Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a well-loved Southern treat that's been making folks happy for ages. This old-school candy is known for its special feel and how it just melts away in your mouth. If you've never tried making this old-timey candy before, you're in for something special! This recipe might take a bit of work, but trust me, it's totally worth it.
Coming from Kentucky, this homemade candy has become a big deal at family get-togethers, holiday parties, and county fairs. Its rich history and unique way of making it really set it apart. Let's dive into the world of this classic Kentucky sweet and learn how to whip it up in your own kitchen.
Why Pick This Kentucky Cream Pull Candy Recipe
There are a few reasons why this Kentucky-style pull candy recipe stands out:
- Real Deal Taste: This recipe nails the genuine flavor of traditional Kentucky cream candy.
- Great Texture: The special pulling process makes it smooth and creamy - hard to say no to!
- Blast from the Past: Making this candy is like stepping back in time, connecting you with candy makers from way back when.
- Show-Off Treat: Homemade cream pull candy makes for a fantastic gift or something cool to bring to a party.
- Make It Your Own: Once you get the hang of it, you can play around with different flavors and twists.
What You'll Need for Kentucky Cream Pull Candy
Before we start cooking up our old-fashioned cream pull candy, let's check out what we need:
- 1 cup boiling water: The hot water helps mix in the sugar nice and smooth.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: This makes it rich and helps get that creamy feel.
- 4 cups granulated sugar: The main sweet stuff that makes up most of the candy.
- Pinch of salt: Just a tiny bit to make all the flavors pop.
- Butter for marble slab: This keeps the candy from sticking when it's cooling and you're pulling it.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla: Adds a bit more flavor to the candy.
Each of these things plays a big part in making the perfect traditional cream pull candy. The mix of sugar, cream, and water makes it just right, while the vanilla and salt make it taste even better. Using good stuff will make sure your homemade candy turns out great.
How to Make Kentucky Cream Pull Candy Step by Step
Now that we've got everything ready, let's walk through making this tasty old-timey candy. Remember, you gotta be patient when making this candy!
1. Getting the Candy Mix Ready
In a big pot, throw in 4 cups of sugar, a tiny bit of salt, and 1 cup of boiling water. Put it on high heat and let it start bubbling. Once it's boiling, put a lid on it and let it cook for exactly 5 minutes. This first bit of cooking helps make sure all the sugar melts completely.
2. Adding Cream and Cooking It Up
After 5 minutes, take the lid off and turn the heat down to medium. Carefully stick a candy thermometer on the side of the pot. Now, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. It's super important to add the cream bit by bit to keep it boiling. Don't stir it - that can make it get all grainy.
Keep cooking until it hits 260 degrees Fahrenheit on your thermometer. If you don't have one, you can test it by dropping a little bit into cold water. If it makes a hard ball, it's ready. This part usually takes about 20-30 minutes, so be patient and keep an eye on that temperature.
3. Pouring and Cooling the Candy
Once your candy hits the right temp, you gotta move fast. Take the pot off the heat and quickly pour the hot candy onto a cold, buttered marble slab. Don't scrape the sides of the pot, 'cause that can mess up the candy's texture.
After pouring, drizzle 1 teaspoon of vanilla over the top of the candy. Using a metal spatula, gently fold the long sides of the candy towards the middle. Then, flip the whole thing over to cool the top. This helps spread out the heat evenly and gets the candy ready for pulling.
4. Pulling the Candy
When the candy's cool enough to touch (but still pretty warm), it's time to start pulling. This is what gives Kentucky Cream Pull Candy its special texture. Cut the candy in half so two people can pull it.
Using your hands, start pulling the candy. Stretch it out, then fold it back on itself, and do it again. Keep this up for about 3-4 minutes. As you pull, you'll see the candy getting lighter and looking kinda shiny. You'll also start to see little ridges when you pull the candy apart. These are all good signs!
5. Shaping and Cutting
Once you've pulled the candy enough, it's time to shape it. Make the candy into long ropes and put them back on the marble slab. Using clean scissors, cut the ropes into pieces about 1 1/2 inches long. Be careful not to let the pieces touch each other, 'cause they'll still be pretty sticky.
At this point, the candy will feel kinda like taffy. Don't worry if it's not quite what you expect from cream pull candy - that comes in the next step!
6. The Creaming Process
The last step in making traditional cream pull candy is letting it cream. Cover the cut pieces of candy with a clean towel (not fuzzy) and let them sit overnight. During this time, the candy will change, getting that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth feel that makes it so special.
For best results, spread the candy pieces out on cookie sheets or leave them on the marble slab. The key is not to touch the pieces until they've fully creamed. If you can wait, you'll end up with perfectly textured Kentucky Cream Pull Candy.
Tips for Great Kentucky Cream Pull Candy
Making old-fashioned cream pull candy can be tricky, but these tips will help you nail it:
- Use a good candy thermometer to get the temperature just right.
- Pick a day when it's not too humid for best results.
- Get everything ready before you start - this candy making process moves pretty fast once you get going.
- Be careful with the hot sugar syrup so you don't burn yourself.
- Don't rush the pulling part - it's super important for getting the right texture.
- If the candy's too hard to pull, you might've cooked it too long. If it's too soft, it might not have gotten hot enough.
Different Ways to Make It
While the classic old-timey cream pull candy is tasty on its own, you can try some different versions:
- Peppermint Pull Candy: Add a few drops of peppermint instead of vanilla for a minty twist.
- Chocolate Pull Candy: Mix in some cocoa powder with the sugar for a chocolate version.
- Nutty Pull Candy: Sprinkle some finely chopped nuts over the candy before pulling for some crunch.
- Fruit-Flavored Pull Candy: Use fruit flavors like strawberry or lemon for a fruity change.
Keeping Your Homemade Cream Pull Candy Fresh
After your Kentucky Cream Pull Candy has fully creamed, it's important to store it right to keep it tasting and feeling good. Here are some tips:
- Keep the candy in an airtight container or tin.
- Store it somewhere cool and dry - avoid damp places.
- Put wax paper between layers of candy to stop it from sticking together.
- The candy can last up to two weeks, but it's best to eat it within the first week.
The Fun of Sharing Kentucky Cream Pull Candy
One of the best things about making homemade cream pull candy is sharing it with others. This traditional treat makes a great gift for holidays, special occasions, or just because. Put it in pretty boxes or tins, and you've got a heartfelt, homemade present that people will love.
Plus, making Kentucky-style pull candy can be a fun thing to do with others. Get friends or family to help with the pulling part - it's a great way to make memories while making something tasty.
To wrap it up, Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is more than just a sweet treat - it's a piece of food history. By making this traditional cream pull candy, you're not just whipping up something delicious, but also connecting with a rich tradition of Southern candy making. So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get ready to experience the sweet joy of making your own old-fashioned cream pull candy. Happy candy making!