Introduction

Crystal candy is a beautiful, gem-like treat that’s both fun to make and delightful to enjoy. With simple ingredients and customizable flavors and colors, you can create unique candies perfect for gifts or special occasions.

The image shows a baking tray covered with a white marbled textured paper holding many pieces of colorful, translucent, broken candy arranged in rows by color, starting with pale pink at the top, followed by bright red, then orange, yellow, green, light blue, and ending with purple at the bottom. Each color group has pieces of different sizes and shapes, some are jagged shards and others are rough cubes or clusters. The candies have a shiny, hard texture with some pieces reflecting light softly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1⅔ cups water
3 teaspoons agar agar powder
3 cups granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon flavoring of choice
1-3 drops liquid food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your workspace by lightly greasing small containers or molds. Decide how many flavors and colors you want to make, and have your food coloring and flavoring ready to use, as the candy sets quickly.
Step 2: In a small pot, add the water and sprinkle the agar agar powder on top. Stir gently and let it stand for 5 minutes to hydrate.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Lower the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Remove from heat and divide the liquid evenly into the greased containers. Quickly add your chosen flavoring (about ¼ teaspoon total) and 1-3 drops of food coloring to each container as desired. Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to swirl the flavor and color through the candy gently.
Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the containers for 1-2 hours until the candy is firm but still slightly sticky.
Step 6: Run a knife around the edges and gently pop each candy slab out onto a cutting board. Cut the candy into desired shapes with a paring knife. Trim or bevel edges to enhance the crystal-like appearance. Save any scraps to add to a larger piece or form new clusters.
Step 7: Place all candy pieces on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Step 8: Store the candy in a cool, dry place for 5-7 days, turning them occasionally to help each piece develop a crust on the outside. Cover the candy with a lid if desired, but note this may slow crust formation.
Step 9: Once fully crusted, optionally decorate the candy with edible gold luster dust or gold leaf for an elegant finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

Experiment with different natural flavorings like lemon, rose, or peppermint to create unique tastes.
Use gel or powdered food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant colors without adding extra moisture.
If you don’t have small containers, use silicone molds to create fun shapes.

Storage

Store crystal candy in a cool, dry place for up to 7 days. To maintain the crunchy crust, rotate the pieces every day. Avoid refrigeration after the initial setting to prevent moisture buildup. If the candy softens, allow it to air dry to regain firmness.

How to Serve

The image shows six rows of colorful, broken candy pieces arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The top row has bright orange candy shards, the second row is filled with various yellow pieces with some softness in texture, the third row consists of green candy chunks and shards with a mix of smooth and rough edges, the fourth row contains blue candy shards with lighter and darker blue shades, and the bottom two rows show purple candy pieces in different shapes and sizes. The candy pieces have a glossy, translucent look with extra jagged edges on some shards. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gelatin instead of agar agar?

Agar agar is a vegetarian substitute that sets at room temperature and creates a firmer texture. Gelatin can be used but may result in a softer candy and often requires refrigeration to set.

How do I prevent the candy from sticking to the containers?

Lightly grease your containers with a neutral oil or non-stick spray before pouring in the candy mixture. This makes removing the candy easier once set.