Hard Tack Candy Recipe
Hard Tack Candy
Table of Contents
Hard Tack Candy
Hard tack candy is a timeless, classic treat that brings back nostalgic memories of old fashioned candy making. This homemade candy is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor with each bite. With just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, you can create your own batch of hard tack candy. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just when you want a sweet, hard candy to enjoy, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Description:
Hard tack candy is a beloved confection with a rich history, often associated with pioneer days and soldiers in the Civil War who relied on simple, long lasting foods. It’s a candy that has stood the test of time, and for good reason hard tack candy is delicious, easy to make, and customizable to suit any taste preference. Whether you’re new to candy making or an experienced cook, this hard tack candy recipe provides all the steps needed to create a perfectly crunchy, flavorful treat that can be made in your own kitchen.
At its core, hard tack candy is a sugar based candy that is boiled to a high temperature to reach the hard crack stage. This results in a solid, glass like texture that gives the candy its characteristic snap. Traditionally, hard tack candy is flavored with peppermint, but the possibilities for flavoring are endless from cinnamon to fruit flavors, you can experiment with various extracts or essential oils to create the flavor profile that you prefer.
Making hard tack candy requires some patience and attention to detail, but the process is simple enough for anyone to follow. You’ll start by boiling sugar, corn syrup, and water to a precise temperature, which creates the candy’s hard, brittle structure. Once the candy reaches the correct temperature, it is poured into a prepared pan, where it will cool and harden. The candy is then broken into pieces or cut into shapes. With this easy recipe, you’ll be able to make batches of homemade hard tack candy that are just as good, if not better, than store bought versions.
In this recipe, we also incorporate tips on how to safely work with hot sugar syrup and avoid common pitfalls. Plus, you’ll learn how to store your homemade hard tack candy to ensure it stays fresh for weeks.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon flavoring extract (such as peppermint, cinnamon, or fruit flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon food coloring (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, but helps prevent crystallization)
- Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing the pan)
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Work Area: Start by greasing a baking sheet or a large heatproof dish with butter or non stick spray. This will prevent the hard tack candy from sticking once it’s poured out. If you want to make the candy more decorative, you can line the pan with parchment paper, which can also make it easier to remove the candy after it hardens.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Add the cream of tartar if you’re using it. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Boil the Mixture: Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Using a candy thermometer, monitor the temperature of the boiling syrup. You’ll need to cook it until it reaches 300°F (150°C), the “hard crack” stage. This is the point at which the syrup will harden into a brittle, glass like texture when it cools. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from burning.
- Add Flavor and Color: As soon as the syrup reaches the desired temperature, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully stir in your choice of flavoring extract and food coloring (if desired). Be cautious during this step, as the syrup will be extremely hot and can cause burns if it splashes.
- Pour the Candy: Pour the hot syrup onto the prepared baking sheet or dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly if necessary. Allow the candy to cool and harden at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. As the candy begins to cool, you can also score the surface with a sharp knife to create pieces that are easier to break apart later.
- Break into Pieces: Once the hard tack candy has completely cooled and hardened, break it into pieces using your hands or a mallet. Be careful, as the candy will be very brittle. Store the broken pieces in an airtight container to maintain their crunch.
- Storage: Store the hard tack candy in a cool, dry place, away from heat or humidity. If properly stored, the candy can last for several weeks. Just make sure to keep it sealed tightly to prevent it from absorbing moisture and becoming sticky.
Notes:
- Flavor Variations: While peppermint is the traditional flavor for hard tack candy, there are countless other flavors you can try. Cinnamon, wintergreen, and cherry are popular alternatives. For a more unique twist, consider using fruit flavored extracts or even citrus zest. You can also experiment with mixing two flavors, like peppermint and cinnamon, to create your own signature hard tack candy.
- Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer is essential for making hard tack candy. Without it, it can be difficult to reach the correct temperature and achieve the proper texture. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can perform a cold water test. Drop a small amount of the syrup into cold water; if it hardens into a brittle, glass like consistency, it’s ready.
- Avoiding Crystallization: If your hard tack candy starts to crystallize during cooking, it can turn grainy or become too soft. The cream of tartar in this recipe helps prevent this. However, make sure to avoid stirring the syrup too much while it’s cooking, as this can encourage crystals to form.
- Safety Tip: Be extremely careful when working with hot sugar syrup. The temperature of the syrup can reach up to 300°F (150°C), which is far hotter than boiling water. Always use oven mitts and take precautions to avoid burns. Make sure children and pets stay clear of the cooking area.
Hard tack candy
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon flavoring extract such as peppermint, cinnamon, or fruit flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon food coloring optional
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar optional, but helps prevent crystallization
- Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Prepare Your Work Area: Start by greasing a baking sheet or a large heatproof dish with butter or non stick spray. This will prevent the hard tack candy from sticking once it’s poured out. If you want to make the candy more decorative, you can line the pan with parchment paper, which can also make it easier to remove the candy after it hardens.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Add the cream of tartar if you’re using it. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Boil the Mixture: Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Using a candy thermometer, monitor the temperature of the boiling syrup. You’ll need to cook it until it reaches 300°F (150°C), the “hard crack” stage. This is the point at which the syrup will harden into a brittle, glass like texture when it cools. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from burning.
- Add Flavor and Color: As soon as the syrup reaches the desired temperature, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully stir in your choice of flavoring extract and food coloring (if desired). Be cautious during this step, as the syrup will be extremely hot and can cause burns if it splashes.
- Pour the Candy: Pour the hot syrup onto the prepared baking sheet or dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly if necessary. Allow the candy to cool and harden at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. As the candy begins to cool, you can also score the surface with a sharp knife to create pieces that are easier to break apart later.
- Break into Pieces: Once the hard tack candy has completely cooled and hardened, break it into pieces using your hands or a mallet. Be careful, as the candy will be very brittle. Store the broken pieces in an airtight container to maintain their crunch.
- Storage: Store the hard tack candy in a cool, dry place, away from heat or humidity. If properly stored, the candy can last for several weeks. Just make sure to keep it sealed tightly to prevent it from absorbing moisture and becoming sticky.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: While peppermint is the traditional flavor for hard tack candy, there are countless other flavors you can try. Cinnamon, wintergreen, and cherry are popular alternatives. For a more unique twist, consider using fruit flavored extracts or even citrus zest. You can also experiment with mixing two flavors, like peppermint and cinnamon, to create your own signature hard tack candy.
- Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer is essential for making hard tack candy. Without it, it can be difficult to reach the correct temperature and achieve the proper texture. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can perform a cold water test. Drop a small amount of the syrup into cold water; if it hardens into a brittle, glass like consistency, it’s ready.
- Avoiding Crystallization: If your hard tack candy starts to crystallize during cooking, it can turn grainy or become too soft. The cream of tartar in this recipe helps prevent this. However, make sure to avoid stirring the syrup too much while it’s cooking, as this can encourage crystals to form.
- Safety Tip: Be extremely careful when working with hot sugar syrup. The temperature of the syrup can reach up to 300°F (150°C), which is far hotter than boiling water. Always use oven mitts and take precautions to avoid burns. Make sure children and pets stay clear of the cooking area.
