Description
Homemade Rock Candy is a fun and educational treat made by growing sugar crystals on sticks or strings. Perfect for science experiments or colorful party favors, these sweet candies are as beautiful as they are tasty.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups water
- 6 cups granulated sugar (plus more for seeding)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Flavoring extract (optional, such as vanilla, peppermint, or lemon)
- Wooden skewers or string
- Clothespins or clips
- Glass jars
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly add the sugar, stirring continuously until it’s fully dissolved and the solution is clear.
- Once the sugar is fully dissolved, remove from heat. Add food coloring and flavoring extract if desired. Let the mixture cool for about 15–20 minutes.
- Wet the skewers or strings and roll them in dry sugar to seed the surface. Let dry for a few minutes.
- Pour the sugar solution into glass jars. Suspend the sugar-coated skewer or string into the jar using a clothespin balanced across the top so that it doesn’t touch the sides or bottom.
- Place the jars in a cool, undisturbed area. Crystals will begin to form in 3–7 days.
- Once the desired size is reached, remove the rock candy and let it dry for a few hours on wax paper.
Notes
- Make sure the skewer or string doesn’t touch the sides or bottom of the jar to allow crystals to grow evenly.
- The longer you let the crystals grow, the larger they will be.
- Use different food coloring to create a variety of colors for a vibrant display.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: rock candy, homemade candy, sugar crystals, science experiment candy, DIY sweets