Description
This Hard Tack Candy recipe offers a classic, glossy, and crunchy treat that is both visually appealing and customizable with various flavors and colors. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this candy sets quickly and can be broken into bite-sized chunks perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3¾ cups sugar
- 1½ cups light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon food coloring
- 1 bottle oil flavorings (a variety)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a non-stick pan on the stove, mix the light corn syrup, sugar, and water together thoroughly.
- Dissolve Sugar: Turn the heat to medium and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Avoid stirring beyond this point to prevent crystallization.
- Boil Mixture: Allow the mixture to come to a rolling boil. Monitor with a candy thermometer and when it reaches 260 degrees Fahrenheit, add the food coloring. Do not stir, let the boiling action mix the color evenly.
- Reach Hard Crack Stage: Continue boiling until the thermometer reads 300 degrees Fahrenheit, then remove the pan from heat and allow the boiling to stop naturally without stirring.
- Add Flavorings: Add the oil flavorings to the hot mixture and stir gently with a wooden spoon to combine.
- Pour Candy: Pour the hot candy mixture onto a large cookie sheet that has been either well-greased or dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Cool and Set: Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature without refrigerating until it hardens fully, which may take up to an hour.
- Break into Pieces: Once set, use a knife or another suitable object to break the candy into small chunks.
- Coat Candy: Place the candy pieces in a ziplock bag with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, then shake to coat all pieces evenly to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature control to achieve the perfect hard crack stage.
- Do not stir after adding the coloring or during boiling past sugar dissolution to avoid grainy texture caused by crystallization.
- Powdered sugar coating helps keep pieces from sticking together during storage.
- If you want to add a different flavor, ensure it is oil-based to blend well with the hot candy.
- Allow candy to cool at room temperature in a dry environment to avoid humidity affecting the texture.
- Handle hot sugar mixture with care to prevent burns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
