Description
Homemade Rock Candy is a fun and simple dessert project that transforms sugar crystals into edible, sparkling candy sticks. Perfect for kids and adults alike, this recipe offers a delightful science-based activity with customizable flavors and colors using natural extracts and food coloring.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 5 cups granulated sugar (plus extra for coating sticks)
- 1–2 drops food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon flavored extract (optional, such as vanilla, cherry, or peppermint)
- Wooden skewers or cotton strings
- Clothespins or clips
- Glass jars
Instructions
- Prepare Sticks: Dampen the wooden skewers or cotton strings lightly, then roll them in granulated sugar to coat evenly. Allow them to dry completely. This sugar coating encourages crystal formation on the sticks.
- Make Sugar Solution: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil. Gradually add 5 cups of granulated sugar, about 1 cup at a time, stirring continuously until each addition is fully dissolved and the solution becomes clear before adding more.
- Add Flavor and Color: Remove the sugar solution from heat and stir in 1–2 drops of food coloring and 1/2 teaspoon of flavored extract, if desired, to customize your rock candy.
- Cool the Solution: Let the sugar syrup cool for 10–15 minutes to slightly thicken and avoid cracking the jars or melting the coating on the sticks.
- Set Up Jars: Carefully pour the solution into clean glass jars. Suspend one prepared sugar-coated skewer or string in each jar, making sure it hangs in the center without touching sides or bottom, securing it with a clothespin or clip over the jar opening.
- Grow Crystals: Cover the jars loosely with paper towels and allow the setup to sit undisturbed at room temperature for 5–7 days to allow crystals to form and grow on the sticks.
- Dry and Serve: Once the rock candy has reached preferred size, remove from jars and let dry for 1–2 hours before enjoying or packaging for gifts or storage.
Notes
- Ensure jars are clean and dry before use to avoid contamination or mold.
- You can experiment with different food coloring and flavored extracts by dividing the syrup into smaller batches for variety.
- This is a great science experiment for children but requires adult supervision due to hot sugar handling.
- Do not disturb the jars during crystal formation to allow proper growth.
- Use food-safe sticks or strings to ensure safety for consumption.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop + Resting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
