Kentucky 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
Scale
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
