What To Know
- Once the candy has reached the hard-crack stage, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- For a smoother candy, use a candy thermometer to ensure that the candy reaches the correct temperature.
- If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the candy by dropping a small amount into a glass of cold water.
Candy corn is a classic Halloween treat that is both delicious and fun to make. If you’re looking for a way to add some extra sweetness to your holiday celebrations, then this recipe is for you!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Yellow food coloring
- Orange food coloring
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper with cooking spray.
2. Combine the ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Cook the candy: Continue cooking the candy, stirring constantly, until it reaches the hard-crack stage (300 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer).
4. Remove from heat: Once the candy has reached the hard-crack stage, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Divide the candy: Divide the candy into three equal portions.
6. Color the candy: Add yellow food coloring to one portion of the candy, orange food coloring to another portion, and leave the third portion uncolored.
7. Pour the candy into the pan: Pour the yellow candy into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
8. Top with the orange candy: Pour the orange candy over the yellow candy and spread it out evenly.
9. Top with the white candy: Pour the white candy over the orange candy and spread it out evenly.
10. Cool the candy: Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature.
11. Cut the candy: Once the candy is cool, cut it into 1-inch pieces.
Tips:
- For a smoother candy, use a candy thermometer to ensure that the candy reaches the correct temperature.
- If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the candy by dropping a small amount into a glass of cold water. If the candy forms a hard, brittle thread, then it is ready.
- Be careful not to overcook the candy, as it will become bitter.
- If the candy is too thick, add a little bit of water. If the candy is too thin, add a little bit of sugar.
- Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Variations:
- Candy corn with a twist: Add a few drops of your favorite flavoring extract to the candy before pouring it into the pan.
- Candy corn with sprinkles: Sprinkle your favorite sprinkles on top of the candy before it cools.
- Candy corn with nuts: Add chopped nuts to the candy before pouring it into the pan.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make candy corn without a candy thermometer?
A: Yes, you can test the candy by dropping a small amount into a glass of cold water. If the candy forms a hard, brittle thread, then it is ready.
Q: What is the best way to store candy corn?
A: Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Q: Can I use other colors of food coloring?
A: Yes, you can use any color of food coloring that you like. However, traditional candy corn is made with yellow, orange, and white.
Q: Can I make candy corn ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make candy corn ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Q: How do I fix candy corn that is too thick or too thin?
A: If the candy is too thick, add a little bit of water. If the candy is too thin, add a little bit of sugar.
Q: What is the best way to cut candy corn?
A: Use a sharp knife to cut the candy into 1-inch pieces.
Q: Can I use other flavors of candy corn?
A: Yes, you can use any flavor of candy corn that you like. However, traditional candy corn is made with vanilla extract.
Q: Can I make candy corn with other ingredients?
A: Yes, you can add other ingredients to candy corn, such as nuts, sprinkles, or flavoring extracts.
Q: How do I make candy corn with a different shape?
A: You can use cookie cutters to cut the candy corn into different shapes.
Q: How do I make candy corn with a different color?
A: You can use different colors of food coloring to make candy corn with a different color.
Q: How do I make candy corn with a different flavor?
A: You can use different flavors of flavoring extract to make candy corn with a different flavor.
