Pin this 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
This delightful display brings back holiday memories and adds a festive touch to family gatherings
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
Pin this This dessert display has brought joy to my family every holiday season creating cherished moments around the table
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 per serving
Pin this Enjoy making this festive dessert display and watch it become the highlight of your holiday celebrations
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How do you achieve the perfect hard crack stage for rock candy?
Bring the sugar mixture to 300°F (150°C) without stirring, using a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy for crisp, hard crystals.
- → What flavors can enhance the rock candy?
Flavored extracts like peppermint, cherry, lemon, orange, almond, or vanilla add distinctive aromas and tastes to the rock candy.
- → How should holiday chocolates be molded for best effect?
Melt dark and white chocolates separately, then swirl together in festive molds or spread thin to create a marbled visual impact.
- → What is the best way to prevent rock candy pieces from sticking?
Lightly dust parchment paper and finished candy pieces with powdered sugar to keep shards from adhering to surfaces or each other.
- → How can the display be stored without mixing flavors?
Keep candies separated in airtight containers to maintain distinct tastes and textures over time.