too soft, they’ll fall apart in the chocolate. Sometimes I even freeze them for 30 minutes before dipping.

Additionally, maintain your chocolate at the right temperature. Too hot, and it slides right off. Too cool, and it becomes thick and difficult to work with. If the chocolate thickens, simply reheat it gently over the double boiler.

Furthermore, work in small batches when dipping. Remove only 6-8 candies from the refrigerator at a time. This keeps them cold and firm. Mark always said patience made the difference between good and great, and that certainly applies to making old fashioned Martha Washington candy.

Finally, use quality chocolate. The coating is half the candy, so good chocolate makes a noticeable difference. I typically use Ghirardelli or Guittard chocolate chips.

After making old fashioned Martha Washington candy countless times, I’ve learned several tricks. For a fun baking project, you might also enjoy making heart shaped chocolate chip cookies that are perfect for sharing.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Proper storage keeps your old fashioned Martha Washington candy fresh for weeks. Store the candies in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to one week.

For longer storage, refrigerate them in airtight containers for up to three weeks. The cold doesn’t harm the texture at all. Actually, I prefer eating my old fashioned Martha Washington candies slightly chilledthe chocolate has a wonderful snap.

These candies also freeze beautifully. Arrange them in single layers in freezer-safe containers with parchment between layers. They’ll maintain quality for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Interestingly, old fashioned Martha Washington candy doesn’t require reheating. Serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled, depending on your preference. The flavors actually develop and deepen after a day or two of storage.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These old fashioned Martha Washington candies shine on holiday dessert platters. I arrange them alongside peanut butter fudge, pecan pralines, and chocolate truffles for variety. The combination creates a beautiful spread that guests love.

Pair them with hot beverages for afternoon treats. Strong coffee balances their sweetness perfectly. Hot chocolate creates an indulgent double-chocolate experience. Grace loves serving old fashioned Martha Washington candy with spiced chai tea.

These candies also complement fruit platters surprisingly well. Fresh strawberries, orange slices, and grapes provide refreshing contrast. For elegant dinner parties, serve a single Martha Washington candy alongside espresso as a petit four.

During the holidays, I include them in cookie exchange boxes. They add sophistication to collections of traditional cookies. Additionally, package them in pretty tins as hostess gifts or teacher appreciation presents.

These old fashioned Martha Washington candies shine on holiday dessert platters. To create a well-rounded spread, consider adding sheet pan chicken pitas with herby ranch slaw recipe for a savory option that balances the sweetness.

FAQs

Can I make Martha Washington candy without paraffin wax?

Absolutely! You can make old fashioned Martha Washington candy without paraffin wax. Simply use pure chocolate or add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to your melted chocolate.

The coating won’t be quite as glossy, but it tastes just as delicious. Many people actually prefer this method for a more natural approach.

How long does Martha Washington candy last?

When stored properly in airtight containers, old fashioned Martha Washington candy lasts about one week at room temperature, three weeks refrigerated, or up to three months frozen. The chocolate coating protects the filling beautifully, keeping everything fresh and flavorful.

Why is it called Martha Washington candy?

This old fashioned Martha Washington candy gets its name from America’s first First Lady, though the exact origin remains unclear. Some believe the recipe originated in the South, where Martha Washington was well-loved. The elegant appearance and rich ingredients reflect the sophistication associated with her era.

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

You can substitute unsweetened coconut in old fashioned Martha Washington candy, but you’ll need to increase the powdered sugar by about 1/2 cup to maintain the proper sweetness and texture. The sweetened coconut provides both flavor and moisture that affects the final consistency.

Do I have to use maraschino cherries?

While maraschino cherries are traditional in old fashioned Martha Washington candy recipes, you can substitute dried cherries, dried cranberries, or even omit them entirely. If using dried fruit, chop it finely and consider soaking it briefly in warm water to soften before draining well and adding to the mixture.

Old fashioned Martha Washington candy is a cherished treat that combines sweetened coconut, crunchy pecans, and cherries, all enveloped in rich chocolate. This delightful confection has become a staple in holiday traditions, often evoking memories of family gatherings and celebrations, much like the stories shared in candy history.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Serving Size	1 candy
Calories	145
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	5mg
Sodium	20mg
Total Carbohydrates	18g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	16g
Protein	1g

This recipe yields approximately 60 candies. Each old fashioned Martha Washington candy provides a rich, indulgent treat perfect for special occasions. While they’re certainly a splurge, homemade candies let you control ingredients and avoid artificial additives found in store-bought versions.

Making old fashioned Martha Washington candy connects us to culinary traditions that span generations. When Lila and Jack help me roll these candies, I imagine Mark’s grandmother doing the same with her children decades ago. Food carries memory and love forward, creating new traditions while honoring old ones. This holiday season, I hope you’ll try making this old fashioned Martha Washington candy recipe and start your own sweet tradition.

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