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Hard Tack Candy Recipe

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  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: About 20 servings
  • Category: Candy / Confectionery
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Hard Tack Candy recipe creates classic crunchy, clear, and flavorful candy pieces perfect for a nostalgic treat or gift. Made from simple ingredients like granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water, the candy is cooked to precise temperatures to achieve the perfect hard crack texture. Flavor and color are customizable, and the candy pieces are dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, resulting in delightful, long-lasting sweets.

Ingredients

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 7.5 ml)

Finishing

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (65 grams)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet (at least 12×17 inches) with parchment paper and set aside to ensure an easy release of the candy once poured and cooled.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, place the granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir constantly until all the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil, ensuring an even melt.
  3. Cook Sugar Mixture: Continue gently stirring and cooking at medium heat. Patience is crucial—do not rush this step. The mixture must reach the precise temperature to form the correct candy texture.
  4. Add Food Coloring: Monitor the temperature closely using a candy thermometer. When the mixture reaches 280ºF, add food coloring gradually, mixing well, until the desired hue is achieved.
  5. Reach Hard Crack Stage: Continue cooking the mixture until the temperature hits between 290ºF and 295ºF. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the LorAnn Flavoring Oil thoroughly to infuse flavor.
  6. Pour and Cool: Immediately pour the hot sugar mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out to a thin even layer to ensure easy breaking once set. Allow it to cool completely for about 30 minutes until fully hardened.
  7. Break into Pieces: Use a meat mallet or similar tool to gently crack the cooled candy into bite-sized pieces for easy serving and storage.
  8. Coat Candy: Place the broken candy pieces into a zippered plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar and shake well to coat the candy pieces, preventing them from sticking together.
  9. Store Properly: Transfer the powdered sugar-coated candy pieces to an airtight container. Store at room temperature where they will keep fresh and crunchy for several months.

Notes

  • Use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure correct temperatures for texture.
  • Be patient and avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent crystallization.
  • Adjust food coloring and flavoring to customize the candy to your preference.
  • Powdered sugar coating helps prevent the candy from sticking together during storage.
  • Store candy in airtight containers at room temperature to maintain freshness for months.
  • Handle the hot sugar mixture carefully to avoid burns.

Find it online: https://evelynscooking.com/hard-tack-candy-recipe/