How to Make Rock Candy Recipe
Introduction
Rock candy is a fun and visually stunning treat made by crystallizing sugar. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create beautiful, colorful rock candy at home that’s perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
- ½ cup water (114 grams)
- ¾ cup light corn syrup (234 grams)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams)
- 2 teaspoons flavoring extract (8 grams, such as raspberry)
- Food coloring (optional, any color)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, light corn syrup, and granulated sugar. Stir gently to mix.
- Step 2: Heat the mixture until it begins to boil, then stop stirring. Place a candy thermometer in the liquid and monitor until the temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Step 3: While the mixture heats, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Step 4: When the mixture reaches 300°F, remove it from heat and let it cool until the bubbles stop breaking on the surface.
- Step 5: Stir in the flavoring extract and food coloring if using, then carefully pour the syrup onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 6: Allow the syrup to cool completely and harden. Once fully set, break the rock candy into pieces of your desired size.
Tips & Variations
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature to ensure perfect crystal formation.
- Add different flavor extracts and food coloring to create a variety of colorful rock candies.
- For larger crystals, pour the syrup into molds or onto parchment paper instead of foil.
- Store sticks or strings in the syrup while cooling to form classic rock candy sticks.
Storage
Store rock candy in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it from absorbing moisture. It can last for several weeks when stored properly. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the candy to become sticky.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Why did my rock candy turn out sticky?
Sticky rock candy often indicates that the sugar syrup was cooked at too low a temperature or that it absorbed moisture from the air. Ensuring the syrup reaches 300°F and storing the candy in a dry, airtight container helps prevent stickiness.
Can I use different types of sugar for rock candy?
Granulated sugar is best for rock candy because it crystallizes well. Using powdered or brown sugar may not yield the same crystal formation and texture.
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How to Make Rock Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Learn how to make classic rock candy at home with this simple stovetop candy recipe. Using basic ingredients like water, corn syrup, and sugar, you can create beautifully flavored and colored crystallized sugar treats that are perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup water (114 grams)
- ¾ cup light corn syrup (234 grams)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams)
- 2 teaspoons flavoring extract (8 grams) – raspberry recommended, but any flavor works
- Food coloring (optional) – blue used here, but choose your preferred color
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together the water, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, flavoring extract, and food coloring (if using). This forms the base liquid for the candy crystals.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the mixture starts to boil. Once boiling begins, stop stirring to prevent crystallization.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: While the mixture heats, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray. Set this aside for pouring the hot candy mixture later.
- Boil to Hard Crack Stage: Insert a candy thermometer into the boiling liquid. Monitor the temperature closely and remove the pan from heat once it reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage), essential for the rock candy texture.
- Cool Off: Let the hot syrup cool slightly until bubbles on the surface stop breaking. This indicates it is ready to be poured and solidified.
- Pour and Set: Carefully pour the cooled syrup onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly.
- Cool Completely: Allow the syrup to cool fully and harden at room temperature without disturbance.
- Break Into Pieces: Once hardened, break the candy into chunks or desired sizes for serving or packaging.
Notes
- Do not stir the sugar syrup once it starts boiling to prevent premature crystallization.
- Use a candy thermometer for best results to reach the correct temperature.
- Customize flavor and color with your favorite extracts and food coloring.
- Be cautious when handling hot syrup as it can cause burns.
- Store the rock candy in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: rock candy, homemade candy, crystallized sugar, candy recipe, stovetop candy
