Kentucky Cream Pull Candy: Sweet Nostalgia Made Simple Recipe
Introduction
Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a nostalgic treat that combines creamy sweetness with a fun, hands-on preparation. This simple recipe lets you recreate a classic Southern favorite right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing hands and surface)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, heavy cream, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Step 2: Continue stirring as the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Cook until it reaches the soft ball stage, between 234°F and 240°F.
- Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Step 4: Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Meanwhile, butter your hands and the work surface to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Pour the candy mixture onto the buttered surface and allow it to cool until it is safe to handle, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Step 6: Once cool enough, knead and stretch the candy repeatedly until it becomes smooth and glossy. Shape it into your desired forms and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature for perfect texture.
- Try adding a few drops of food coloring after removing from heat to make colorful candies.
- If you don’t have butter for greasing, use a small amount of vegetable oil instead.
Storage
Store Kentucky Cream Pull Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep it soft and pliable, wrap pieces individually in wax paper. Avoid refrigeration, which can harden the candy. If it hardens, gently warm it in your hands before pulling again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
What is the soft ball stage?
The soft ball stage is a candy-making term indicating that syrup reaches between 234°F and 240°F. At this temperature, dropping a bit of syrup in cold water forms a soft, flexible ball that flattens when pressed.
Can I make this candy without corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and keeps the candy smooth. You can try substituting with honey or glucose syrup, but results may vary and the texture might be less smooth.
PrintKentucky Cream Pull Candy: Sweet Nostalgia Made Simple Recipe
Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a nostalgic homemade treat that combines creamy, buttery sweetness with a soft, chewy texture. This simple candy recipe involves cooking a sugar-cream mixture to the perfect soft ball stage, then pulling it by hand for a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience reminiscent of traditional Southern confections.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing hands and surface)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix together 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Boil Mixture: Continue stirring and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Cook it until it reaches the soft ball stage, between 234°F and 240°F, ensuring the right candy consistency.
- Add Flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse flavor into the candy base.
- Prepare to Pull: Allow the hot candy mixture to cool off for a few minutes. Meanwhile, grease your hands and the work surface with 1 tablespoon butter to prevent sticking.
- Pour & Cool: Pour the candy mixture onto the buttered surface and let it cool until it is safe to handle, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The candy should be warm but not hot enough to burn your hands.
- Pull Candy: Once cooled, knead and stretch the candy repeatedly until it becomes smooth and gains a glossy sheen. This pulling process develops the candy’s fine texture and chewiness.
- Shape Candy: Finally, shape the pulled candy into your desired forms or pieces while it remains pliable. Allow the shaped candy to cool and set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use a reliable candy thermometer to accurately reach the soft ball stage (234°F to 240°F).
- Butter your hands and work surface well to prevent sticking during the pulling process.
- If the candy is too hot to handle, let it cool a bit longer before pulling to avoid burns.
- This candy is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Be patient with the pulling technique; it takes practice to achieve smooth, glossy candy.
Keywords: Kentucky cream pull candy, homemade candy recipe, soft ball stage candy, nostalgic sweets, Southern candy recipe, creamy candy
