Honeycomb Candy (also known as cinder toffee) is a crunchy, airy, and sweet treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its caramelized flavor and bubbly texture, it’s a fun candy that melts in your mouth. The best part is that it’s made with just a few simple ingredients!
Here’s a recipe for Honeycomb Candy:
Honeycomb Candy
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup golden syrup (or light corn syrup)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (make sure it’s fresh)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan:
- Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan or a similar-sized pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray. This will help you easily remove the honeycomb candy later.
2. Heat the Sugar Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, golden syrup, and water. Stir everything together to combine.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the sugar, but once it starts boiling, stop stirring to avoid crystallization.
3. Boil Until Golden:
- Allow the mixture to boil for about 5-6 minutes, or until it turns a deep amber color. You can use a candy thermometer to check the temperature—it should reach about 300°F (150°C), which is the hard crack stage.
4. Add the Baking Soda:
- Once the sugar syrup reaches the correct temperature and is golden brown, immediately remove the pan from the heat.
- Quickly and carefully add the baking soda (and salt, if using). Stir the mixture gently to incorporate the baking soda. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up rapidly when the baking soda is added.
5. Pour and Let Cool:
- Pour the bubbly mixture into the prepared pan. Do not spread it or touch it once it’s poured—let the air bubbles form naturally.
- Let the honeycomb cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, until it hardens and cools completely.
6. Break Into Pieces:
- Once fully cooled and set, carefully break the honeycomb into irregular chunks. You can use your hands or a knife to cut through the candy.
7. Optional Chocolate Coating:
- For an extra treat, you can dip or drizzle melted chocolate over the honeycomb pieces. Simply melt some chocolate (dark, milk, or white, depending on your preference) and coat the honeycomb pieces. Let them set on parchment paper until the chocolate hardens.
Enjoy:
This Honeycomb Candy is delightfully crunchy with a sweet, toffee-like flavor and a lovely airy texture. It’s a perfect treat for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something sweet and crunchy.
If you’d like, you can also experiment with adding flavors like vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon to the syrup mixture before boiling. Enjoy your homemade honeycomb candy! Let me know if you need any other variations or tips.