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The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
547 | Calories |
17g | Fat |
101g | Carbs |
2g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: 8 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 547 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 17g | 21% |
Saturated Fat 9g | 46% |
Cholesterol 5mg | 2% |
Sodium 497mg | 22% |
Total Carbohydrate 101g | 37% |
Dietary Fiber 3g | 11% |
Total Sugars 95g | |
Protein 2g | |
Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
Calcium 28mg | 2% |
Iron 3mg | 19% |
Potassium 244mg | 5% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
Honeycomb, also known as sponge candy or hokey pokey, is a deliciously crunchy and rich candy that can easily be made at home. With a distinctive airy texture and the appearance of a honeycomb, this sweet treat requires a few ingredients and patience. Slow and steady is the way to go, as rushing things in candy making will always yield candy with the wrong texture and flavor. Our recipe, beyond giving you the wonderful honeycomb, instructs on how to cover it in decadent chocolate for a confection that is as delicious to eat as it is beautiful to look at.
In order to achieve a crisp texture and fluffy appearance, baking soda comes into play. By adding this ingredient to the hot syrup, a million bubbles of carbon dioxide are released, giving the candy pockets of air that will keep as the candy cools off. Baking soda also gives some flavor and allows the candy to be more chewable. To that extent, a note of caution: Honeycomb requires some chewing, thus making it unsuitable for people with extensive dental work that can become loose.
Before you start, we recommend you have everything ready: all ingredients measured, a heavy-bottomed saucepan, a baking pan, a pastry brush, and a candy thermometer. You want to use a saucepan large enough so that the mixture can triple in size and still be safely contained. You can control the thickness of the honeycomb by selecting a pan size based on your preference. If you use an 11x17-inch pan, the honeycomb will be approximately 1/4-inch thick, while a 13x9-inch pan will yield a 1/2-inch candy. For an ever thicker candy, use an 8x8-inch pan. Note that the amount of chocolate required may vary depending on how thick you made your honeycomb and how many pieces you make.
Ingredients
For the Candy:
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2 cups granulated sugar
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1/2 cup light corn syrup
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1/4 cup honey
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1/4 cup water
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1 heaping tablespoon baking soda
For the Chocolate Coating:
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12 ounces dark chocolate
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2 tablespoons shortening
Steps to Make It
Make the Honeycomb
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Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Prepare a baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray. 8x8 pan or a 13x9 pan.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Combine the sugar, corn syrup, honey, and water in a large saucepan. Stir the ingredients together until the sugar is completely moistened. Using a wet pastry brush, wipe the sides of the saucepan to remove any stray sugar crystals.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Insert a candy thermometer in the saucepan and cook the mixture over medium heat, without stirring, until the candy reaches 300 F. Do not rush the boiling by using high heat.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Once the candy is at the proper temperature, remove it from the heat and add the baking soda all at once. Immediately, quickly whisk the candy to incorporate the baking soda, and be careful as it will foam up a great deal.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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As soon as the baking soda is incorporated, quickly and carefully pour the candy into the prepared baking pan.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Allow it to cool and harden completely, then break it into small pieces.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
Coat the Candy With the Chocolate
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Combine the chocolate and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30 seconds spans, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Using two forks, dip the individual pieces in the melted chocolate so that they are completely covered and place them back on the baking sheet.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Repeat with the remaining honeycomb and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Enjoy!
How to Store Chocolate Honeycomb
Honeycomb candy is best enjoyed within 24 hours. The candy cannot be left out in the open for an extended length of time as it will draw moisture from the air and become sticky and soggy. Although dipping the candies in chocolate helps it maintain a crispy texture for several days, it is best to eat them as soon as they're made. To maintain the best texture, store in plastic baggies within airtight containers.
Temperature is Key
Honeycomb candy only takes a few steps to make but timing is key. The sugar mixture needs to reach exactly 300 F and the baking soda should be stirred in very quickly, otherwise, the mixture will set up in the pot and not in the prepared pan.
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