Kentucky Cream Pull Candy – the name alone conjures images of creamy sweetness and delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This iconic candy, beloved for its smooth, satiny consistency and irresistible flavor, is a delightful treat perfect for holidays, parties, or simply indulging in a moment of sweet bliss. While its origins may be debated, its popularity is undeniable, making it a cherished candy across many regions. This detailed recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring your Kentucky Cream Pull Candy turns out perfectly every time.
The Health Benefits of the Ingredients (Or, Why This Candy is Somewhat Healthy-ish!)
While Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is undeniably a treat, let’s look at the brighter side of its ingredients. Heavy cream provides healthy fats, crucial for brain function and hormone production. Additionally, the sugar provides quick energy, though moderation is key. We’re focusing on the small victories here!
Ingredients for Perfect Kentucky Cream Pull Candy
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or peppermint extract for a festive twist!)
- Butter, for greasing
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Marble slab or large greased baking sheet
Helpful Tips for Kentucky Cream Pull Candy Success
Choosing the Right Pan: A heavy-bottomed saucepan is crucial for even heating and prevents scorching. Avoid thin-bottomed pans.
Candy Thermometer Accuracy: A reliable candy thermometer is essential for achieving the correct hard-ball stage. This ensures the perfect texture.
Ingredient Substitutions: While vanilla extract is classic, peppermint extract adds a delightful holiday flair. Feel free to experiment with other flavorings, but keep the quantities similar.
Working Quickly: Once the candy is poured, it cools relatively quickly. Be prepared to work efficiently to pull and shape the candy before it becomes too firm.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Kentucky Cream Pull Candy
- Prepare your surface: Generously butter a marble slab or large baking sheet. This prevents sticking and makes the pulling process easier.
- Get your thermometer ready: Place your candy thermometer in the saucepan; ensure it won’t touch the bottom.
- Combine ingredients: In your heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, heavy cream, light corn syrup, and baking soda.
- Cook to perfection: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches 260°F (hard-ball stage) on your candy thermometer. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes.
- Add flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately and carefully stir in the vanilla (or peppermint) extract.
- Pour and cool: Quickly pour the hot candy onto your prepared surface.
- Wait for the right consistency: Let the candy cool until it’s warm but firm enough to handle. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the ambient temperature.
- Get your hands dirty (but buttery!): Butter your hands generously to prevent sticking. Gather the candy into a ball.
- The pulling process: Begin pulling and folding the candy, continuously stretching and folding it until it becomes light and satiny in color and texture. This is where the magic happens!
- Shape and cut: Stretch the candy into a long rope, then cut it into bite-sized pieces using buttered scissors or a sharp knife.
- Cool and enjoy: Place the candy pieces on wax paper to cool completely before enjoying your delicious Kentucky Cream Pull Candy.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Store your Kentucky Cream Pull Candy in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for several days (if it lasts that long!). You can serve it as is, or add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. This candy is great with coffee, tea or even hot chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if my candy doesn’t reach the hard-ball stage?
If your candy doesn’t reach the hard-ball stage (260°F), it may be too soft and sticky. This could be due to insufficient cooking time or inaccurate measurement of ingredients. Try the recipe again, paying close attention to the temperature and timing.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
While granulated sugar works best for this recipe, using other types of sugar may alter the texture and taste. We strongly recommend using granulated sugar for the best results.
Why is buttering my hands and the surface so important?
Buttering is crucial to prevent the sticky candy from adhering to your hands and the surface. It ensures a smooth pulling process and prevents the candy from becoming a frustratingly stuck mess!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Once cooled, Kentucky Cream Pull Candy can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
