White Pull Candy

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

A classic pulled candy with a smooth, chewy texture and sweet vanilla flavor, perfect for making into long strips or bite-sized pieces for all ages.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 c. sugar
  • 1/4 c. water
  • 2 Tbsp. mild vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. butter
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Oil a platter with vegetable oil.
  2. Place sugar, water, vinegar, and butter in a deep saucepan.
  3. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved.
  4. Increase the heat slightly and cook the mixture without stirring until a hard ball forms when dropped in cold water.
  5. Remove from heat and add vanilla.
  6. Stir only enough to blend the mixture.
  7. Pour the mixture onto the lightly oiled platter.
  8. Let it cool until it can be dented when pressed with a finger.
  9. Gather it into a lump and pull it with the fingertips until it is light and porous.
  10. Dip your hands frequently into cold water to prevent sticking.
  11. Roll into long thin strips and cut into 1-inch pieces.
  12. Place the candy in a tightly covered tin if you want it to become creamy.

Tips & Substitutions

Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved before increasing the heat to prevent graininess in the final candy. If you want to experiment with flavors, you can substitute the vanilla with almond or mint extract. Be careful when working with hot sugar; it can cause burns. Keep your work area clean and have all your tools ready before starting.

Serving Suggestions

These delicious white pull candies make great gifts and can be served at parties or special occasions. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a fun twist, try incorporating them into desserts like ice cream sundaes or topping them on cupcakes, similar to the textures found in Ooey Gooey Bars Or Cheese Bars.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover candy in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its texture. If the candy becomes too hard, you can place it in a tin with a slice of bread for a few hours to soften. Avoid refrigeration, as it can alter the candy's consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of White Pull Candy contains roughly 113 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

113 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.7g 1% DV
Total Fat 1.3g 2% DV
Carbs 17.3g 6% DV
Fiber 0.7g 2% DV
Sugar 12.2g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 19.3mg 1% DV
Potassium 132.2mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 5.4mg 6% DV
Calcium 24.9mg 2% DV
Iron 0.6mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb 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

Can I use a candy thermometer for this recipe?

Yes, using a candy thermometer can help ensure accuracy when cooking the sugar mixture. Aim for the hard ball stage, which is around 250°F (121°C). This will help you achieve the right consistency for pulling the candy.

What if my candy doesn't pull properly?

If your candy doesn't pull, it may not have reached the correct temperature or may have cooled too much before pulling. If this happens, you can reheat the candy gently to soften it and try pulling again while it’s warm.

Can I add color to the candy?

Yes, you can add food coloring to the candy mixture right after removing it from the heat. Just a few drops will create a beautiful hue, making your pull candy visually appealing, especially for festive occasions.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →