Old Fashion Molasses Taffy Pull

Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Old Fashion Molasses Taffy Pull offers a nostalgic treat with rich molasses flavor, chewy texture, and a delightful sweetness, perfect for family gatherings and candy lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups molasses
  • 1/8 teaspoon soda
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Mix molasses, sugar, and vinegar in a saucepan.
  2. Cook at 270°F or soft ball stage, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Remove from heat and add butter, soda, and salt.
  4. Stir just enough to blend.
  5. Pour the mixture into a buttered pan and let cool until handleable.
  6. When cool enough to handle, pull the taffy until light in color.

Tips & Substitutions

Ensure your saucepan is large enough to prevent overflow as the mixture boils. If you don't have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup for a similar sweetness. When pulling the taffy, make sure your hands are lightly buttered to prevent sticking, and work quickly for best results.

Serving Suggestions

Cut the taffy into small pieces for easy serving, and consider pairing it with a warm cup of tea or coffee. It also makes a delightful treat alongside Claudine's Brownies for a delightful dessert platter. For a festive touch, wrap pieces in colorful wax paper to share with friends and family.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover taffy in an airtight container at room temperature. To prevent it from sticking together, you can place parchment paper between layers. If it hardens, gently warm it in your hands or in a microwave for a few seconds to soften before pulling again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashion Molasses Taffy Pull contains roughly 209 calories, with 3g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1651mg per serving (72% of the Daily Value).

209 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 2.4g 3% DV
Carbs 40.8g 15% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 14g 28% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1651.2mg 72% DV
Potassium 259.3mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 8.6mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 21.6mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Calcium 65.3mg 5% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if my taffy is too hard?

If your taffy turns out too hard, it may have cooked too long. To soften it, try placing it in a sealed container with a slice of bread overnight; the moisture will help it regain some softness. Alternatively, you can microwave it briefly to warm and soften.

Can I flavor the taffy?

Absolutely! You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a few drops of food-grade flavoring oils, like peppermint or lemon, right before pouring the mixture into the pan. This will add a nice twist to the classic flavor.

How do I know when the taffy is done cooking?

The taffy is done when it reaches the soft ball stage, around 270°F. You can also test it by dropping a small amount into cold water; if it forms a soft, pliable ball, it's ready to be removed from heat.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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