Description
Classic hard tack candy recipe featuring a sweet, crunchy texture with customizable flavors and colors. This traditional candy is simple to make with basic ingredients and perfect for gifting or enjoying as a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3¾ cups sugar
- 1½ cups light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon food coloring
- 1 bottle oil flavorings (variety)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the corn syrup, sugar, and water in a non-stick pan on the stove until combined.
- Dissolve Sugar: Turn heat to medium and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Stop stirring after this point to prevent crystallization.
- Boil Mixture: Allow the mixture to come to a rolling boil. When the candy thermometer reads 260 degrees Fahrenheit, carefully add the food coloring without stirring.
- Reach Hard Crack Stage: Continue boiling the mixture without stirring until the temperature reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit, then remove from heat and let the boiling subside completely.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the chosen oil flavorings using a wooden spoon to evenly distribute the flavor.
- Pour Candy: Pour the hot mixture onto a large cookie sheet that is either well greased or coated with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Cool and Set: Allow the candy to cool at room temperature without refrigeration until fully set and hardened.
- Break Candy: Once set, use a knife or similar object to break the candy into bite-sized chunks.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Place the candy pieces into a ziplock bag with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar and shake well to coat and prevent sticking.
Notes
- Do not stir the mixture after it reaches the boiling stage to avoid crystallization and grainy texture.
- The candy thermometer is essential to achieve the hard crack stage precisely for the perfect crunch.
- Use oil-based flavorings only to prevent texture issues with the candy.
- Greasing the pan or coating with powdered sugar ensures easy removal of the candy after setting.
- Store the candy in an airtight container to keep it crisp and prevent moisture absorption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
