Description
Old-fashioned Martha Washington Candy made with sweetened coconut, maraschino cherries, and pecans coated in rich chocolate. A nostalgic Southern treat perfect for holidays, gifting, and dessert trays.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 10 ounces maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 3 cups finely chopped pecans
- 16 ounces candy coating or melting wafers (milk, dark, or white chocolate)
- Optional: sprinkles, crushed nuts, or extra coconut for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk to form a thick mixture.
- Fold in chopped maraschino cherries and pecans until evenly distributed.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.
- Melt the candy coating or chocolate according to package directions until smooth.
- Dip each chilled candy ball into melted chocolate, letting excess drip off, then place back on parchment.
- Optional: Decorate with sprinkles, nuts, or coconut before the coating sets.
- Refrigerate again for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick results.
- Drain and pat cherries dry to prevent excess moisture.
- Chill the candy balls thoroughly before dipping for a smoother chocolate coating.
- Decorate before the chocolate sets for best results.
- Store candies refrigerated or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Swap pecans for almonds or walnuts for flavor variation.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake / Chill and Dip
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg