Classic Scottish Tablet
Scottish Tablet
Scottish Tablet is a classic sweet treat from Scotland, much firmer and crumblier than fudge, with a wonderfully grainy texture that melts in your mouth. Rich and sugary, it pairs beautifully with a strong cup of tea or makes a decadent post-dinner snack.
Ingredients:
- Granulated sugar – 4½ cups
- Whole milk – 1 cup
- Sweetened condensed milk – 1 can (14 oz)
- Salted butter – 6 tbsp
- Vanilla extract or whiskey (optional) – 1 tsp / 1 tbsp
Instructions:
1. Prep the Pan:
Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and grease lightly. For thicker pieces, use a slightly smaller pan.
2. Dissolve Sugar:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine sugar, milk, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until the butter melts and the sugar begins to dissolve.
3. Boil and Simmer:
Pour the mixture into a deep pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add the condensed milk and reduce heat to medium. Tip: Use a deep pot—mixture expands and bubbles a lot.
4. Reach Soft Ball Stage:
Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently, until thick, caramel-colored, and 240–248°F on a candy thermometer.
Without a thermometer: Drop a small amount into cold water; it should form a soft, pliable ball.
5. Beat the Mixture:
Stir in vanilla or whiskey if using. Beat with a hand mixer for 8–10 minutes, or longer with a wooden spoon, until thick and grainy, leaving trails from the beaters. This step creates the signature grainy texture.
6. Set and Score:
Pour into the prepared pan and tap to level. After ~10 minutes of cooling, score the surface into squares.
7. Cool and Serve:
Let the tablet set for 2–4 hours or overnight. Cut along score lines and enjoy!
