CandyMaking Techniques (Temperatures for Hard Soft and Chewy Candies)

Ingredients

• 400g (2 cups) granulated sugar
• 160ml (2/3 cup) light corn syrup
• 60ml (1/4 cup) water
• 120g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream
• 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Base

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely. Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Hard Candy Stage

For hard candies like lollipops, allow the sugar mixture to reach 150°C (302°F), the hard crack stage. At this point, drop a small amount into the ice water—it should harden immediately and break with a snap. Carefully pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking tray, allowing it to cool completely before breaking into the desired shapes.

Step 3: Soft Ball Stage

To make soft candies such as marshmallows, heat the sugar mixture to 116°C (241°F). Drop a little of the mixture into the ice water; it should form a soft, flexible ball. Remove from heat and proceed with additional steps specific to your desired candy (e.g., whipping for marshmallows).

Step 4: Chewy Candy Stage

To achieve a chewy consistency for caramels, add the butter and heavy cream to the sugar mixture once it reaches the soft ball stage. Continue cooking until the temperature reaches 121°C (250°F), the firm ball stage. This temperature ensures a perfect chew. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt before pouring into a lined pan to set before cutting into squares.

Conclusion

Mastering the delicate balance of temperature in candy-making empowers you to craft candies of varying textures—each requiring unique precision and care. Whether you’re creating the glassy crunch of a hard candy, the gentle chew of a caramel, or the pillowy softness of a marshmallow, understanding these temperature stages is essential. As you practice and experiment, you’ll find these techniques open a world of sweet creativity, transforming simple ingredients into delightful confections that captivate the senses. Happy candy-making!

Wyatt Travis Creator of AI MultiPrompter

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