Kentucky Cream Pull Candy Recipe

Introduction

Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a nostalgic treat known for its creamy texture and delightful chewiness. This old-fashioned candy is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet homemade gift. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy this delicious classic at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Butter (for greasing hands and surface)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Butter a marble slab or large baking sheet generously. Keep extra butter nearby for greasing your hands and scissors during the pulling and cutting process.
2. Step 2: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Step 3: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and stop stirring. Allow the mixture to cook until it reaches 260°F (127°C).
4. Step 4: Pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared slab or baking sheet. Let it cool without touching until it is just safe to handle, about 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: Butter your hands thoroughly. Begin pulling the candy by stretching and folding it repeatedly for 10 to 15 minutes, until it lightens in color and develops a satiny sheen.
6. Step 6: Pull the candy into ropes approximately ½-inch thick. Use buttered scissors to cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces.
7. Step 7: Place the cut pieces on wax paper to set and cool completely before enjoying.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure to butter your hands well to prevent the candy from sticking during the pulling process.
• If you don’t have a marble slab, a large metal or glass baking sheet works well as a surface for cooling the candy.
• For a flavor twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or swap vanilla for almond extract.
• Use light corn syrup for a smooth texture; avoiding it can cause crystallization.

Storage

Store pulled candy pieces in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to two weeks. Avoid humid environments as moisture can cause the candy to become sticky. Reheating is not recommended, as it may alter the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Why is it important to stop stirring once the candy reaches the right temperature?

Stopping stirring after the sugar dissolves and the thermometer is attached helps prevent crystallization and ensures the candy cooks evenly to the correct temperature.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

While a candy thermometer is best for precision, you can test the candy by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it forms a hard but pliable ball, it has reached the soft crack stage needed for pulling.

Kentucky Cream Pull Candy Recipe

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4.9 from 59 reviews

Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a classic Southern confection known for its rich creamy texture and delightful chewiness. Made from a simple blend of sugar, heavy cream, and corn syrup, this candy is cooked to perfection, then pulled and shaped by hand to create soft, bite-sized pieces with a satiny finish and a subtle vanilla flavor.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 40 bite-sized pieces 1x
• Category: Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Butter for greasing hands and surface

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Candy Station: Butter a marble slab or a large baking sheet generously to prevent the candy from sticking. Keep extra butter handy for greasing your hands and scissors during pulling and cutting.
2. Cook the Candy Base: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, heavy cream, light corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and stop stirring. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 260°F (127°C), the hard ball stage for candy making.
3. Cool the Mixture: Carefully pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared buttered slab or baking sheet. Let it cool for about 10 to 15 minutes until it is just cool enough to handle safely.
4. Pull the Candy: Butter your hands thoroughly to prevent sticking. Stretch and fold the candy repeatedly, pulling it for 10 to 15 minutes. During this process, the candy will lighten in color and develop a glossy, satiny texture.
5. Shape & Set: Pull the candy into ropes about ½-inch thick. Use buttered scissors to cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces. Place the candies onto wax paper to cool completely and set before serving or storing.

Notes

• Using a candy thermometer is essential to achieve the correct temperature and texture.
• Butter your hands and tools well to prevent the candy from sticking during pulling and shaping.
• If you don’t have a marble slab, a large buttered baking sheet works as an excellent alternative.
• Store finished candies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• The pulling process aerates the candy, giving it a lighter texture and appealing sheen.

Keywords: Kentucky pull candy, cream candy, Southern candy recipe, homemade candy, soft chew candy, candy pulling technique