Save A festive dessert platter featuring a colorful assortment of homemade rock candies holiday-themed chocolates and sparkling sugar confections perfect for adding a sweet eye-catching centerpiece to your holiday table
Ingredients
- Rock Candy: 2 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup water 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/2 tsp flavored extract (peppermint cherry or lemon) Food coloring (red green or as desired) Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Holiday Chocolates: 200 g high-quality dark chocolate chopped 100 g white chocolate chopped Holiday sprinkles or edible glitter
- Sugar Confections: 1 cup assorted gumdrops 1/2 cup candied fruit (cherries orange peel etc) 1/2 cup sparkling sugar or edible glitter
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly dust with powdered sugar
- Step 2:
- For the rock candy combine granulated sugar water and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan Stir constantly over medium heat until sugar dissolves
- Step 3:
- Increase heat and bring to a boil without stirring Continue cooking until mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage)
- Step 4:
- Remove from heat immediately Add flavored extract and a few drops of chosen food coloring Swirl gently to combine
- Step 5:
- Carefully pour the hot syrup onto the prepared baking sheet Let cool for 5–10 minutes then use a buttered knife to score into pieces or break into shards once fully set (about 1 hour) Dust with more powdered sugar to prevent sticking
- Step 6:
- For holiday chocolates melt dark and white chocolate separately using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts
- Step 7:
- Pour melted chocolates into festive silicone molds or spread onto parchment swirling white into dark for a marbled effect Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or edible glitter Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm then unmold or break into pieces
- Step 8:
- Arrange rock candy chocolates gumdrops candied fruit and sparkling sugar on a large platter in a decorative holiday pattern Serve immediately or store candies in airtight containers
Save Required Tools
Heavy-bottomed saucepan Candy thermometer Parchment paper Silicone chocolate molds (optional) Mixing bowls Spatula Large platter
Allergen Information
Contains soy and dairy (chocolate) May contain traces of nuts if chocolates are processed in shared facilities Corn syrup may not be suitable for those with corn allergies Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 280 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 50 g Protein 2 g
Save This festive candy display adds a joyful touch to any holiday gathering Make sure to allow enough time for the candies to set properly
Recipe Help & Answers
- → How do you achieve the perfect hard crack stage for rock candy?
Use a candy thermometer to heat the sugar syrup until it reaches 300°F (150°C). Avoid stirring after boiling starts to ensure clarity and texture.
- → What flavors work well for the rock candy extracts?
Peppermint, cherry, lemon, orange, almond, or vanilla extracts provide diverse festive flavors to customize the candy.
- → How can I create the marbled effect with chocolates?
Melt dark and white chocolates separately, then swirl them together on parchment or in molds before sprinkling festive toppings.
- → What is the best way to prevent rock candy pieces from sticking?
Dust baking sheets and candy shards lightly with powdered sugar to reduce sticking and ease handling.
- → How should the candies be stored for freshness?
Store rock candy, chocolates, and sugar confections separately in airtight containers to maintain flavor and texture.