Scottish Tablet

There’s something timeless and comforting about traditional Scottish Tablet — that old-fashioned, buttery confection that feels like a warm hug from your gran’s kitchen. Unlike fudge, which is soft and chewy, tablet has a unique crumbly texture that melts into sugary bliss the moment it touches your tongue.

Made with just a handful of simple ingredients — sugar, butter, milk, and sweetened condensed milk — this treat embodies the charm of home cooking: humble, hearty, and impossibly delicious. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, gifting it to friends, or enjoying a sweet bite with your afternoon tea, Scottish Tablet always brings a taste of nostalgia.

🍬 Ingredients

• 4 ½ cups granulated white sugar

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 6 tablespoons salted butter

• Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 tablespoon whisky (for a flavorful twist)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare your pan
   Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan (or another size, depending on how thick you want your tablet).

2. Melt the base mixture
   In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar, whole milk, and butter.
   Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the butter is melted and the sugar begins to dissolve.

3. Cook the mixture
   Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan or stockpot over medium-high heat.
   Bring to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.
   Once the sugar is fully dissolved, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and reduce the heat to medium.
   ⚠️ Be careful — the mixture will bubble up, so use a deep pot!

4. Simmer and thicken
   Allow the mixture to simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
   It should thicken and take on a golden caramel color.
   When ready, the mixture should reach 240–248°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
   (You can test this by dropping a little into cold water — it should form a soft ball.)

5. Add flavor (optional)
   Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract or whisky if desired.

6. Beat the mixture
   Using a hand mixer, beat for about 8–10 minutes until it begins to thicken and you see trails forming from the beaters.
   (You can also use a wooden spoon — it just takes a bit longer!)
   This step gives the tablet its signature crumbly texture.

7. Set and cool
   Pour into your prepared pan and gently tap it on the counter to spread evenly.
   Avoid touching the top once poured — you want it smooth!
   After about 10 minutes, score lines on top where you’ll later cut the tablet.
   Let it set completely for 2–4 hours (or overnight) before cutting along those lines.

✨ Tips for Perfect Tablet

• Use a deep pan: The mixture bubbles up a lot — better safe than sorry!

• Be patient: Don’t rush the simmering or beating; these steps are key to achieving that classic crumbly texture.

• Add flavor: A dash of vanilla or a splash of whisky gives it a lovely depth.

🍯 Serving Ideas

Scottish Tablet is perfect as a gift, served with tea or coffee, or broken into little pieces to sprinkle over ice cream. It also stores beautifully — keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Making Scottish Tablet is like stepping back in time — a nod to generations of Scottish home bakers who knew that the simplest ingredients could create something extraordinary. Sweet, rich, and just a bit rustic, this golden treat is proof that homemade is always best.

So grab your saucepan, roll up your sleeves, and bring a little taste of Scotland to your kitchen today!