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Honeycomb Candy

Featured in: Sweet Treats That Create Memories

Honeycomb Candy transforms simple pantry ingredients into a magical confection with its distinctive golden color and unique bubbly texture. This classic treat begins with a sugar syrup base enriched with honey for authentic flavor and corn syrup for stability. The real magic happens when baking soda is whisked into the hot syrup, creating a dramatic chemical reaction that multiplies the volume and creates countless tiny air bubbles throughout the structure. As it cools, these bubbles remain trapped in the hardened sugar, resulting in the signature honeycomb appearance and satisfying crunch that gives this candy its name. What makes this sweet particularly special is its versatility – enjoy it on its own for a simple treat, crumble it over ice cream for added texture, use it as a cake decoration, or dip pieces in chocolate for an elevated experience. With just five ingredients and straightforward technique, this impressive confection offers maximum impact for minimal effort.
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marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Tue, 11 Mar 2025 01:48:58 GMT
A stack of honeycomb with honey dripping out. Pin it
A stack of honeycomb with honey dripping out. | tastelikemagic.com

Southern honeycomb candy is a delightful homemade treat featuring a crispy, airy texture with golden sweetness. This light and crunchy candy is made using simple pantry ingredients and can be enjoyed on its own, dipped in chocolate, or crumbled over desserts. Perfect for gift-giving or satisfying sweet cravings, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort.

My love for honeycomb candy started when I first discovered its incredible texture and sweet crunch at a local candy shop. Determined to recreate it at home, I experimented with different ratios and techniques, finally achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Now, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, making its way into holiday gifts and dessert platters year-round.

Essential Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar: The base ingredient that caramelizes for sweetness and structure
  • 1/4 cup honey: Adds depth of flavor and a touch of floral sweetness
  • 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar and control caramelization
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization, ensuring smooth texture
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda (sifted): Creates the airy, porous structure when combined with hot syrup

Necessary Tools

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan: Ensures even heating and prevents burning
  • Candy thermometer: Essential for precision in achieving the correct consistency
  • Whisk: Quickly incorporates baking soda for the airy effect
  • Baking sheet: Used for spreading and cooling the candy
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier

Creating the Perfect Honeycomb Candy

Prepping the Pan:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside for later use.
Making the Syrup:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, honey, water, and corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
Heating to 300°F (Hard Crack Stage):
Increase heat to medium-high and allow the mixture to boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, ensuring it reaches 300°F (150°C).
Adding the Baking Soda:
Once the syrup reaches the desired temperature, immediately remove it from heat. Quickly whisk in the sifted baking soda—this will cause the mixture to foam up dramatically.
Pouring and Cooling:
Immediately pour the foamy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing it to spread naturally without interference. Let it cool completely before breaking into pieces.
A stack of honeycomb with honey dripping out. Pin it
A stack of honeycomb with honey dripping out. | tastelikemagic.com

Making honeycomb candy reminds me of childhood experiments in the kitchen, watching in amazement as simple ingredients transformed into something airy and crispy. This recipe never fails to impress friends and family, and the joy of breaking apart the golden honeycomb into jagged shards is just as satisfying as eating it.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy honeycomb candy as a standalone snack, or elevate it by dipping pieces in melted dark chocolate. Crumble it over vanilla ice cream or sprinkle over cakes for added crunch. For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle caramel or peanut butter over the broken candy pieces.

Creative Variations

Swap honey for maple syrup to add a deep, earthy sweetness. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before the candy hardens for a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast. Infuse the syrup with cinnamon or espresso powder for a unique twist on traditional honeycomb candy.

Proper Storage

Store honeycomb candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep it in a dry environment to prevent stickiness, as humidity can cause it to soften. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture will ruin the crisp texture.

A stack of honeycomb wax paper. Pin it
A stack of honeycomb wax paper. | tastelikemagic.com

Southern honeycomb candy is a simple yet magical treat that showcases the power of caramelization and aeration. Whether enjoyed plain, dipped in chocolate, or crumbled over desserts, this crispy delight is a crowd-pleaser. The fun of watching sugar transform into something light and airy never gets old, making this recipe a must-try for candy lovers and home bakers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why did my Honeycomb Candy collapse or become sticky?
This typically happens due to humidity. Make honeycomb on a dry day and store it in an airtight container with a desiccant packet. If it's very humid, consider adding a bit more corn syrup to help stabilize it.
→ How long does Honeycomb Candy stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, honeycomb candy will stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks. Add a desiccant packet to extend shelf life.
→ Can I make Honeycomb Candy without corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute the corn syrup with an equal amount of golden syrup or increase the honey to 1/2 cup. The corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, but these alternatives work well too.
→ Why do I need to sift the baking soda?
Sifting the baking soda removes any lumps and ensures it incorporates evenly into the hot syrup, creating uniform bubbles throughout the honeycomb structure.
→ What's the best way to break up Honeycomb Candy?
Once completely cooled, you can break it by hand into rustic pieces, or tap it gently with the back of a knife for more controlled breaks. For clean edges, use a sharp knife to cut it while it's still slightly warm.

Honeycomb Candy

This crunchy Honeycomb Candy features a golden caramelized sugar base with a distinctive honeyed flavor and airy texture created by the reaction of baking soda.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Marry

Category: Sweets & Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: British

Yield: 8 Servings (1 pound of honeycomb candy)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 cup granulated sugar
02 1/4 cup honey
03 1/4 cup water
04 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
05 2 teaspoons baking soda, sifted

Instructions

Step 01

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step is crucial as the honeycomb will be extremely sticky when poured, and you'll want an easy release once it's cooled. Make sure your baking sheet is level for an even honeycomb thickness.

Step 02

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan (bigger than you think you need - this mixture will expand dramatically!), combine the granulated sugar, honey, water, and light corn syrup. Place over medium heat and stir gently with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon just until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture looks clear. Try not to splash the mixture up the sides of the pan as this can cause crystallization.

Step 03

Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and clip a candy thermometer to the side of your pan. Stop stirring at this point and allow the mixture to boil undisturbed until it reaches exactly 300°F (150°C) - the hard crack stage. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, but timing can vary based on your stove. The mixture will gradually turn a light amber color as it approaches the target temperature.

Step 04

As soon as the mixture hits 300°F, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Working quickly but carefully, add the sifted baking soda all at once and whisk vigorously for just a few seconds. The mixture will bubble up dramatically and turn a beautiful golden color as the baking soda creates thousands of tiny air bubbles throughout the candy. This reaction is what gives honeycomb its distinctive airy texture!

Step 05

Without delay, pour the foaming mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Don't spread it with a utensil - just let it settle naturally into a rustic shape. The less you disturb it, the more airy bubbles you'll preserve. Leave it completely undisturbed to cool at room temperature, which will take about 30-45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it feels hard to the touch and makes a tapping sound when gently knocked.

Step 06

Once completely cooled and hardened, use your hands or the handle of a utensil to break the honeycomb into irregular pieces of your desired size. Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For an extra special treat, try dipping pieces halfway into melted chocolate or sprinkling with a pinch of flaky sea salt while still warm!

Notes

  1. This honeycomb candy (also known as sponge toffee or cinder toffee) has a magical airy texture and rich caramel flavor that melts in your mouth.
  2. For a twist on the classic recipe, try substituting maple syrup for the honey, or add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the baking soda.
  3. Honeycomb is very sensitive to humidity - store in an airtight container and enjoy within 2-3 days for the best texture and crunch.

Tools You'll Need

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Candy thermometer
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 125
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: ~