Homemade Honeycomb Candy Recipe

Honeycomb Candy

Introduction

Honeycomb candy, also known as sponge toffee, hokey pokey, or cinder toffee, is a delicious and fun-to-make treat. It has a crispy, airy texture and a deep caramelized flavor. The best part? It requires just a few simple ingredients and comes together in minutes!

This guide will walk you through making honeycomb candy from scratch, along with helpful tips, variations, and storage instructions.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) light corn syrup or golden syrup
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) honey (for flavor)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) water
  • 1½ tsp (7g) baking soda (this creates the airy texture)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

Equipment

  • Medium-sized saucepan
  • Candy thermometer (highly recommended)
  • Whisk
  • Heatproof silicone spatula
  • 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

  1. Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang for easy removal.
  2. Lightly grease with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Heat the Sugar Mixture

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, honey, and water.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Once the mixture is smooth, stop stirring and attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.

Step 3: Bring to the Right Temperature

  1. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the mixture boil.
  2. Allow it to cook until it reaches 300°F (150°C), also known as the hard crack stage.
    • This will take about 5-7 minutes.
    • Do not stir the mixture while it cooks!

Step 4: Add Baking Soda (The Magic Step!)

  1. Once the sugar mixture reaches 300°F, remove the pan from heat.
  2. Quickly add 1½ tsp baking soda, and whisk immediately and vigorously.
  3. The mixture will foam up dramatically—this is normal!
  4. As soon as the baking soda is mixed in, immediately pour the foamy mixture into the prepared pan.

Step 5: Let It Cool & Set

  1. Allow the honeycomb to cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
  2. Once fully hardened, lift it out using the parchment paper and break it into chunks using your hands or a knife.

How to Store Honeycomb Candy

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Avoid Humidity: Moisture will cause honeycomb to become sticky, so keep it in a dry place.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as it can lose its crispiness.

Variations & Additions

🔹 Chocolate-Coated Honeycomb: Dip pieces in melted dark, milk, or white chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
🔹 Salted Honeycomb: Sprinkle with sea salt before it fully sets for a sweet & salty contrast.
🔹 Spiced Honeycomb: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder for a flavor twist.
🔹 Coffee Honeycomb: Mix ½ tsp instant coffee into the sugar mixture for a rich caramel-coffee taste.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy & Fun – Just a few ingredients and quick prep!
Light, Crunchy, & Delicious – Perfect caramelized flavor.
Versatile Treat – Eat it plain, coat in chocolate, or crumble over desserts.
Great for Gifting – Package in cute jars or bags for a homemade gift.


Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

Why is my honeycomb too soft?
➡ You may not have cooked the sugar mixture to 300°F. Make sure to use a candy thermometer.

Why is my honeycomb sticky?
➡ Honeycomb absorbs moisture, so store it in an airtight container and keep it dry.

Why didn’t my honeycomb rise?
➡ You may have overmixed after adding baking soda. Stir just enough to incorporate it, then pour immediately.


Final Thoughts

Making homemade Honeycomb Candy is a simple and rewarding process. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can create a crunchy, caramelized treat that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or using in desserts.

Try it today, and enjoy this light, crispy, golden delight! 🍯✨

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