Crackle Candy
Delight your sweet tooth with this irresistibly crunchy Crackle Candy recipe, a nostalgic treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Featuring a simple blend of pantry staples like granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and a touch of water, this recipe transforms into a delightfully crisp confection by reaching the magical hard-crack stage. Infused with buttery vanilla goodness and a pop of vibrant food coloring (optional for a festive twist), this DIY candy gets its signature airy texture from the addition of baking soda, creating a light, shatterable crunch. Perfect for gifting or satisfying a homemade candy craving, Crackle Candy is quick to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes on the stove. Serve it as a standalone treat, or use the eye-catching shards to decorate cakes and desserts.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 dropper or as desired food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring the tip is submerged in the liquid but not touching the bottom.
Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring and cook until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This usually takes 20-25 minutes. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
Once it reaches the desired temperature, immediately remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, and food coloring (if using). The mixture will froth slightly—this is normal.
Quickly and carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it thinly with a heatproof spatula if needed.
Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens, about 15-20 minutes.
Once hardened, use a mallet or the back of a sturdy spoon to break the candy into bite-sized pieces.
Store the crackle candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
200 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.0 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 56 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.0 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.0 g | ||
| Protein | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 1 mg | 0% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
