Hard Tack Candy Recipe

Introduction

Hard tack candy is a classic, old-fashioned treat known for its long-lasting crunch and vibrant flavors. With simple ingredients and a tiny bit of patience, you can create beautiful, glassy candy pieces that are perfect for sharing or gifting.

Ingredients

• 1.75 pounds granulated sugar (about 3 1/2 cups)
• 1 cup water (8 ounces)
• 1 cup corn syrup (8 ounces)
• Food coloring (as desired)
• 0.125 ounces LorAnn Flavoring Oil
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (65 grams)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a large baking sheet (at least 12×17″) with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.
3. Step 3: Continue cooking and stirring gently. For your first attempt, keep the heat at medium. Once comfortable, you can increase heat while stirring carefully to avoid burning. Remember, temperature is crucial; do not remove from heat prematurely.
4. Step 4: Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. When it reaches 280º Fahrenheit, add food coloring a few drops at a time until the desired color is achieved.
5. Step 5: Keep cooking until the mixture hits 290º to 295º Fahrenheit. Then, remove from heat and stir in the LorAnn Flavoring Oil thoroughly.
6. Step 6: Immediately pour the hot sugar mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a thin, even layer. Let it cool completely for about 30 minutes until hard.
7. Step 7: Once cooled, use a meat mallet or similar tool to crack the candy into pieces.
8. Step 8: Place the candy pieces into a zippered bag, add the powdered sugar, and shake well to coat each piece, preventing sticking.
9. Step 9: Store the coated candy pieces in an airtight container at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure correct sugar temperatures for the perfect hard texture.
• Experiment with different LorAnn Flavoring Oil varieties to create unique taste combinations.
• If you prefer a thicker candy, pour the syrup in a slightly thicker layer, but be aware this may require more effort to break into pieces.

Storage

Store hard tack candy in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy. It will maintain its quality for several months. Avoid humidity to prevent the candy from becoming sticky. There is no need to reheat before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flavor extracts instead of LorAnn Flavoring Oil?

Regular extracts can work but may not be as concentrated or stable at high temperatures. LorAnn Flavoring Oil is specially formulated for candy making and provides stronger, longer-lasting flavor.

Why did my candy turn sticky?

Sticky candy usually results from humidity or not cooking the sugar mixture to the proper temperature. Ensure you reach the specified temperatures and store your candy in a dry, airtight container.

Hard Tack Candy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 84 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 dozen small candy pieces 1x

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Description

Hard Tack Candy is a classic, old-fashioned hard candy made by boiling a simple mixture of sugar, corn syrup, and water to the perfect temperature, then adding flavor and color before cooling and breaking into shards. This recipe yields a crunchy, sweet treat coated in powdered sugar for an irresistible finish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1.75 pounds granulated sugar (about 3 1/2 cups)
• 1 cup water (8 ounces)
• 1 cup corn syrup (8 ounces)
• Food coloring (as desired)
• 0.125 ounces LorAnn Flavoring Oil (about 3 1/2 teaspoons)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (65 grams)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet (at least 12×17 inches) with parchment paper and set it aside to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.
3. Cook the Syrup: Continue cooking gently, stirring occasionally. For your first attempt, keep the heat at medium to avoid burning. Temperature control is crucial, so patience is key.
4. Add Food Coloring: Monitor the temperature with a candy thermometer. When it reaches 280°F (soft crack stage), add a few drops of your chosen food coloring, gradually increasing until you reach the desired color.
5. Reach Final Temperature and Add Flavor: Keep cooking the mixture until it hits between 290°F and 295°F. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the LorAnn Flavoring Oil thoroughly.
6. Pour the Candy: Immediately pour the hot sugar mixture evenly onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep the layer thin to ensure it cools quickly and cracks easily.
7. Cool Completely: Allow the candy to cool and harden completely at room temperature, which takes about 30 minutes.
8. Break into Pieces: Once cooled, use a meat mallet or similar tool to gently crack the candy into bite-size pieces.
9. Coat with Powdered Sugar: Place the candy pieces into a zippered plastic bag, add the powdered sugar, and shake well to coat evenly. This prevents sticking.
10. Store Properly: Transfer the coated candy pieces to an airtight container and store at room temperature. They will keep fresh for several months.

Notes

• Use a reliable candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings, as this ensures the perfect hardness.
• Be careful when handling hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.
• Experiment with different LorAnn Flavoring Oils for varied tastes.
• Keep the candy layer thin on the baking sheet for crispiness and easy breaking.
• Coating with powdered sugar prevents the candy pieces from sticking together during storage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: hard tack candy, old fashioned candy, homemade candy, boiled sugar candy, LorAnn flavoring candy, easy candy recipe