Edible Coal Candy: Honeycomb Chocolate Coated Honeycomb Bits Recipe

If you’re ready to discover a truly magical treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, then you are in for a real delight with the Edible Coal Candy: Honeycomb Chocolate Coated Honeycomb Bits Recipe. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a striking, crunchy delight that looks like chunks of coal but tastes like sweet, airy honeycomb wrapped in smooth dark chocolate. Perfect for sharing at parties or gifting during holidays, these chocolate-coated honeycomb bits have a satisfying crunch and an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. I promise, once you try this, it’ll become a festive staple in your kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing the perfect honeycomb crunch, that enticing sweetness, or the deep, luscious chocolate coating. Simple but essential, these components come together to create a candy that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: The base sweetness that caramelizes beautifully for that crunchy honeycomb texture.
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup (or golden syrup): Adds moisture and prevents sugar crystallization for a smooth candy.
• 3/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly and controls consistency.
• 1 tablespoon baking soda: The secret agent that creates the airy, bubbly honeycomb structure.
• 8 oz dark or semisweet chocolate, melted: A rich coating that adds sophistication and balances sweetness.
• 1 cup caster sugar: For a fine-textured sugar base to be dyed black and add sparkle on the outside.
• Black food coloring: Gives the caster sugar a dramatic coal-like appearance.

How to Make Edible Coal Candy: Honeycomb Chocolate Coated Honeycomb Bits Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×10 or 9×9-inch heat-safe container with parchment paper. This will be your candy mold, so having it prepared early means the hot, bubbling honeycomb mixture can be poured in without delay. The parchment makes removing your candy a breeze once it’s set.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Mixture

In a large pot over medium-low heat, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves fully; this is important to prevent a gritty texture later on. Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture gently come to a boil.

Step 3: Heat to Hard Crack Stage

Attach a candy thermometer to the pot. Let the mixture cook undisturbed until it reaches the hard crack stage—between 300 and 310°F, ideally around 305°F. This precise temperature ensures the candy will have the perfect snap, not too soft or overly brittle.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pot from the heat and immediately whisk in the baking soda for no more than ten seconds. This reaction creates a wonderful bubbling foam that forms the light, airy honeycomb texture we all adore. Don’t wait too long to move to the next step, or you’ll lose that magical frothiness.

Step 5: Pour and Cool

Carefully pour your foaming mixture into the prepared parchment-lined pan. Let it cool completely for 1 to 2 hours until it hardens fully. This is where patience pays off since rushing can crack your candy unevenly.

Step 6: Break Into Pieces

Once hardened, use a knife to break the honeycomb into chunk-sized bits that resemble pieces of coal. Don’t throw away the smaller shards! They make fantastic toppings for ice cream or baked goods later on.

Step 7: Color the Sugar

Place caster sugar in a sealable plastic bag and add several drops of black food coloring. Seal and rub the sugar thoroughly until it is uniformly black. Adjust the coloring to your liking before transferring it into a bowl for coating your candy.

Step 8: Melt the Chocolate

Gently melt the dark or semisweet chocolate in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring very well in between. Aim for a smooth, glossy finish with no lumps, which will create a stunning shell around your honeycomb bits.

Step 9: Dip the Honeycomb

Dip each chunk of honeycomb candy into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step is so satisfying—you’re finally crafting those edible coal chunks!

Step 10: Coat with Black Sugar

Before the chocolate sets completely, carefully roll or sprinkle each coated piece with the black sugar for a sparkly, textured finish. If the chocolate hardens too quickly, simply warm it gently with food-safe gloves to help the sugar stick perfectly.

Step 11: Set and Store

Let your edible coal candy cool at room temperature until the chocolate fully hardens. Once set, store your delicious creations in an airtight container at room temp to maintain freshness for up to a month. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy or gift your sweet coal!

How to Serve Edible Coal Candy: Honeycomb Chocolate Coated Honeycomb Bits Recipe

Garnishes

These coal-looking bites are already pretty show-stopping but pairing them with a sprinkle of edible glitter or a dusting of cocoa powder can make them sparkle even more. They also look marvelous when served atop whipped cream desserts or festive holiday plates.

Side Dishes

Edible coal candy pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate. The bitterness of the chocolate and coffee complements the sweet, crunchy honeycomb perfectly. Alternatively, serve alongside a cheese board to add a playful and unexpected sweet element.

Creative Ways to Present

Package your edible coal candy in small burlap sacks tied with rustic twine for an old-fashioned coal look that’s fantastic for holiday gifting. You can also layer chunks in clear glass jars with fairy lights for a whimsical party display. Seeing guests’ delight as they discover these coal pieces is simply priceless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover edible coal candy in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid humid or warm areas to prevent the candy from becoming sticky or the chocolate from melting prematurely. Stored well, your candy will stay crisp and delicious for about a month.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this candy because honeycomb tends to absorb moisture and lose its signature crunch when frozen and thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored at room temperature as described.

Reheating

Since this candy is meant to be crunchy and coated in chocolate, reheating is unnecessary. Attempting to warm it may cause melting and sticky textures, so just enjoy straight from storage!

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for this Edible Coal Candy: Honeycomb Chocolate Coated Honeycomb Bits Recipe?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will create a sweeter, creamier coating that some find irresistible. Just be mindful that milk chocolate melts at a slightly lower temperature, so work quickly when dipping.

What if I don’t have black food coloring?

You can still make the honeycomb and coat it in chocolate without the black sugar finish—it will look more like classic honeycomb candy. Alternatively, use activated charcoal powder for coloring, but ensure it’s food grade and safe for consumption.

How do I make sure my honeycomb doesn’t turn out chewy?

Cooking the sugar mixture to the hard crack stage (300-310°F) is key. Use a candy thermometer to monitor temperature carefully and don’t rush the cooling process. Proper baking soda whisking also guarantees the right airy texture.

Is the baking soda added to the sugar mixture safe to eat?

Yes! The small amount of baking soda reacts during cooking to create bubbles and lightness but does not leave a noticeable taste and is perfectly safe in candy recipes like this.

Can I make these coal candy pieces smaller or bigger?

Definitely! You can break or cut your honeycomb into chunks of any size to suit your needs, whether for bite-sized treats or larger centerpiece pieces. Just remember smaller bits may melt or get sticky faster when coated.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make the enchanting Edible Coal Candy: Honeycomb Chocolate Coated Honeycomb Bits Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that bring a bit of magic to your kitchen and your taste buds with every bite. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—whether for a festive gift or a unique treat, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to impress and delight!

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