Craving a candy that’s not overly sweet or bursting with your favorite flavor? Then tie your apron because we have got a sweet solution to it! It’s time to create your sweet treats!
From making the best caramel bites to sour candies, it is your turn to experiment in Candy Land. Today’s article will guide you through all the know-how of making homemade candies perfectly! Explore different variations and see how to make your sweet snack enjoyable.
So, let’s cut the chase and get on with our bowls, spatulas, and candy recipes!
Part 1: How To Make Homemade Candy? (Detailed Guide)
Easy Candy Recipe Steps:
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan.
- Heat to 300-330°F (149-166°C), using a candy thermometer.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Quickly add your desired flavoring and coloring.
- Pour the hot candy mixture carefully into prepared molds
- Allow the candy to cool completely and harden
Candies are the perfect little sweet snack after lunch or a distasteful meal. They are also a fun way to grab children’s attention. Whether you want to create them for Halloween or as an after-meal treat, here is the perfect recipe for mastering delicious candies.
The candy recipes are simple and fun DIY activities with your kids. Try this out and explore new flavor palettes and mold designs for interesting creations.
A - What Essential Ingredients Are Required to Make Candies at Home?
A basic candy recipe needs a handful of ingredients and some daily kitchen essentials. Here is a list of ingredients to collect:
| Kitchen Essentials | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Bowls for mixing | 2 cups of refined sugar - as a sweetener |
| Medium-sized saucepan | 1 cup light corn syrup - as candy base |
| Spatula | 2 tbsp of flavored extract OR ¾ cup 100% strained fruit juice |
| Measuring cups and spoons | ½ cup water - to adjust consistency (half the quantity if using fruit juice) |
| Baking Thermometer | Cooking Spray |
| Silicone Molds | Optional: ½ tsp citric acid - for tanginess, ½ tsp food coloring |
B- What is the Process of Making Candies at Home?
Once your kitchen counter is ready, tie your apron to get started. It’s time to make some delicious candies!
| Step | Instructions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing the Ingredients | Measure out all your ingredients and place them on your workbench. Be precise with all the measurements for accuracy. | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking |
1- Add sugar and water to a saucepan and cook for 5 minutes on low heat. 2- Combine the light corn syrup when the sugar is dissolved completely. Mix it thoroughly with a spatula. 3- Cook until the mixture is heated to 300-330 degrees Fahrenheit. 4- With a spoon, drop a small amount of mixture into cold water. If it solidifies, take your pan off the heat. |
15-20 minutes |
| Add Extracts and Flavorings | Now, combine your fruit juice or extract with the corn-sugar syrup. Mix it nicely until thoroughly combined. | 2 minutes |
| Pour and Set | Spray oil or sprinkle sugar on your silicone mold. Pour the candy mixture into each mold, being careful not to overfill. Then, let the impression rest on your kitchen counter. |
5 minutes |
| Demold and Store | Keep your candies for 15-20 minutes to set. Once solidified, de-mold them. Store your homemade candies in an air-tight container. |
5 minutes |
Using clean silicone molds is key for perfect hard candy. For tips on keeping your molds sparkling learn “how to clean silicone molds”.
You now have a delicious batch of candies. Make your candies exciting with variations like powdered cranberry or lime chili. Store them away from everyone’s reach; otherwise, you must make another batch on the same day!
Part 2: Candy-Making Preparation & Storing Tips
Candy-making seems as easy as winking. Here are a few preparation and storing tips that make this process effortless. Keep sure to remember these tips to enjoy crunchy and flavourful homemade candies.
Candy-Making Preparation Tips
- If your sugar-corn syrup mixture seems too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency. It should be a drip-off consistency when poured.
- Pour all your candy molds when the mixture is hot. Cold sugar syrup will solidify in the pan.
- Mix your extract and flavoring thoroughly. Give it a good mix in a figure-of-eight motion to combine everything nicely.
- Sugar burns very quickly. Add sugar and water, and then put the pan on low heat. Keep monitoring the temperature.
- Use high-quality silicone molds for perfectly shaped candies. Sugar syrup can stick in plastic molds and they are very unsafe to use.
use high-quality silicone molds, we've got some helpful tips on using silicone molds, so you can get the best results every time.
Candy Storing Tips:
- Store your candies in an airtight container away from sunlight and moisture to keep them crunchy.
- Dust powdered sugar on your candies after de-molding. This will prevent them from sticking inside the jar.
- Use parchment paper to separate candies and avoid sticking together.
- For longevity and freshness, you can store candies in a freezer. Pack them in a zip-lock bag and place the bag in the freezer door.
By now, you have mastered the art of making the perfect candy! Experiment with flavors, textures, and techniques to make every bite special.
Part 3- How to Choose the Right Candy Molds for Your Candies?
The right candy mold is key to creating perfect, professional-looking treats. This section guides you through the key considerations—material, shape, intended use, and candy type—for selecting the ideal molds. We'll explore the best options for candies (chocolates, gummies, hard candies, and more) to ensure your creations turn out exactly as envisioned.
Learn how different materials affect your candy's texture and appearance.
Best Mold Choices for Different Candy Types
1- Chocolate Molds
Designed specifically for chocolate candies, often made of sturdy plastic or silicone. Helps create detailed designs and smooth surfaces.
2- Gummy Molds
Best for gelatin or pectin-based candies. These molds come in fun shapes like bears, worms, and fruits to make homemade gummies exciting.
3- Candy Molds
These are general-purpose molds used for various types of candies, including lollipops, hard candies, and soft chews. They are available in plastic, silicone, and metal.
Different Candy Shapes and Their Uses
Candy molds come in various shapes, enhancing presentation and allowing for theme-based creations. Here are some popular shapes and their uses, including specific examples:
1- Heart Candy Molds
Use these to make heart-shaped candies for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or just to show someone you care. You can use them for chocolates, gummies, or hard candies.
2- Berry Silicone Molds
These molds make candies that look like real berries. They're great for fruit-flavored gummies, and chocolates, or even for decorating cakes and desserts. Silicone makes them easy to use and pop the candies out.
3- Silicone Fish Molds
These fun molds make fish-shaped candies. They're perfect for parties with an ocean theme, or for making fish-shaped gummies, chocolates, or even ice cubes for summer drinks.
4- Bear Silicone Molds
These cute molds make bear-shaped candies. They're great for kids' parties or just for fun. They work well for gummies, chocolates, and other candies. The silicone makes them easy to use and clean.
💡 Pro Tips
- Temp: Use a candy thermometer (300-330°F) for the perfect candy.
- Pan: Use a large pan for even heating and to prevent boiling over.
- Release: Lightly spray molds with neutral cooking spray or dust with powdered sugar.
- Flavor: Add herbs, spices, or zest while cooking. Remove before pouring.
- Color: Use gel food coloring after removing it from heat.
- No Bubbles: Tap molds gently after pouring to remove air bubbles.
- Set: Allow candies to cool completely before unmolding.
- Molds: Use FDA-approved silicone molds from PJ Bold for different candy types.
By selecting the right mold and following the below tips, you can create visually appealing and professional-quality homemade candies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of sweetener should be used for candy?
Refined white sugar is the best sweetener for homemade candies. Alternatives like honey, brown sugar, or glucose syrup should be avoided.
Can I use fresh juice in my candy?
Yes. Use 100% fresh juice without pulp for flavoring. Just ensure your extracts and juices are well-strained from any remaining fruit impurities.
How to Prevent Candies from Sticking?
To prevent the candies from sticking, sprinkle them with powdered sugar or cornflour while storing them. You can also line each layer with parchment paper.
My candies turned hollow from one side?
While pouring the mixture, an air bubble is trapped between the mold and the mix. Once the syrup is poured, tap the mold on the counter to release air.
Conclusion:
It’s a wrap! You must be excited to try out this homemade candy recipe by now. The process is simple and a fun activity to enjoy with your little ones! Prepare the candy ingredients and make this fun, sweet treat to share with friends.
Add a twist with different flavor combinations and additions. Store them in a cool, dry place for maximum freshness and a longer shelf life. To make your treats even more special, explore high-quality silicone molds from PJ Bold to craft candies that perfectly match any occasion.
