Edible Coal Candy Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, nostalgic treat that will absolutely wow your friends and family, you have to try this Edible Coal Candy. It’s a playful take on that classic holiday coal idea but turned into a delicious, crunchy, sweet candy coated in rich dark chocolate and dusted with black sugar. The combination of the crunchy honeycomb texture with silky chocolate and the dramatic black sugar coating makes it not only irresistible to eat but also a perfect conversation starter at any gathering. Plus, making this Edible Coal Candy at home is easier and more rewarding than you might expect!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients are the heart of our Edible Coal Candy. Each one is essential, bringing a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor that makes this candy so unique and addictive.

• Granulated sugar: The base ingredient for that classic honeycomb crunch, essential for the candy’s structure.
• Light corn syrup (or golden syrup): Helps prevent crystallization for a smooth, clear candy texture.
• Water: A simple but important component that dissolves the sugar and helps control the cooking process.
• Baking soda: The secret to creating those light, airy bubbles inside the honeycomb.
• Dark or semisweet chocolate: Melts into a glossy coating that adds richness and balances out the sweetness perfectly.
• Caster sugar: Used for the final “coal” coating; fine texture helps it absorb black food coloring evenly.
• Black food coloring: Transforms the caster sugar into the signature black coal look.

How to Make Edible Coal Candy

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×10 or 9×9-inch heat-safe container with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easy to remove the candy once set. This simple prep step is crucial for a clean release and neat edges.

Step 2: Dissolving the Sugar

Combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water in a large pot over medium-low heat. Stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves—patience here ensures a smooth candy without graininess.

Step 3: Heat to Hard Crack Stage

After the sugar dissolves, crank the heat up to medium and clip a candy thermometer to the pot. Resist stirring from this point onward. Heat the mixture until it reaches 300-310°F (hard crack stage)—this temp guarantees that perfect crunchy texture when cooled.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda and Pour

Remove from heat and immediately whisk in baking soda for no longer than 10 seconds. The mixture will bubble up quickly, creating the honeycomb’s signature air pockets. Pour promptly into your lined pan while it’s still frothy and bubbling.

Step 5: Cool and Break Into Pieces

Let the candy sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours until completely hard. Use a knife to carefully break it into “coal-sized” chunks, saving smaller shards for toppings or snacking later.

Step 6: Color Your Sugar

Throw the caster sugar and a few drops of black food coloring into a zip-top plastic bag. Seal and rub the sugar until the color is thoroughly absorbed, creating that iconic coal-black sparkle for your candy coating.

Step 7: Melt the Chocolate

Melt your dark or semisweet chocolate in short 30-second microwave bursts, stirring well in between to keep it silky smooth and lump-free.

Step 8: Dip and Coat

One by one, dip each piece of honeycomb coal into the melted chocolate. Let any excess drip off, then roll or sprinkle the pieces in the black sugar before the chocolate fully hardens. This final step locks in that authentic edible coal look that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

How to Serve Edible Coal Candy

Garnishes

This edible coal candy is a star on its own but garnishing with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or edible silver dust can add an unexpected sparkle and a hint of savory balance that elevates the whole experience.

Side Dishes

Serve this delight alongside creamy vanilla ice cream, rich hot cocoa, or even a cup of spiced chai tea. The contrast between crunchy sweetness and warm softness makes every bite a joyful adventure.

Creative Ways to Present

Package your Edible Coal Candy in small burlap bags tied with twine or ribbon for rustic charm. Label them with quirky notes for parties or gifts—imagine the smiles when your guests realize this charming “coal” is actually a luxurious handmade treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Edible Coal Candy in an airtight container at room temperature. This protects the honeycomb from moisture and preserves its crisp texture for up to two weeks.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t necessary, you can freeze the candy wrapped tightly in parchment and foil to extend its life for up to a month. Thaw completely at room temperature before serving to maintain its perfect crunch.

Reheating

Reheating these candies isn’t recommended since melting the chocolate and heating the honeycomb can ruin the texture. Instead, enjoy them straight from storage to savor their full crunch and flavor.

FAQs

Is Edible Coal Candy suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s a fun treat for kids and adults alike! Just be mindful that the candy is quite hard and crunchy, so smaller children should enjoy it with supervision to avoid any choking hazards.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give the candy a sweeter, creamier coating. Dark chocolate offers a nice bitter contrast to the sweet honeycomb, but feel free to customize based on your preference.

What if I don’t have black food coloring?

You can try using activated charcoal powder as a natural coloring alternative, but be sure it is food-grade. Otherwise, a mix of blue and red food coloring can sometimes approximate a very dark color, although not true black.

How do I prevent the candy from becoming sticky?

Store your Edible Coal Candy in a dry environment and airtight container. Humidity is the enemy of this crunchy treat since moisture softens the honeycomb and dulls the coating.

Can this recipe be doubled or tripled?

Yes, you can scale up the recipe easily. Just use a larger pot for the sugar mixture and a bigger container for cooling. Keep close watch on your candy thermometer to hit the exact temperature for that perfect crunch.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Edible Coal Candy is such a rewarding experience and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s fun, visually striking, and deliciously crunchy with layers of flavor that keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re gifting it, using it as a party favor, or just indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is one you’ll treasure. Dive in and enjoy the magic of crafting this playful, unique candy!

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