Description
Hard tack candy is a classic old-fashioned candy with a clear, glassy finish and bold flavor, made by cooking sugar syrup to the hard crack stage and breaking it into crunchy pieces.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 3/4 cups granulated sugar: forms the structure and sweetness of the candy
- 1 1/4 cups light corn syrup: prevents crystallization and keeps the candy smooth
- 1 cup water: dissolves the sugar and allows even cooking
- 1 teaspoon flavoring oil (cinnamon, peppermint, or fruit): gives hard tack candy its signature flavor
- Food coloring, as needed: adds vibrant color to the candy
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: prevents the finished candy from sticking together
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and lightly dust it with powdered sugar.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Stop stirring, attach a candy thermometer to the pan, and cook the mixture until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Remove the pan from heat and carefully stir in the flavoring oil and food coloring.
- Pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and allow it to spread naturally.
- Let the candy cool completely at room temperature until fully hardened.
- Break the hardened candy into pieces and toss lightly with powdered sugar before storing.
Notes
- Always use a candy thermometer to ensure the candy reaches the correct temperature.
- Add flavoring only after removing the pan from heat to prevent bitterness.
- Store hard tack candy in an airtight container away from moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg