What To Know
- Store the candy corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- So gather your family and friends, put on your favorite Halloween movie, and indulge in the sweet and spooky joy of homemade vegan candy corn.
- When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, vegan candy corn can last for up to 2 weeks.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring: yellow, orange, white (optional)
Equipment:
- Candy thermometer
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Parchment paper
- Piping bag fitted with a star tip
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base Mixture:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Cook to Hard Crack Stage:
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. Insert a candy thermometer and continue cooking until the temperature reaches 300-310°F (149-154°C), which is the hard crack stage.
3. Remove from Heat and Add Flavoring:
Once the mixture reaches the hard crack stage, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Divide into Three Portions:
For a classic candy corn design, divide the mixture into three equal portions.
5. Color the Portions:
Add yellow food coloring to one portion, orange to another, and leave the third portion white.
6. Pipe the Candy Corn:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the yellow portion into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe diagonal lines onto the parchment paper to form the base of the candy corn.
7. Alternate Layers:
Repeat the piping process with the orange and white portions, alternating layers to create the traditional candy corn shape.
8. Let Cool and Harden:
Allow the candy corn to cool and harden completely at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
9. Break into Pieces:
Once hardened, break the candy corn into individual pieces.
Tips for Success:
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the correct temperature.
- Stir the mixture constantly while cooking to prevent burning.
- If the mixture starts to crystallize, add a few drops of water and stir vigorously.
- Work quickly when piping the candy corn as it cools and hardens rapidly.
- Store the candy corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Customization Options:
- Add other flavorings such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to the base mixture.
- Use different food colorings to create a variety of candy corn designs.
- Top the candy corn with sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.
Sweeten Your Halloween with Vegan Candy Corn
This vegan candy corn recipe is a delicious and ethical way to enjoy a sweet treat this Halloween. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create your own festive and guilt-free candy. So gather your family and friends, put on your favorite Halloween movie, and indulge in the sweet and spooky joy of homemade vegan candy corn.
What People Want to Know
1. Can I use other sweeteners instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can use other granulated sweeteners such as coconut sugar or brown rice sugar. However, the color and texture of the candy corn may vary slightly.
2. What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
You can test the mixture by dropping a small amount into a glass of cold water. If it forms a hard, brittle thread, it has reached the hard crack stage.
3. How long does vegan candy corn last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, vegan candy corn can last for up to 2 weeks.
4. Can I make the candy corn ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the candy corn up to 2 weeks in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
5. Is vegan candy corn gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free food coloring.
