Homemade Saltwater Taffy Recipe

Introduction

Homemade saltwater taffy is a delightful chewy candy with a rich buttery flavor and a touch of vanilla. This classic treat is fun to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy fresh, soft taffy right from your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Step 2: Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, cooking until it reaches 260°F (127°C).
3. Step 3: Remove from heat and quickly stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Add food coloring if desired.
4. Step 4: Carefully pour the hot mixture onto a greased marble slab or heatproof baking sheet. Let it cool for about 5 minutes until just cool enough to handle.
5. Step 5: Grease your hands with butter and begin pulling the taffy. Stretch and fold for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes shiny and less sticky.
6. Step 6: Roll into a long rope and cut into bite-sized pieces. Wrap each piece in wax paper to prevent sticking.

Tips & Variations

• Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature to achieve the perfect taffy texture.
• Swap vanilla extract for other flavors like peppermint or fruit extracts to create different tastes.
• Add food coloring a drop at a time to get your desired shade without affecting flavor.
• If you don’t have a marble slab, a greased silicone mat or baking sheet works well for cooling the taffy.

Storage

Store your saltwater taffy in an airtight container or wrapped individually in wax paper at room temperature. It will keep fresh for up to two weeks. For best texture, avoid refrigeration, which can make the taffy hard. To soften slightly before serving, leave the taffy out for a short while at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a regular thermometer if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

A candy thermometer is recommended because it can measure high temperatures accurately. Regular kitchen thermometers may not provide precise readings needed for candy making, which can affect the texture.

What if the taffy is too sticky or too hard after cooling?

If the taffy is too sticky, continue pulling for a few more minutes to develop the texture. If it’s too hard, it might have cooked past the right temperature; try cooking it a bit less next time to keep it soft and chewy.

Homemade Saltwater Taffy Recipe

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Homemade Saltwater Taffy is a classic chewy candy made by boiling a sweet syrup mixture to a precise temperature, then pulling and stretching it to achieve its signature texture and shine. This recipe guides you through the traditional stovetop method, resulting in delicious, colorful taffy pieces perfect for gifting or enjoying as a nostalgic treat.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 40 pieces 1x
• Category: Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely, ensuring an even mixture.
2. Boil to Temperature: Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to carefully monitor the temperature until it reaches 260°F (127°C), the hard ball stage essential for taffy texture.
3. Add Butter and Flavoring: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately. Quickly stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract to enrich the candy and add flavor. Add food coloring if desired to personalize your taffy.
4. Cool the Mixture: Pour the hot candy mixture onto a greased marble slab or a heatproof baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes until it’s just cool enough to handle without burning your hands.
5. Pull the Taffy: Grease your hands with butter to prevent sticking. Begin pulling the taffy by stretching and folding it repeatedly for about 10-15 minutes. This incorporates air, making it shiny and less sticky, which is key to the classic taffy texture.
6. Shape and Wrap: Once the taffy has a glossy appearance and has cooled, roll it into a long rope. Cut the rope into bite-sized pieces. Wrap each piece in wax paper individually to prevent sticking and keep them fresh.

Notes

• Using a candy thermometer is crucial for achieving the right texture; do not skip this step.
• If you don’t have a marble slab, a heatproof baking sheet works well but make sure to grease it generously to prevent sticking.
• Be careful when handling hot sugar mixtures to avoid burns.
• Feel free to experiment with different flavor extracts and colors to customize your taffy.
• Store wrapped taffy pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Keywords: saltwater taffy, homemade candy, chewy candy, classic taffy, confectionery recipe