Old-Fashioned Martha Washington Candy
A nostalgic and delightful candy made with coconut, cherries, and pecans, perfect for sharing or as a personal treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, melted Can be replaced with coconut oil or vegan butter
- 1 pound powdered sugar For lower sugar, consider erythritol
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut Unsweetened can be used for less sweetness
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 10 ounces maraschino cherries, drained and chopped Blot dry to remove excess moisture
- 3 cups finely chopped pecans Substitutes can be almonds or walnuts
- 16 ounces candy coating (e.g., Ghirardelli melting wafers or almond bark)
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients in one area to ensure a smooth process.
- Chop the maraschino cherries into small pieces and blot them dry with a paper towel.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix in the sweetened shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
- Add the chopped cherries and pecans, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Shape the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the balls in the refrigerator for an additional 20 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the candy coating according to package instructions.
- Dip each candy ball into the melted coating, allowing excess to drip off, then return to the lined tray.
- Let the candies set at room temperature or quicken the hardening in the fridge.
- Enjoy your Old-Fashioned Martha Washington Candy!
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. To freeze, place in a single layer and transfer to an airtight container after solidifying.