Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a unique and nostalgic confection that hails from the Bluegrass State. With its smooth, creamy texture and delicate sweetness, this candy is perfect for anyone who loves old-fashioned treats. Made with just a handful of ingredients like sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla, this recipe creates a melt-in-your-mouth candy that’s fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat.

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The Inspiration Behind Kentucky Cream Pull Candy

Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a time-honored tradition, especially around the holidays. Families often gather to pull the candy, transforming a simple mixture of sugar and cream into light, airy pieces with a unique texture. The key to this candy’s success lies in the careful boiling of the sugar syrup and the hand-pulling technique that gives it its characteristic look and feel. Whether made for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this candy is a Southern favorite that has stood the test of time.

Why Kentucky Cream Pull Candy Will Become a Family Favorite

This recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and nostalgia. With only a few ingredients, you can create a batch of candy that’s rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet. The pulling process is a fun, hands-on activity that kids and adults alike will enjoy, making it a great family project. The candy itself has a unique texture—crispy on the outside with a soft, creamy center—that will have everyone coming back for more.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 20 Servings):

• Calories: 100 kcal
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 0g
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 5mg

This candy is a sweet indulgence, perfect for treating yourself or sharing with loved ones.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a delightful addition to any dessert platter. Serve it alongside other homemade confections like fudge or divinity for a beautiful assortment of sweet treats. For a perfect pairing, enjoy a piece of this candy with a cup of hot tea or coffee, as the creamy texture of the candy complements the warmth of the drink.

Storage Tips

Kentucky Cream Pull Candy can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Be sure to keep the candy in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming too sticky or losing its delicate texture.

Fun Fact: The History of Pull Candy

Pull candy is thought to have originated in the 19th century, when families would gather to make candy from simple ingredients during the colder months. The pulling technique creates tiny air bubbles inside the candy, giving it a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.

Cooking Tips

• Butter Your Hands: When it comes time to pull the candy, make sure to butter your hands generously. This will prevent the candy from sticking and make the pulling process much easier.
• Marble Slab: If you don’t have a marble slab, a large baking sheet can be used as an alternative. Just make sure it’s well-buttered.
• Timing is Key: Keep a close eye on the candy as it boils. The right temperature is crucial for the candy to set properly and be ready for pulling.

Optional Variations

• Flavor Variations: While vanilla is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like peppermint, almond, or even bourbon for a twist on this classic recipe.
• Add Color: A few drops of food coloring can give your candy a festive look. For holidays, consider adding red or green coloring to the candy before pulling.
• Dusting with Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch, dust the finished candy with powdered sugar before serving to enhance its appearance and flavor.

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Kentucky Cream Pull Candy Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Butter for greasing the marble slab (or baking sheet)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marble Slab: Generously butter a marble slab or large baking sheet and set it aside.
2. Boil the Sugar Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, salt, and boiling water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and cook the mixture over medium heat until it reaches 260°F (hard ball stage).
3. Add the Cream: Slowly add the heavy whipping cream to the sugar mixture, stirring gently. Continue to cook the mixture, without stirring, until it reaches 260°F again.
4. Pour and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully pour the candy mixture onto the buttered marble slab. Let it cool for a few minutes until it becomes firm enough to handle but still warm.
5. Add Vanilla and Start Pulling: Add the vanilla extract to the candy, then butter your hands generously. Begin pulling the candy by stretching and folding it back onto itself repeatedly. Continue pulling until the candy becomes light in color and loses its glossy appearance. This process should take about 10-15 minutes.
6. Shape and Cut: Once the candy has been pulled to the desired consistency, shape it into long ropes. Use buttered kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut the candy into bite-sized pieces.
7. Let the Candy Set: Allow the candy pieces to cool completely and harden before serving. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a timeless treat that combines rich, creamy flavors with a fun, hands-on candy-making process. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or just for fun, this candy is sure to impress with its unique texture and sweet taste. Once you’ve made a batch, you’ll see why this recipe has been passed down through generations!