Some of my earliest holiday memories involve sneaking bites of Martha Washington Candy from my grandma’s dessert table. It was always a highlight! I never realized that these cream cheese candies could actually offer a bit of nutritional goodness! It’s all about balance, right? I’m excited to share how I’ve tweaked my grandma’s recipe to be a slightly more nourishing treat for my own family. Join me, fellow busy moms, as we rediscover this classic with a simple nutrition twist!
It’s amazing what you can learn in the kitchen. When I first tried making Martha Washington Candy, my biggest challenge was getting the texture just right. I quickly learned that the quality of the coconut and the freshness of the cream cheese were key! Now, I even sneak in a little bit of protein powder to make them even more satisfying and to help balance blood sugar! It’s my little nutrition secret for this Southern candy. Because we all know that as moms, we need to make sure we get enough protein, too!
“Mom, these Martha Washington Candy treats are amazing!” That’s what my kids said the first time they tasted my version! I was honestly surprised by how much they loved them! I added a touch more vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt, and it seemed to make all the difference. Plus, I felt good knowing they were enjoying a sweet treat that wasn’t loaded with artificial ingredients. It’s a total dinnertime nutrition win! And, I love that my family enjoys them, too!
I first learned about Martha Washington Candy from an old church cookbook. Mrs. Henderson, bless her heart, had submitted her family recipe. It was so simple and straightforward! What drew me in was the short ingredient list and the fact that it felt like a special, old-fashioned treat. I knew I could put my own nutrition spin on it, and I haven’t looked back since. This old recipe has been such a blessing for my family!
Around the holidays, my family’s immune systems could always use a little extra support. These Martha Washington Candy treats, with their healthy fats from the coconut and cream cheese, help keep everyone feeling their best! Plus, the bit of sweetness makes everyone happy during a time of year that can get pretty stressful! If you’re a busy mom looking for simple ways to nourish your family, then you’re in the right place. Let’s get started!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is the base! It provides a creamy texture and some healthy fats.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: The traditional sweetener, but feel free to experiment with alternatives.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor. I buy the good stuff for maximum flavor impact.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 2 cups shredded coconut: The star of the show! Provides texture, flavor, and some fiber!
- Optional: 2 scoops vanilla protein powder: This is my little nutrition booster for my Martha Washington Candy.
Trust me, this Martha Washington Candy ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! I always have these ingredients on hand!
No worries if you don’t have regular shredded coconut! I use unsweetened coconut flakes for less added sugar in my Martha Washington Candy. It gives them a nice chew!
You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. I usually stock up when they’re on sale so I can whip up a batch of these cream cheese candies anytime!
This Martha Washington Candy proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive! Cream cheese is often on sale, especially around the holidays.
Here’s a Martha Washington Candy nutrition hack that changed our family’s health! I soak my shredded coconut in a little bit of warm water before adding it to the mixture. It makes it even more moist and delicious!
My family gets extra nutrition when I add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to the Martha Washington Candy mixture. You can’t even taste it, but it adds a boost of omega-3s and fiber! I love that my family has no idea that I sneak these healthy ingredients in!
Let’s Make it Happen!
- First, in a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This is a crucial step for getting the right texture for your Martha Washington Candy. I like to use my stand mixer for this, but a hand mixer works just fine, too! It should only take a minute or two to get it nice and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until it’s fully incorporated. Be careful not to add it all at once, or you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar! I usually add it in about half-cup increments.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. This is where the magic happens! The vanilla adds a warm, comforting flavor, and the sea salt balances the sweetness. This cream cheese candies base is so good!
- If using, mix in the protein powder. Make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This is my secret weapon for making these Martha Washington Candy treats a little more satisfying!
- Gently fold in the shredded coconut until it’s evenly distributed. Don’t overmix! You want to keep the mixture light and airy. The Martha Washington Candy is starting to come together!
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This will help it firm up and make it easier to handle. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! I usually use this time to clean up the kitchen and get organized. This chilling time also helps the Southern candy to come together!
- After chilling, roll the mixture into small balls. I like to use a small cookie scoop to keep them uniform in size. These bourbon balls are going to be amazing! Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- If desired, roll the balls in additional shredded coconut. This is optional, but it adds a nice touch of texture and flavor. Plus, it makes them look extra festive!
- Refrigerate the Martha Washington Candy for another 30 minutes before serving. This will help them hold their shape and prevent them from getting too soft.
In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Martha Washington Candy usually takes about 20 minutes to prep and another hour to chill. It’s a perfect weekend treat that the whole family can help with!
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Martha Washington Candy: I would sometimes skip the chilling time, and the mixture would be too soft to handle. Don’t skip this step! Learn from my experience!
Your Martha Washington Candy should smell nourishing by now! The aroma of vanilla and coconut is so comforting and inviting. My kids always come running when they smell these baking!
Don’t worry if your Martha Washington Candy looks a little messy. That’s part of the charm! These are homemade treats, after all. Perfection is overrated!
While your Martha Washington Candy is chilling, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but it’s important to slow down and appreciate the simple things, like making homemade treats for your loved ones. And with the boost of protein, I feel good that they are getting some added nutrition!
How We Love to Eat This!
The kids devour this nutritious Martha Washington Candy when I serve it with a glass of milk or a handful of fresh berries. It’s a balanced snack that keeps them satisfied until dinner.
This Martha Washington Candy is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! I like to pack a few in my kids’ lunchboxes as a special treat. I also love to enjoy them on my own!
These coconut candy treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any special occasion. They’re always a crowd-pleaser! My family looks forward to these!
I like to arrange the Martha Washington Candy on a pretty platter and sprinkle them with a little extra shredded coconut. It makes them look so festive and inviting! I like to show off these Southern candy treats!
If you have any leftover Martha Washington Candy, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for several days. I like to chop them up and add them to my yogurt or oatmeal for a little extra sweetness and flavor.
For a seasonal variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the Martha Washington Candy mixture during the holidays. It adds a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for the season!
My friends always rave about my healthy Martha Washington Candy! They can’t believe how delicious and satisfying they are! It’s always so rewarding to share my creations with others!
I sometimes serve this Martha Washington Candy with a platter of other easy-to-eat finger foods, such as mini quiches and pigs in a blanket! My kids love it! It’s so easy for kids and adults alike to eat the cream cheese candies with these sides!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Martha Washington Candy really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Yes! While it’s still a treat, the cream cheese provides healthy fats and protein, and the coconut adds fiber. Plus, you can always add my secret ingredient: protein powder! Every little bit of added nutrition counts! These bourbon balls taste so amazing that my kids have no idea that I’m giving them protein, too!
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Martha Washington Candy?
Start small! Offer them just one bite and don’t pressure them to eat more. You can also try rolling the balls in colorful sprinkles or decorating them with melted chocolate to make them more appealing. My daughter loves these Southern candy treats!
Can I meal prep this Martha Washington Candy for busy weeks ahead?
Absolutely! These bourbon balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days. They’re perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying as a quick and easy snack. I love to prepare a batch on Sunday so my family can enjoy them throughout the week!
Can I use a different type of sweetener in this Martha Washington Candy recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Keep in mind that this may affect the texture and flavor of the Martha Washington Candy. I recommend starting with a small amount and adjusting to taste.
Is this Martha Washington Candy gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to use gluten-free vanilla extract and protein powder, if using. That’s one less thing to worry about, right?
Can I freeze these cream cheese candies?
I don’t recommend freezing them, as the texture may change. However, they’ll keep well in the refrigerator for several days. But, I don’t think that you’ll have to freeze them, they are gone too fast!
What are some other variations I can try with this Martha Washington Candy?
You can add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to the mixture. You can also roll the balls in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or crushed peppermint candies. I love experimenting with different flavors and textures!
Final Thoughts:
I hope this Martha Washington Candy recipe brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine! It’s a simple, nostalgic treat that can be made a little more nourishing with a few simple tweaks. It’s a dinnertime nutrition win for sure! And with the boost of protein, I feel good that they are getting some added nutrition!
My Martha Washington Candy Nutrition Hacks:
- Add protein powder: Boost the protein content and make them more satisfying.
- Use unsweetened coconut flakes: Reduce the added sugar without sacrificing flavor.
- Soak the coconut: Make the Martha Washington Candy even more moist and delicious.
Here are a few family-tested healthy Martha Washington Candy variations:
- Chocolate Chip: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the mixture. My son loves this version!
- Pecan: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the mixture. My husband prefers this one!
- Peppermint: Roll the balls in crushed peppermint candies. This is a festive treat for the holidays!
Remember, don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find a version that your family loves. I am constantly making different Southern candy variations for my family to try!
I hope you feel empowered to nourish your family with simple, delicious treats like this Martha Washington Candy. You’ve got this, mama! And remember, if you’re looking for more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out this Candy Corn Poke Cake or read this Martha Washington Candy Recipe from Mom On Timeout, this Top Favorite Sweets for Christmas from Deep South Dish, or what kind of holiday treats will you be making this year? These resources will give you even more ideas for making delicious treats this holiday season!
These bourbon balls are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any special occasion. They’re always a crowd-pleaser! My family looks forward to these! Try them and see what your family says!
Martha Washington Candy
Martha Washington Candy is a classic Southern treat made with a creamy, coconut-pecan filling coated in rich chocolate. These melt-in-your-mouth candies are perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 36 candies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 12 ounces chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in pecans and coconut.
- Shape mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Dip each ball into melted chocolate, coating completely.
- Place on parchment paper to set.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a festive touch, sprinkle with chopped pecans or shredded coconut before the chocolate sets.