Scottish Tablet (Authentic Recipe) (2024)

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Scottish tablet is a traditional candy in Scotland. Learn how to make it with my easy step by step directions. Pop some in a box, tin or bag and you’re ready to gift a classic Scottish treat (if you don’t eat it all beforehand)!

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When I was a little girl in Scotland, tablet was all the rage, along with Scottish macaroon bars, Edinburgh rock, McCowan’s highland toffee, and other classic Scottish “sweeties” as we called them.

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I remember tablet making an appearance at birthday parties, at school, and friends’ houses. It was just a normal part of the repertoire of my childhood treats. In Scotland, tablet is given as treats and gifts at weddings, and at Christmas.

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However, if you live outside of Scotland, you might be wondering what I’m talking about. It’s not anything like today’s “tablet”, as in something like an iPad.

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What is Scottish Tablet?

Tablet is the name of a Scottish candy made from sugar, butter and condensed milk (sometimes just milk, or even evaporated milk). Does it sound sweet to you? It should because it is very sweet. Scottish tablet is definitely not diabetes-friendly!

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Although it wasn’t my very favorite sweet when I was little, so many people love it and many of you have asked me for a recipe, so I am happy to comply. You may just want to make some as gifts during the holidays, or really, anytime of year.

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These are the little boxes I bought which fit 4 squares of tablet. All you need is a little ribbon and maybe a gift tag. (These are the embroidery scissors, in case you wondered.)

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Have a sweet tooth? You will love this oat brittle, too!

What is Scottish Tablet Made of?

Although there are slight variations, the most classic recipe contains milk, sugar, and butter (although condensed milk is often used nowadays). The first known written recipe was made from only cream and sugar.

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Should Tablet be Grainy?

No, absolutely not; tablet should be smooth and creamy when it dissolves in your mouth; it’s not something you chew. If you have read a recipe that tells you that grainy tablet is good, this is simply untrue. Please keep this in mind when you are looking for a recipe, or looking for help on a subject. Always ask yourself what gives this site, or person, the authority to be sharing this information (or recipe).

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“A grainy texture normally means that your sugar has melted too quickly.” —Ochil Fudge Pantry The Ochil Fudge Pantry also says if your tablet is grainy, “…you have done something wrong when following the steps of your Scottish Tablet Recipe” (or you’re simply using the wrong recipe)! 🧐

Another classic Scottish recipe to try: millionaire’s shortbread (or caramel shortcake).

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What Does Tablet Mean in Scottish?

First of all, there is no current “Scottish” language. English is spoken in Scotland, although some may beg to differ! Yes, there is Glaswegian and Gaelic, but “tablet” is derived from the old Scots way of speaking: “taiblet” which is probably from how the sweet looked when it was made. (This is something people ask on Google)

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Tablet makes a fantastic homemade gift! You can wrap individual pieces in parchment paper, or any food safe paper. Or else put a few pieces in a food-safe box and tie with a pretty ribbon!

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To be honest, I think this homemade tablet is the nicest tablet I’ve ever had, so I hope you enjoy it, too! Homemade is almost always best, isn’t it? Just remember, the best quality ingredients will reward you with the best results.

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NB: I have taken care and gently placed my tablet to take photos of it, however, if it gets bumped around, it will look more like the tablet in the photo above at the Glasgow Airport. Don’t worry if it looks messy, it is normal and still tastes exactly the same.

My friend gave me this Avon Fostoria George Washington glass as it is in the shape of a thistle (the National Flower of Scotland).

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Homemade, Authentic Scottish Tablet Recipe

recipe adapted from a Scottish Sweets cookbook/tips from Ochil Fudge Pantry
makes 16 to 24 pieces (depending on the size and shape)

FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW

I found that lining one of these pans with parchment paper works nicely. Ilove the trays for breading meat and other things.

Ingredients

  • butter
  • milk
  • sugar
  • condensed milk
  • (optional: vanilla or choice of flavoring, like whisky)

Easy Step by Step Directions on How to Make Scottish Tablet

1. Line a 7″ x 11″ pan with parchment paper.

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2. Put the butter and water in a LARGE, heavy pot and heat to melt the butter, then add the milk.

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3. Over low heat, add the sugar and stir until it is completely dissolved.

  • TIP: use a wooden spoon.

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4. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow to simmer (keep boiling, but turn it down so it doesn’t overflow the pot) for 10 minutes without stirring.

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5. Add the condensed milk.

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6. Stir for at least 10 minutes while simmering, just be sure it doesn’t stick or burn. This is the critical part as you don’t want it to burn (the heavy pot is important for this).

  • TIP: the time to cook the mixture will vary upon many factors, but most importantly, how high your cooktop is set to. If you have it too high, the tablet mixture will stick and burn, too low and it will take ages to get to the right temperature. Keep it simmering until you see it start to turn a lovely golden color.

7. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla or whisky, and allow to cool for a minutes or two before beating vigorously until it thickens. Don’t be impatient or think you’ve failed as this could take a few minutes.

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8. When thickened, pour into the prepared pan. Allow to cool and set completely in a cool place, or the fridge.

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9. Cut, then wrap in parchment paper for individual servings, or simply keep in an airtight tin in a cool place or in the fridge.

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Scottish Tablet - Authentic Recipe

Yield: 24 square pieces

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Adapted from a Favourite Sweets and Toffee Scottish recipe book compiled by Carol Wilson, this is a traditional Scottish candy that is very sweet. Also, thanks to Ochil Fudge Factory for tips on tablet making.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz (½ stick) (57 g) salted butter (if you use unsalted, add a pinch of salt)
  • 2.5 oz (74 ml) water
  • 2.5 oz (74 ml) milk
  • 2 ¼ cups (454 g) white granulated sugar
  • 7 oz (½ can) (207 ml) condensed milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla or whisky

Instructions

  1. Line a 7" x 11" pan with parchment paper.
  2. Put the butter and water in a LARGE, heavy pot and heat to melt the butter, then add the milk.
  3. Over low heat, add the sugar and stir until it is completely dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow to simmer (keep boiling, but turn it down so it doesn't overflow the pot) for 10 minutes without stirring.
  4. Add the condensed milk. Stir for at least 10 minutes while simmering, just be sure it doesn’t stick or burn. This is the critical part as you don’t want it to burn (the heavy pot is important for this). TIP: the time to cook the mixture will vary upon many factors, but most importantly, how high your cooktop is set to. If you have it too high, the tablet mixture will stick and burn, too low and it will take ages to get to the right temperature. Keep it simmering until you see it start to turn a lovely golden color.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla or whisky (I use whisky), and allow to cool for a minutes or two before beating vigorously until it thickens. Don’t be impatient or think you’ve failed as this could take a few minutes. .
  6. When thickened, pour into the prepared pan.Allow to cool and set completely in a cool place, or the fridge.
  7. Cut, then wrap in parchment paper for individual servings, or simply keep in an airtight tin in a cool place, or in the fridge.

    Notes

    • Follow the directions as written for successful results. This is not a recipe to change and omit ingredients or steps. You've been warned.
    • Use a wooden spoon.
    • If you'd like to use a candy thermometer, the setting point for tablet is 240F or 116C.
    • Tablet will keep for a minimum of a month, if stored correctly. It is mostly sugar, so not much risk of spoiling.
    Nutrition Information:

    Yield: 24Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving:Calories: 132Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 31mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 0gSugar: 25gProtein: 1g

    Nutrition information is only estimated.

    Did you make this recipe?

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    Scottish Tablet (Authentic Recipe) (2024)

    FAQs

    How long does a homemade Scottish tablet last? ›

    How long does Scottish Tablet Keep? Tablet is over 50% sugar and because sugar is a natural preservative, it means that if it is kept in an airtight tin and stored at room temperature, it can last for around 10 days. If you keep it in the fridge, however, it can keep for a few weeks!

    Why is my Scottish tablet not hardening? ›

    If your Scottish tablet isn't setting up, the reason likely has to do with temperature. The mixture must be brought up to a full boil for five minutes and reach 250 F before simmering. Use a candy thermometer for best results.

    What is a traditional Scottish tablet made of? ›

    Scottish Tablet is made with milk, butter, condensed milk and A LOT of sugar. It is boiled to a high temperature, before beating the mixture until thickened, and then setting it in a tin until completely cool.

    Can I reboil a Scottish tablet? ›

    If you pour it into the tin and it doesn't set, don't worry, just reboil for a little while longer (I've done this a few times) Also good with a bit of fresh ginger added at the beginning, flavours the tablet beautifully and leaves little exciting nuggets to bite into!

    Can a Scottish tablet go out of date? ›

    And with a shelf life of 5 to 8 weeks, you can savour its unique flavour for a good while. And as for the ingredients, there's no messing about. Sugar, whole milk, salted butter, condensed milk, and glucose syrup - that's it. Simple, pure, and absolutely divine.

    Why is my Scottish tablet too soft? ›

    The most common reason for this is that you haven't taken your tablet to a high enough temperature when cooking it. The Scottish Tablet mixture needs to be not only boiling for a decent time (approx. 20 mins), it also needs to reach a very high temperature to ensure it will set.

    Why is my Scottish tablet grainy? ›

    The best Scottish Tablet should be smooth and melt in your mouth. A grainy texture normally means that your sugar has melted too quickly.

    Can you set a Scottish tablet in the fridge? ›

    Remove the pan from the heat leave to cool for 5 minutes, then beat until set. Pour into the tin and leave to set fully in the fridge for 2 or more hours. Then remove from the tin and cut into squares.

    Should a Scottish tablet be gritty? ›

    What texture should the tablet be? A Scottish tablet has a gritty, melt-in-the mouth texture that is incredibly sweet but irresistible, unlike fudge which although visually similar, has a softer texture.

    What is fudge called in Scotland? ›

    Some people will try to tell you that tablet is a form of fudge. However, proper tablet aficionados (and we have been doing a lot of sampling) will tell you that there is a clear difference in texture between tablet and fudge. Fudge tends to be softer, while tablet has a grainier and more brittle texture.

    Why is my homemade tablet soft? ›

    Most likely answer is that you are not boiling it enough: a 'rolling boil', which is when it keeps boiling while you stir; as you boil the mixture, the water evaporates and the temperature increases. In pure sugar-work, a sugar thermometer is used, but the dairy content of Scottish Tablet blurs the lines.

    When should I eat Scottish tablet? ›

    Also known as Scots tablet or Swiss Milk tablet, it is best enjoyed after dinner and is often seen at Scottish weddings or other celebratory dinners.

    Is scottish tablet the same as fudge? ›

    Exploring Scottish Tablet:

    What sets tablet apart from fudge is its crumbly and grainy texture, often described as “melting in the mouth.” Unlike fudge, which relies on a different cooking process, Scottish tablet is prepared through a rapid boiling method (high temperature), resulting in a distinctive texture.

    Why is my tablet crumbly? ›

    If sold as uncoated tablets and exposed to humidity, the tablets may become soft, crumbly, and fall apart. Examples of such supplements include L-arginine, chondroitin, and mushroom powders. This also occurs with minerals in a chloride or hydrochloride form, such as magnesium hydrochloride.

    Can you freeze a Scottish tablet? ›

    Scottish Tablet is best stored in something that is not completely airtight, for example a cookie jar or tin. It should last for up to 2 weeks given the sugar acts as a preserver, so it's great to make ahead for a party or as a gift. You can also freeze Scottish Tablet for up to a few months.

    Can a tablet last 10 years? ›

    The next factor in calculating how long tablets last is from a software perspective. Each drawing tablet manufacturer will have different software update schedules and timelines. For example, Android tablets typically only receive three years on average, while XPPen tablets receive 4 to 5 years.

    Do tablets have a lifespan? ›

    A tablet that doesn't require any updates and is only used to read PDFs can last for up to 12 years. However, on average, a Samsung tablet lasts for about five years, an iPad can stay fully functional for about nine years and a Windows tablet between eight and 12 years.

    Can you set Scottish tablet in the fridge? ›

    Remove the pan from the heat leave to cool for 5 minutes, then beat until set. Pour into the tin and leave to set fully in the fridge for 2 or more hours. Then remove from the tin and cut into squares.

    How often do you need to replace a tablet? ›

    The pace of change is fast – we recommend replacing tablets every three years to keep up with security features, memory size and speed needed to run all programs – including Sales Builder Pro – effectively. Internet security protocols also continue to evolve.

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