Description
Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a traditional soft, creamy confection made by cooking a rich mixture of sugar, heavy cream, and corn syrup to the hard ball stage, then pulling and folding the candy until it becomes opaque and velvety. This buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat is cut into bite-sized pieces and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a nostalgic homemade sweet.
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 the Surface and Hands: Butter a marble slab, countertop, or large baking sheet generously to prevent the candy from sticking. Also, grease your hands thoroughly with butter to facilitate the pulling process and prevent the candy from sticking to your skin.
- Cook the Candy Mixture: In a heavy saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, heavy cream, light corn syrup, and salt. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar fully dissolves. Attach a candy thermometer and continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches 260°F, known as the hard ball stage.
- Cool Slightly: Pour the hot, cooked candy mixture onto the buttered surface. Allow it to cool slightly until it is warm enough to handle but still pliable, which is essential before starting the pulling process.
- Pull the Candy: Using your buttered hands, begin pulling the candy by stretching and folding it repeatedly. Continue this process until the candy turns opaque and develops a creamy, velvety texture. Act swiftly as the candy will harden quickly as it cools.
- Shape and Cut: Once the candy has reached the right consistency, form it into ropes. Use buttered scissors to cut the candy ropes into bite-sized pieces. Let the candy pieces set completely before serving to ensure the perfect texture.
Notes
- Use a heavy saucepan for even heat distribution to prevent scorching the sugar.
- Be careful when handling the hot candy mixture to avoid burns.
- Butter your hands and tools thoroughly to avoid stickiness while pulling and cutting the candy.
- Work efficiently as the candy hardens quickly once off the heat.
- Store the candy pieces in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
