I’m so excited to share this authentic Scottish Tablet Candy Recipe with you—it’s such a nostalgic treat that I absolutely love making and munching on. If you’ve never had tablet before, think of it as a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth fudge but with a unique, crumbly texture that’s just *so* addictive. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked! It’s surprisingly straightforward, and I’ve packed in all my tips so you can nail it perfectly on your first go.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: This recipe stays true to the classic Scottish tradition, capturing that rich, caramelized taste just like Grandma used to make.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples—which makes whipping it up super stress-free.
- Perfect Texture: You’ll get that iconic crumbly yet creamy feel that’s tricky but totally doable with my step-by-step guide.
- Great for Gifting: I love wrapping these little parcels in parchment paper for an extra-special homemade gift.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Scottish Tablet Candy Recipe lies in the careful balance of simple but rich ingredients that work in harmony to create that signature texture and taste. Make sure you pick good quality butter and condensed milk for the best results.
- Salted Butter: I prefer salted because it adds just the right amount of saltiness; if you use unsalted, be sure to add a pinch of salt yourself.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and create the right cooking environment for the sugar to work its magic.
- Milk: Adds creaminess that’s key to the texture.
- Sugar (white granulated): The main sweetener and base for that crystallized lovely texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the secret richness that makes the candy melt on your tongue.
- Vanilla or Whisky: A splash of flavor that elevates this to the next level—I’m a whisky fan!
Variations
Though the classic recipe shines on its own, you can have fun putting your spin on it. I sometimes experiment with flavors or tweak the texture to suit my mood or occasion. Don’t hesitate to personalize your Scottish Tablet Candy Recipe!
- Whisky vs. Vanilla: I started using whisky after visiting Scotland—it adds such a lovely smoky warmth to the tablet that vanilla just can’t top.
- Chocolate Twist: Adding a little cocoa powder can give you a chocolaty version, though make sure to adjust sugar levels to balance bitterness.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkling chopped toasted nuts on top just before it sets gives a delightful crunch my family adores.
- Dairy-Free Version: I haven’t tried this myself yet, but swapping condensed milk for coconut condensed milk might work for a dairy-free tablet—let me know if you try!
How to Make Scottish Tablet Candy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by lining a 7″ x 11″ pan with parchment paper to make sure the tablet won’t stick—this step saves you a lot of hassle later. Get all your ingredients weighed out and ready. Trust me, once you start cooking the sugar, there’s no time to stop!
Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Liquids
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter gently over medium-low heat together with the water. When the butter has fully melted, add the milk and give it a gentle stir. Using a heavy pot here is key—it helps distribute heat evenly and prevents burning.
Step 3: Dissolve Sugar and Simmer
Slowly add the sugar, stirring continuously until it dissolves completely. Then bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes—keep an eye to make sure it doesn’t overflow. Resist the urge to stir during this simmer phase, as that affects the final texture.
Step 4: Add Condensed Milk and Stir
Now comes the delicate part! Add the sweetened condensed milk and simmer gently, stirring for about 10 minutes. Don’t stop stirring now—this part is crucial to avoid burning. I learned the hard way that cooking too hot will ruin the tablet, so keep it at a gentle simmer until the mixture turns a lovely golden color.
Step 5: Add Flavor and Beat
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla or whisky (whisky is my personal favorite). Let it cool down for a minute or two, then beat the mixture vigorously—that’s when it starts to thicken beautifully. Don’t rush this step! It might take a few minutes but stick with it, and you’ll get that perfect, soft-but-firm texture.
Step 6: Set and Cut
Pour the beaten mixture into your lined pan and let it cool completely in a cool spot or the fridge. Once set, cut into bite-sized squares and wrap individually in parchment paper, or keep them in an airtight tin to keep fresh.
Pro Tips for Making Scottish Tablet Candy Recipe
- Use a Heavy Pan: I can’t stress this enough—my first tablet stuck and burned because I used a thin pot. A thick-bottomed one keeps the heat even and prevents scorching.
- Watch Your Temperature Closely: If you have a candy thermometer, aim for 240°F (116°C). That’s the perfect ‘soft crack’ stage for tablet.
- Be Patient During Beating: This step can feel long, but beating the cooled mixture with effort is what creates that crumbly texture—don’t rush or you’ll miss it.
- Avoid Skipping Steps: I’ve learned the hard way that swapping out ingredients or shortening cooking times results in a gritty or too-soft tablet—stick to the method for success.
How to Serve Scottish Tablet Candy Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep the tablet simple because its rich flavor really shines on its own, but sometimes I like to sprinkle flaky sea salt on top just before it sets to add a salty punch—it’s heavenly. Also, dusting it lightly with cocoa powder or drizzling melted chocolate makes it a bit more festive for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Scottish tablet is fantastic with a strong cup of tea or coffee—it’s like a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. I also love serving it alongside shortbread or oatcakes for a truly Scottish-themed spread that gets rave reviews from guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, I love wrapping each tablet square in vintage-style parchment tied with twine and a sprig of fresh mint or lavender. It looks charming and makes a thoughtful gift. You can also layer different flavored tablets in a decorative tin for a colorful assortment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Tablet keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight tin at room temperature in a cool place—I typically store mine on the countertop away from direct sunlight. Wrapped well, it stays fresh and chewy for at least a month. You won’t have to worry about it going bad anytime soon!
Freezing
While I rarely freeze tablet because it’s usually gone fast, I’ve frozen it once wrapped tightly in parchment and foil. When thawed, the texture was just as lovely, but I recommend thawing in the fridge to avoid condensation making it sticky.
Reheating
Tablet isn’t typically reheated, but if you’ve stored it in the fridge and want that softer texture, just leave it at room temperature for half an hour before serving. It softens gently without losing its crumbly charm.
FAQs
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What exactly is Scottish tablet, and how is it different from fudge?
Scottish tablet is a traditional candy similar to fudge but with a distinct texture—crumbly and grainy rather than smooth and creamy. This texture comes from the crystallization of sugar during cooking and beating, giving tablet that classic bite and melt-in-your-mouth feel.
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Can I use unsalted butter in the Scottish Tablet Candy Recipe?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but be sure to add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors. Salted butter naturally includes this element, so either way works as long as you mind the seasoning.
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Do I need a candy thermometer to make this recipe?
It’s not essential, but very helpful—aim for the mixture to reach 240°F (116°C) for perfect consistency. If you don’t have one, watch for the color change to a golden hue and trust the timing and stirring method.
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Why did my tablet turn out grainy or too soft?
Tablet’s texture depends on cooking time, temperature, and beating. If it’s grainy, it may have cooled too quickly or wasn’t beaten enough; if too soft, it might not have reached the right temperature or needed more cooking time. Follow the steps carefully to avoid these issues.
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How long does Scottish tablet last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool place, tablet can last for at least a month without losing its texture or flavor. Its high sugar content helps preserve it naturally.
Final Thoughts
Making this Scottish Tablet Candy Recipe has become a little ritual for me. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and such a joy to share with family and friends. I love that it’s not overly complicated but still delivers big on flavor and texture. If you’re craving something sweet that’s a bit different from your average candy, give this a go—I promise it’ll bring a little Scottish magic into your kitchen and maybe even your heart.
Print
Scottish Tablet Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Scottish
Description
Scottish Tablet is a traditional sweet treat known for its rich, buttery texture and caramel-like flavor. Made with simple ingredients such as sugar, milk, butter, and condensed milk, this classic confection is cooked slowly to achieve its distinctive crumbly yet melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Flavored with vanilla or whisky, it is a beloved Scottish dessert perfect for gifting or enjoying as an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 oz salted butter (if using unsalted, add a pinch of salt)
- 2.5 oz water
- 2.5 oz milk
- 2 ¼ cups white granulated sugar
- 7 oz sweetened condensed milk (½ of a 14 oz can)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or whisky
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 7″ x 11″ pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of the tablet once set.
- Melt Butter and Combine Liquids: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter with the water over medium heat. Once melted, add the milk and mix well to combine.
- Dissolve Sugar and Simmer: Gradually add the sugar over low heat, stirring continuously until completely dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, ensuring it keeps boiling gently without spilling over. Let it simmer for 10 minutes without stirring.
- Add Condensed Milk and Cook: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and continue to simmer, stirring constantly for at least 10 minutes. Take care to prevent sticking or burning by keeping the heat moderate. Cook until the mixture starts to take on a golden color.
- Flavor and Cool: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract or whisky. Allow the mixture to cool for a minute or two.
- Beat Until Thickened: Vigorously beat the mixture for several minutes until it thickens and becomes slightly grainy. Patience is important; this step ensures the characteristic texture of tablet.
- Set the Tablet: Pour the thickened mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Let it cool completely at room temperature or place in the fridge to set firmly.
- Cut and Store: Once set, cut the tablet into squares. Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper or store in an airtight tin kept in a cool place or the refrigerator for long-lasting freshness.
Notes
- Follow the directions carefully for best results; altering ingredients or steps may cause the tablet to not set properly.
- Use a wooden spoon for stirring to avoid any reaction with the ingredients.
- If using a candy thermometer, aim for a temperature of 240°F (116°C) to reach the correct stage.
- Properly stored tablet can last for at least a month due to its high sugar content.
- Store tablet in a tin for optimal preservation and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 20 grams)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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