Honeycomb Candy

Honeycomb candy, also known as honeycomb toffee and sponge toffee, gets its name from the intricate web of honeycomb-like bubbles that form inside the candy. Three types of sugar are cooked until boiling. Then, a bit of magic happens: Baking soda is added to the boiling sugars, and the mixture instantly foams into a vat of boiling bubbles. That's poured onto a pan and cooled until the candy is broken into pieces and enjoyed by itself or in any combination of desserts.

Despite having just one tablespoon, the honey takes centerstage in this candy. It’s backed up by notes of caramelized sugar that offer a slightly bitter finish. The candy is crisp, airy, and crunchy. It’s just barely stick-to-your teeth sugary, and it easily melts in your mouth.

Made with just five ingredients, honeycomb doesn't require many special cooking skills—just a bit of time and a candy thermometer. Show off at your next bookclub or family dinner with this unique and one-of-a-kind candy.

Ingredients for Honeycomb Candy

This five-ingredient candy recipe is a great one to make when your pantry is empty but you need to impress with a sweet dessert.

• Granulated sugar: White sugar is necessary. Don't be tempted to swap for a sugar alternative. This is a carefully tested recipe, and other sugars may not work.
• Water: This helps get the sugar mixture liquid quickly.
• Light corn syrup: The provides some texture for the candy and sweetness.
• Honey: Pick one that is light and floral. You'll really taste it.
• Baking soda: Once added to the sugar mixture, baking soda will make the candy will foam up to create the honeycomb-esque bubbles.

How To Make Homemade Honeycomb Candy

Making honeycomb candy isn't hard, but it does require you pay attention to the pot of boiling sugar. If you step away, you may return to find a blackened sugar syrup—and good luck cleaning that up!

So put the phone down, grab a candy thermometer, and make some candy. The full recipe is below, but here's a brief outline:

• Step 1. Boil sugars: In a medium saucepan (ideally a high-sided, stainless steel pan with a heavy bottom), bring to a boil sugar, water, corn syrup, and honey. Cook, stirring often, until the color is a light amber. (The thermometer will read between 320°F and 330°F.)
• Step 2. Add baking soda: Grab your whisk. Sprinkle in the baking soda, and mix until just combined. You don't want to whisk too much, or your honeycomb won't be quite so fluffy.
• Step 3. Pour onto pan: Pour the foamy mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Do not spread; this will flatten the beautiful bubbles. Let the candy cool, about 20 minutes.
• Step 4. Break into pieces: Use the heel of your hand or a rolling pin to break the candy into pieces.

How Long Can You Store Honeycomb Candy?

Honeycomb candy can last up to three days in an airtight container. But be aware that the texture may change, especially if you live in a humid environment. The candy may soften slightly and become sticky. It's still entirely edible, just not likely to be as crunchy and crisp as it was immediately after it was made.

Ways To Serve Honeycomb Candy

You won't hear any complaints from us if you serve the candy as is, but you can get creative. Here are a few ideas:

• Dip in or drizzle with chocolate for a wow-worthy presentation.
• Crush and sprinkle over ice cream or frozen yogurt.
• Break into smaller pieces and sprinkle into granola.
• Crush into small pieces, then press onto the sides of a frosted cake or honey cupcake.
• Arrange on top of a peanut butter pie as decoration.
• Stir into waffle or pancake batter.

More Candy Recipes

Impress guests with your sugar skills. Try these candy recipes next:

• Cracker Toffee
  
• Cornflake Candy
• Millionaire Candy
• Potato Candy
• Homemade Turtles