Kentucky Cream Pull Candy

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When life gives you a sweet tooth, there’s no better remedy than a little homemade candy! If you’re looking to impress family and friends or just satisfy that irresistible craving, Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is the answer. This nostalgic treat is not only delicious but also a fun activity to whip up with your loved ones. So grab your apron (and maybe a sweet tea) because we’re about to embark on a delightful sugary adventure!

Why You’ll Love Kentucky Cream Pull Candy

Have you ever had that moment when you’re reminiscing about cherished childhood memories shared around the kitchen? This Kentucky Cream Pull Candy recipe is packed with nostalgia and just the right amount of sweetness to light up those memories. Perfect for holiday gatherings, a cozy treat on a rainy afternoon, or just to indulge yourself after a long week, this candy is sure to steal the show.

Ingredients

Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients. You won’t need a ton of fancy stuff; just these straightforward items:

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

That’s it! Simple, right? And I bet you’ve got a couple of these right in your pantry!

Steps to Create Your Sweet Masterpiece

Prep Your Pan: Grease a 9×9-inch square pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the candy from sticking to it—trust me, you’ll thank me later!
Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine granulated sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Stir it all together over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Bring to a Boil: Allow the mixture to come to a boil, but don’t walk away! Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. You want to reach the soft-ball stage, which is about 234°F (112°C). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, no worries! Just drop a small amount of the mixture in cold water; if it forms a soft ball, you’re good to go.
Cool Down: Once at the right temperature, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract—this is where the magic unfolds!
Time to Pull!: Now for the fun part! Once the mixture has cooled to a manageable temperature (think warm but not scalding), it’s time to pull the candy. Butter your hands generously and start pulling. It will become stiff and glossy. This is a great time to channel your inner candy-making ninja!
Shape and Set: Shape the pulled candy into a log or whatever fun shapes you like. Place it in the prep pan and let it set for about an hour.
Slice and Serve: Once it’s firm, slice into pieces and enjoy! But don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to eat the entire batch before it even cools.

Cooking Tips for Success

Chill for a Minute: If the candy is too sticky to pull, just let it cool a bit longer.
Use Candy Corners: Use a kitchen scale to ensure uniform sizes if you want your pieces to look professional! But hey, imperfect candies are pretty charming too.
Flavor Variations: Get creative! Add nuts, dried fruits, or even different extracts like almond or maple to put your own spin on this classic treat.

Personal Anecdote

I first learned to make these sweet little gems in my grandmother’s kitchen. We’d whip them up on cold winter evenings, her laughter ringing throughout the house while sticky fingers and powdered sugar dusted our hands. It was all about family, love, and just the right balance of that creamy sweet goodness. Now, it’s one of those recipes I can’t help but revisit every fall!

FAQs

Can I substitute heavy cream for milk in this recipe?
Milk won’t provide the same creamy texture, so I recommend sticking with heavy cream for that rich taste!

How can I store leftovers?
Keep your Kentucky Cream Pull Candy in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for a week (if it lasts that long!).

Can I make this candy in advance for special occasions?
Absolutely! It actually tastes even better after a day or two once the flavors meld together beautifully.

Next time you’re craving something sweet or need a delightful treat for your loved ones, whip up some Kentucky Cream Pull Candy! Trust me, it’s the kind of delightful indulgence that will not only tickle your taste buds but will also fill your kitchen with warmth and laughter. If you enjoy making sweet treats as much as I do, don’t forget to check out my recipe for

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe

and

Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars

for more cozy moments in the kitchen!

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get this candy-making party started!