Honeycomb Candy Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Honeycomb Candy is your golden ticket! This whimsical, crunchy confection is a science experiment and a sweet snack all in one. With its airy bubbles and caramelized flavor, Honeycomb Candy is a nostalgic favorite that never fails to spark delight, whether you’re sharing it at parties or savoring a homemade bite all to yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Honeycomb Candy Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup water
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- Butter or nonstick spray for greasing pan
How to Make Honeycomb Candy
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. This simple step will make removing the candy a breeze later on—trust me, you don’t want to chip away at sticky corners!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, honey, and water. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. This ensures your Honeycomb Candy will have a smooth, uniform texture.
Step 3: Boil the Mixture
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Now, resist the urge to stir! Let it bubble away until it reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer—usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This is where the magic starts, and the deep caramel color develops.
Step 4: Add the Baking Soda
Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly whisk in the baking soda. Watch as the mixture foams up dramatically—this is the signature moment that gives Honeycomb Candy its signature bubbles and crunch!
Step 5: Pour and Set
Pour the foaming mixture straight into your prepared pan. Don’t spread or flatten it—the bubbles need room to set and create that iconic honeycomb texture. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature, about 1 hour.
Step 6: Break Into Pieces
Once set, gently break your Honeycomb Candy into shards using your hands or a sharp knife. Each piece will have its own unique shape and bubbly texture—so satisfying!
How to Serve Honeycomb Candy

Garnishes
For a decadent twist, dip pieces of Honeycomb Candy into melted dark chocolate and let them set on parchment paper. You can also sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast that’s absolutely addictive!
Side Dishes
Serve Honeycomb Candy alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or use it to top creamy desserts like panna cotta or chocolate mousse. Its crunch and caramel flavor add a playful contrast to smooth, mellow treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap shards in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade gifts, or pile them high on a platter for a dramatic centerpiece. For a fun party idea, set out bowls of Honeycomb Candy alongside other homemade sweets for a DIY candy bar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Honeycomb Candy crisp and fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Humidity is the enemy here, so make sure the lid is on tight and avoid leaving it out for long periods.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended, as moisture from the freezer can cause the candy to become sticky and lose its signature crunch. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can last up to a week if stored properly.
Reheating
Honeycomb Candy doesn’t need reheating—in fact, heat can cause it to melt or become chewy. If your pieces soften due to humidity, try placing them in a warm (not hot), dry oven for a few minutes, then let them cool completely to restore some crunch.
FAQs
Why did my Honeycomb Candy turn out sticky?
Sticky Honeycomb Candy is usually caused by humidity or undercooking. Make sure to cook the syrup to 300°F and store the finished candy in an airtight container to keep moisture out.
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Light corn syrup is preferred for its neutral flavor and color, but you can substitute dark corn syrup if needed. Just know that it will give your Honeycomb Candy a deeper color and a slightly stronger flavor.
Is it safe to make Honeycomb Candy without a candy thermometer?
While it’s possible, a candy thermometer ensures accuracy and best results. Without one, you’ll have to rely on the hard crack test: drop a little hot syrup into cold water—if it hardens and cracks, it’s ready.
Can I double the recipe?
You can double the ingredients, but be aware that working with a larger batch can be tricky since the mixture foams up quickly. Use a bigger saucepan and work fast when adding the baking soda!
How can I make my Honeycomb Candy extra light and bubbly?
The key is to add the baking soda as soon as you take the syrup off the heat, and stir just until combined. Over-mixing can deflate the bubbles, so pour it into the pan right away for maximum airiness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly satisfying about whipping up a batch of Honeycomb Candy at home—the transformation from a bubbling pot to crisp, golden shards never gets old. Give it a try and you’ll see just how easy and rewarding homemade candy can be. Happy crunching!
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Honeycomb Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honeycomb Candy recipe creates a light, crunchy, and sweet treat with a delightful honey flavor. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, honey, and baking soda, this homemade sponge toffee is perfect for snacking, gifting, or enhancing desserts with a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Honeycomb Candy Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup water
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- Butter or nonstick spray for greasing pan
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan with butter or nonstick spray and set it aside to ensure the candy doesn’t stick.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, light corn syrup, honey, and water. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth syrup.
- Boil Mixture: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boiling point without stirring. Cook the syrup until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Baking Soda: Remove the saucepan immediately from heat. Quickly whisk in the baking soda; the mixture will foam up rapidly due to the chemical reaction, creating the characteristic airy texture of honeycomb.
- Pour and Set: Stir just enough to combine the baking soda evenly, then immediately pour the foamy mixture into the prepared pan. Do not spread or flatten it—allow it to set naturally.
- Cool Completely: Let the honeycomb cool at room temperature until fully hardened, approximately 1 hour.
- Break into Pieces: Once set, break the honeycomb into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a knife. Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
Notes
- Avoid making honeycomb candy on humid days to prevent it from becoming sticky due to moisture absorption.
- For an extra indulgent treat, dip honeycomb pieces into melted dark chocolate and let them set for a chocolate-coated delight.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg