If you’ve ever tasted Scottish tablet, you know it’s this utterly delightful, buttery-sweet treat with a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s just irresistible. I’m excited to share my Authentic Scottish Tablet Recipe with you because once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s a classic in Scottish homes and a beloved sweet around the world. Trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic and surprisingly straightforward once you know the tricks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Texture: This recipe nails that perfect crumbly yet slightly chewy texture Scottish tablet is famous for.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry basics, making it easy to whip up anytime cravings strike.
- Rich Flavor: The touch of whisky or vanilla adds a warm, authentic depth that I adore.
- Proven Step-by-Step: From my kitchen to yours, these instructions help avoid burnt fudge disasters and guarantee success.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that signature buttery, sugary sweetness you expect from an authentic Scottish tablet. I always recommend getting quality butter and condensed milk; they make a noticeable difference in richness.
- Butter (salted): Using salted butter adds a lovely balance — if you only have unsalted, just add a pinch of salt.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and moderate the heat during cooking.
- Milk: Gives smoothness and body to the tablet mixture.
- White granulated sugar: The base sweetener that’s essential for that crystalline texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creaminess and is key to the tablet’s luscious texture.
- Vanilla extract or whisky: Adds that warm, authentic Scottish flavor — I love using whisky for authenticity.
Variations
I like to experiment a bit with my tablet sometimes — there’s room for creativity, especially when it comes to flavor infusion. But since this is an Authentic Scottish Tablet Recipe, I recommend sticking close to the classic for the best results.
- Whisky vs. Vanilla: I usually use Scotch whisky for that true Scottish vibe, but vanilla extract works beautifully if you prefer something milder.
- Salt Level Adjustment: If you only have unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt; it really helps balance the sweetness of the tablet.
- Texture Tweaks: Some folks like their tablet a bit softer or firmer; you can adjust cooking time slightly, but be careful — too long or too hot and it’ll become hard as a rock!
How to Make Authentic Scottish Tablet Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by lining a 7″ x 11″ dish with parchment paper — this makes removing your tablet a breeze once it sets. Have all your ingredients measured out because once the cooking starts, you’ll want to move pretty quickly.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Liquids
Pop the butter and water into a large, heavy-bottomed pot and gently heat until the butter has melted. Then add the milk and stir to combine. The heavy pot is crucial — it helps distribute heat evenly, so you avoid scorching your tablet.
Step 3: Dissolve Sugar and Simmer
Over low heat, add in the sugar and stir continuously to dissolve completely. Once dissolved, crank the heat a bit and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes without stirring — just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over.
Step 4: Stir in Condensed Milk and Cook Carefully
This is the make-or-break step. Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir constantly over a simmer for about 10 minutes. Watch for the mixture to turn a warming golden color — that’s your cue it’s almost ready. The trick? Keep the heat moderate — too high and it will stick or burn, too low and it takes forever.
Step 5: Remove from Heat and Beat
Once you get that lovely golden hue, take the pot off the heat and stir in your vanilla or whisky. Then comes the part that made me nervous at first: beat the mixture vigorously. I promise, patience pays here — after a few minutes, it thickens beautifully. Don’t rush it or give up early!
Step 6: Set and Cut
Pour the thickened mixture into your prepared pan and let it cool completely in a cool spot or the fridge. Once set, cut into pieces, wrap in parchment paper, or keep in an airtight tin to preserve freshness.
Pro Tips for Making Authentic Scottish Tablet Recipe
- Heavy Pot is Key: I learned the hard way that a heavy-bottomed pot prevents hot spots and burnt sugar — don’t skip this!
- Simmer, Don’t Boil Furiously: Keeping heat moderate ensures the sugar cooks evenly without sticking or burning your tablet.
- Patience When Beating: That vigorous beating step may take a few minutes; don’t panic if it doesn’t thicken immediately — it will!
- Use a Wooden Spoon: Wooden spoons are gentler and less likely to react with sugar — plus, they’re easier on your wrist during stirring.
How to Serve Authentic Scottish Tablet Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple — the rich flavor and texture speak for themselves. But if you want to add a touch of flair, dusting a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top balances the sweetness wonderfully, and a light sprinkle of crushed pecans adds a subtle crunch.
Side Dishes
Scottish tablet makes a great sweet with a nice cup of tea or coffee, especially with classic shortbread or oatcakes on the side. I love serving tablet as part of a dessert platter alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I cut the tablet into neat squares and wrap each piece in wax or parchment paper, tied with a thin ribbon to give it a charming, homemade gift feel. It’s such a hit when I bring these to holiday parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tablet keeps really well stored in an airtight tin in a cool, dry place. I’ve found it stays perfect for at least a month — no fancy fridge needed thanks to all that sugar acting as a natural preservative.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your tablet, wrap individual pieces tightly in parchment paper, then place in a freezer-safe container. It protects the texture, and when thawed, the tablet tastes just as fresh as when you made it.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t really necessary for tablet since it’s meant to be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled. But if your tablet feels a bit stiff, gently warming it in your hands or briefly in a low oven wrapped in foil softens it slightly without compromising texture.
FAQs
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What is Scottish tablet, and how is it different from fudge?
Scottish tablet is a traditional sweet that’s sugarier and crumblier than fudge. Unlike fudge’s smooth, creamy texture, tablet has a distinct grainy, crumbly bite while still being soft enough to melt on your tongue. The cooking process and ingredient ratios create this unique texture and intense sweetness.
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Can I make this recipe without condensed milk?
Condensed milk is essential for this recipe because it adds creamy sweetness and affects the crumbly texture. Omitting it will change the tablet’s structure and may result in a harder or less authentic product. I recommend getting sweetened condensed milk to get that classic texture.
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How do I avoid burning the tablet mixture?
The biggest tip is to cook the mixture on low to medium heat and use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution. Stir gently but consistently especially after adding the condensed milk, and watch for the color to turn golden rather than brown. Patience is key here!
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How long does Scottish tablet keep?
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, Scottish tablet will keep for at least a month. Its high sugar content acts as a preservative, so you can enjoy your tablet over several weeks without losing quality.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Authentic Scottish Tablet Recipe turns out every single time — the perfect balance of buttery sweetness and crumbly texture makes it a treat I’m always excited to share with friends and family. When I first tried making tablet myself, I was nervous about getting the cooking time right, but once I discovered the right heat and stirring technique, it became a reliable crowd-pleaser. So I really encourage you to give this classic recipe a go — with a little patience and love, you’ll have a batch of tablet that’s truly worthy of any Scottish celebration or just a sweet moment to savor at home.
Print
Authentic Scottish Tablet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Scottish
Description
Scottish Tablet is a traditional Scottish confection characterized by its rich, buttery sweetness and crumbly texture. Made from a simple blend of butter, sugar, milk, and condensed milk, this fudge-like treat is simmered slowly to develop a lovely golden color before being cooled and cut into squares. Infused with vanilla or whisky for added depth of flavor, tablet is a classic, nostalgic sweet perfect for gifting or enjoying with tea.
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″ baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal once the tablet sets.
- Melt Butter and Combine Liquids: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the water and milk, stirring gently to combine.
- Dissolve Sugar and Boil: Gradually add the sugar to the pot over low heat, stirring continuously until fully dissolved. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, maintaining a gentle boil without stirring, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add Condensed Milk and Simmer: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Continue to simmer the mixture while stirring constantly for at least 10 minutes. Be vigilant to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pot or burning. The mixture should begin to turn a lovely golden color. Adjust heat as necessary to maintain a steady simmer.
- Remove from Heat and Flavor: Once the desired golden color and thickness are reached, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract or whisky. Let the mixture cool for a couple of minutes.
- Beat the Mixture: Vigorously beat the mixture with a wooden spoon or hand mixer until it thickens significantly and becomes creamy. This step may take a few minutes; patience is critical for proper texture.
- Set the Tablet: Pour the beaten mixture into the prepared parchment-lined pan, spreading evenly. Allow to cool completely at room temperature or in the fridge to set firmly.
- Cut and Store: Once fully set, cut the tablet into squares. Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper or store in an airtight tin in a cool place or the refrigerator for best freshness.
Notes
- Strictly follow the recipe instructions and ingredient quantities for best results; altering steps or ingredients can lead to failure.
- Use a wooden spoon for stirring and beating the mixture.
- If using a candy thermometer, the target temperature for tablet is 240°F (116°C).
- Tablet can be stored for at least one month if kept in an airtight tin in a cool place due to its high sugar content.
- Maintain a steady simmer and avoid high heat to prevent burning or sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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