Quick and Easy Hard Candy Microwave
Whip up a batch of delightful homemade hard candy in just minutes with this quick and easy microwave recipe! Perfect for beginners or anyone short on time, this recipe simplifies traditional candy-making by swapping the stovetop for a trusty microwave. Featuring pantry staples like granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water, this customizable treat lets you play with vibrant food coloring and your favorite flavoring extracts—think peppermint for the holidays or cherry for a fruity twist! With a prep time of just 5 minutes and no need for specialized equipment beyond a candy thermometer, you’ll have glossy, crunchy candy ready to break into bite-sized pieces in no time. Dust with powdered sugar for a professional touch and enjoy as a sweet snack, thoughtful gift, or festive party favor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Light corn syrup
- 0.25 cup Water
- 2 drops Food coloring (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Flavoring extract (e.g., peppermint, lemon, or cherry)
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. If desired, dust the surface with a thin layer of powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
In a large microwave-safe glass bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir until well mixed.
Microwave the mixture on HIGH for 3 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl (it will be very hot) and stir gently with a heatproof spoon.
Continue microwaving in 1-2 minute increments, stirring between each session, until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage) as measured by a candy thermometer. This typically takes 7-10 minutes total. Be cautious as the liquid will be extremely hot.
Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the bowl from the microwave. Quickly stir in your food coloring and flavoring extract. Work swiftly to combine as the candy will begin to harden rapidly.
Pour the hot candy onto the prepared baking sheet. Tilt the sheet carefully to spread the candy into an even layer, or use an oiled spatula to help shape it.
Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature (about 30 minutes). Once hardened, break it into pieces by gently tapping with the back of a knife handle or a mallet.
If desired, dust the candy pieces with powdered sugar to prevent sticking during storage.
Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
151 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.6 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.5 g | ||
| Protein | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 0 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.
