Description
This old-fashioned Martha Washington Candy is a rich, creamy no-bake dessert that feels right at home on any holiday tray. With sweet coconut, cherries, and pecans tucked into a soft candy center and coated in smooth chocolate, it is one of those easy recipe favorites that works beautifully for dessert tables, food ideas, homemade candy gifts, and make-ahead treats when you want something classic and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 16-ounce package powdered sugar
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 14-ounce bag sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 12-ounce bags semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons extra shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions
1. Line an 8-inch square pan or similar dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the powdered sugar and mix until combined.
4. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, then beat until the mixture is thick and smooth.
5. Fold in the shredded coconut, chopped cherries, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
6. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
7. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, or until firm enough to cut cleanly.
8. Lift the chilled filling from the pan and cut into small squares.
9. Place the squares on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes.
10. Melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in short intervals, stirring until smooth.
11. Dip each chilled square into the melted chocolate and let the excess drip off.
12. Return the coated candies to the lined tray and sprinkle with extra shredded coconut before the chocolate sets.
13. Chill until the chocolate coating is fully firm, then serve or store.
Notes
Be sure the maraschino cherries are drained very well and patted dry before mixing them into the filling, or the candy center can turn too soft to slice and dip neatly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Keywords: old-fashioned Martha Washington Candy, Martha Washington Candy, no-bake candy, chocolate covered candy, coconut cherry candy, holiday candy, homemade candy, easy dessert, dessert ideas, food ideas