old fashioned rock candy recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best old fashioned rock candy recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my old fashioned rock candy recipe, a classic treat that’s been passed down through generations. This sweet and tangy confectionery is made by boiling sugar water to create a supersaturated solution, then allowing it to crystallize into beautiful rock-shaped candies.

I’ve loved making this recipe with my kids, watching them learn the process of creating something from scratch and marveling at the science behind it. Our family has always enjoyed this treat on special occasions, like birthdays and holidays, but it’s also become a staple in our daily snacking routine.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.

I’ve found that making rock candy is a great way to spend quality time with my kids, teaching them about patience, chemistry, and the importance of following a recipe. As they’ve grown older, they’ve taken over the process of making rock candy, experimenting with different flavors and techniques to create unique variations.

My younger kids love helping me stir the sugar water and watching the crystals form, while my older kids enjoy adding their own twists to the recipe. Whether we’re making this recipe for a special occasion or just as a fun family activity, I know we’ll all be enjoying some delicious old fashioned rock candy in no time!

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we can add flavorings like extracts or oils to create unique flavors or even make it into fun shapes using molds or skewers.

Old Fashioned Rock Candy

4.7 from 706 votes

This old fashioned rock candy recipe produces beautiful, crystalline sugar treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat. By slowly evaporating a supersaturated sugar solution, you can grow large, sparkling crystals on a string.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time7 days
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Candy

4 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon flavoring extract (such as peppermint or vanilla)
Food coloring (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Prepare the string by tying one end to a pencil or clothespin and the other end to a small weight, like a paperclip.
2Wet the string and roll it in a small amount of sugar, then let it dry completely for several hours or overnight; this provides a seed for crystal growth.
3In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar.
4Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 5 minutes.
5The mixture should be clear, not cloudy.
6Remove the pan from heat and stir in the flavoring extract and a few drops of food coloring if desired.
7Let the syrup cool for 10 minutes until it is warm but not hot to the touch.
8Pour the warm syrup into a clean glass jar, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
9Place the prepared string into the jar so that it hangs straight down without touching the sides or bottom, securing the pencil or clothespin across the rim.
10Cover the jar loosely with a paper towel or coffee filter to keep out dust, and set it in a cool, quiet place where it will not be disturbed.
11Allow the crystals to grow for 5 to 7 days, checking daily; you will see small crystals forming on the string within 24 hours, and they will grow larger over time.
12Once the crystals have reached your desired size, carefully remove the string from the jar.
13Place the rock candy on a sheet of parchment paper and let it dry for a few hours before serving or storing in an airtight container.

🔧Equipment

Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Clean glass jar or heatproof glass
Cotton string or wooden skewer
Clothespin or pencil
Parchment paper

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 0mg🌾Total Carbs: 31g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 31g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

For best results, use a clean jar and avoid moving or disturbing the jar while crystals are growing. If crystals do not form after 2 days, try reboiling the syrup with a bit more sugar and starting over.

Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned Rock Candy Works

This old fashioned rock candy recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to serve at parties or just want something fun and easy to make with your family.

My kids love helping me make this recipe because they get to see firsthand how something as simple as sugar water can transform into something so magical and delicious.

And let’s not forget about all those wonderful health benefits – because we’re using pure ingredients like water and sugar, you can rest assured that your homemade rock candy is free from artificial additives and preservatives that are often found in commercial sweets.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Rock Candy

Q: What type of sugar should I use for this recipe?

For the best results, I recommend using granulated white sugar or superfine sugar for your rock candy recipe. Granulated sugar will give your candies a more traditional texture and flavor, while superfine sugar will produce a smoother, more delicate crystal.

Q: Can I use any type of liquid in place of water?

No, you should only use water for your rock candy recipe. Using other liquids may alter the flavor or texture of your candies in unwanted ways.

Q: How do I prevent crystals from forming on my countertops?

When working with hot sugar solutions, it’s essential to protect your countertops from splatters and spills by covering them with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Q: Can I make rock candy without using food coloring?

Yes, you can make delicious rock candy without using food coloring by simply omitting it from the recipe. You can also experiment with natural food colorings like beets or turmeric for added fun.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover rock candy?

You should store leftover rock candy in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh for up to two weeks. If you want to extend its shelf life even further, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three months.

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