Kentucky Cream Pull Candy Recipe
There’s pure vintage Southern magic in Kentucky Cream Pull Candy, a nostalgic treat that’s silky, sweet, and astonishingly fun to make with your own two hands. Pulling candy becomes an event in itself, turning simple pantry staples into satiny, bite-sized pillows with a melt-in-your-mouth texture you just don’t find in store-bought sweets. If you’re looking for an old-fashioned candy to wow a crowd or to make new family memories, Kentucky Cream Pull Candy brings everyone together with its creamy flavor and irresistible charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Kentucky Cream Pull Candy lies in its simplicity—just a handful of humble ingredients transform into something truly special. Each element plays a key role in achieving that signature creamy texture and delicate flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: The foundation of the candy, bringing sweetness and structure as it caramelizes.
- Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps create the creamy, soft bite you crave in pull candy.
- Light Corn Syrup: Prevents crystallization and ensures your candy stays smooth and glossy.
- Unsalted Butter: Lends a subtle buttery note and helps with the pulling process—plus extra for greasing!
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a warm, aromatic finish—don’t skip this touch.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Keeps the finished candy pieces from sticking together and adds a delicate finish.
How to Make Kentucky Cream Pull Candy
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by generously greasing a marble slab or a large baking sheet with butter. This gives you a nonstick surface for pouring and pulling the hot candy. Have extra butter handy for your hands later—trust me, you’ll need it! Set out a candy thermometer and scissors so you’re ready to move quickly when the time comes.
Step 2: Cook the Candy Base
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, heavy cream, light corn syrup, unsalted butter, and that tiny but crucial pinch of salt. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely, then let the mixture come to a boil. As tempting as it is to stir, resist! Let it bubble away undisturbed until it reaches 260°F (the hard ball stage) on your candy thermometer. This is where the magic begins.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Pour
As soon as your mixture hits 260°F, immediately remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that signature aroma. Carefully pour the hot candy onto your buttered slab or sheet, spreading it out just a bit. Let it cool for about 10 to 15 minutes, until it’s firmed up but still pliable—think soft and warm, but not scalding.
Step 4: The Pulling Process
Now comes the part that makes Kentucky Cream Pull Candy truly unique! Butter your hands (generously, again!) and start pulling the candy. Stretch and fold, stretch and fold, working rhythmically for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll see the candy transform from glossy gold to a pale, creamy white with a satiny sheen. It should feel lighter and almost fluffy in texture when it’s ready.
Step 5: Shape and Finish
Once your candy is beautifully light and creamy, pull it into long ropes. Use scissors to snip the ropes into bite-sized pieces—this is where having a friend or family member helps! Dust the pieces with powdered sugar, separating them as you go so they don’t stick. Let the candy set at room temperature until firm, then it’s ready to share and enjoy.
How to Serve Kentucky Cream Pull Candy
Garnishes
While Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is delicious all on its own, a light dusting of powdered sugar not only keeps pieces from sticking but also adds a delicate, wintry look. For an extra festive touch, try a sprinkle of crushed peppermint or a hint of edible glitter for holiday celebrations.
Side Dishes
This candy pairs beautifully with a mug of hot chocolate, spiced cider, or even a robust cup of coffee. For a party platter, serve alongside roasted nuts, chocolate truffles, or other classic Southern sweets to create a truly decadent dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Kentucky Cream Pull Candy in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for heartfelt homemade gifts. Arrange pieces in decorative tins or small boxes lined with wax paper for a nostalgic holiday treat. For gatherings, pile the candies high on a vintage cake stand or pass them around in a pretty basket for a touch of Southern hospitality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Kentucky Cream Pull Candy fresh, layer the pieces between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container. Store at room temperature away from heat and humidity—these candies are sensitive to moisture and will lose their signature texture if exposed.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, you can freeze the finished candy. Place pieces in a freezer-safe container, separated by wax paper, and seal tightly. Allow candies to return to room temperature before serving to restore their creamy bite.
Reheating
Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is best enjoyed fresh, but if your pieces become a bit too firm, a few seconds in a warm (not hot) oven can help soften them slightly. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the candy to lose its delicate texture.
FAQs
Why did my Kentucky Cream Pull Candy turn grainy?
Graininess usually happens if the sugar crystallizes during cooking. Make sure to avoid stirring once the mixture boils, and use corn syrup to help prevent crystals from forming. Cooking on a dry day helps too!
Can I use a different type Candy
Light corn syrup is traditional because it inhibits crystallization. Golden syrup or glucose syrup can sometimes work, but results may vary in texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have a marble slab?
No worries! A large, rimmed baking sheet greased generously with butter works just as well. The important thing is a nonstick surface that can withstand the heat.
How do I know when the candy is pulled enough?
Once the candy is cool enough to handle, keep pulling and folding until it turns pale, creamy, and satiny—this usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The candy should no longer be sticky and will hold its shape when cut.
Is it okay to make Kentucky Cream Pull Candy on a humid day?
Humidity can make the candy sticky and difficult to set properly. For best results, pick a dry, cool day to make your batch. If you must make it in humid weather, store finished candy in an airtight container right away.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a joyful tradition that brings out the best in simple ingredients and shared moments. If you’ve never tried making your own old-fashioned candy, this is your invitation to roll up your sleeves, gather friends or family, and pull together something truly special. Give it a try—you might just create your new favorite sweet memory!
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Kentucky Cream Pull Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 50 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a traditional Southern confectionery treat known for its creamy texture and satiny finish. This old-fashioned candy combines rich ingredients like heavy cream and butter with sugar cooked to the perfect hard ball stage, then hand-pulled to create delicate, bite-sized pieces. Ideal for holiday gifts or nostalgic snacking, this candy captures the essence of Southern Americana with every sweet, buttery bite.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the work surface: Grease a marble slab or a large baking sheet generously with butter to prevent the candy from sticking. Set aside.
- Combine ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar, heavy cream, light corn syrup, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Cook the mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil and continue cooking without stirring until it reaches 260°F, known as the hard ball stage, as measured by a candy thermometer.
- Add flavoring: Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract completely.
- Cool the candy: Pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared greased slab or baking sheet. Allow it to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes, until it is still pliable but cool enough to handle safely.
- Begin pulling: Butter your hands well to keep the candy from sticking, then start pulling the candy by stretching and folding it repeatedly. Continue this process for 10 to 15 minutes until the candy lightens in color and develops a creamy, satiny texture.
- Shape and cut: Once the candy has reached the desired texture, pull it into long ropes. Using scissors, cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces.
- Dust and set: Dust the candy pieces with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Let them set at room temperature until firm before storing or serving.
Notes
- Work quickly but carefully during the pulling stage as the candy hardens rapidly.
- Humidity can affect the candy’s texture—choose a dry day to prepare for the best results.
- Store candy pieces in an airtight container between layers of wax paper to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American – Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
