Description
Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a nostalgic Southern treat featuring soft, creamy, and chewy pulled sugar candy. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and vanilla, this recipe involves cooking the mixture to the perfect temperature and skillfully pulling it until it becomes opaque and creamy. The candies are then shaped into bite-sized pieces, making them a delightful confection to enjoy or share.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter (for greasing hands and surface)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Butter a marble slab, countertop, or large baking sheet thoroughly to prevent the candy from sticking. Generously grease your hands with butter to ensure a smooth pulling process.
- Make the Candy Base: In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar fully dissolves. Attach a candy thermometer and continue cooking the mixture without stirring until it reaches 260°F, which is the hard ball stage.
- Cool the Mixture: Once the mixture hits the right temperature, pour it carefully onto the prepared buttered surface. Allow it to cool just enough so it is pliable and comfortable to handle but still warm.
- Pull the Candy: Using your buttered hands, begin pulling the candy by stretching and folding repeatedly. Continue this process until the candy turns opaque and creamy in texture. Work promptly since the candy will harden as it cools.
- Shape and Set: Shape the pulled candy into long ropes. Using buttered scissors, cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces. Allow the candies to cool and set completely before serving.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Be cautious when handling the hot sugar mixture to avoid burns.
- Work quickly during the pulling step to achieve the best texture before the candy hardens.
- Butter helps prevent sticking and makes pulling easier.
- Store the finished candies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
