Save to Pinterest 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.
I enjoy creating vibrant desserts that bring festive cheer and delight guests during the holiday season.
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.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings joy as family gathers around the table admiring the colorful assortment and sharing sweets.
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 (per serving)
Calories 280 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 50 g Protein 2 g
Save to Pinterest Serve this festive platter to impress your guests with both taste and visual appeal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you achieve the perfect rock candy texture?
Cook the sugar syrup to 300°F (hard crack stage) without stirring during boiling to ensure crisp, clear crystals form upon setting.
- → What flavors work best for the rock candy extract?
Popular choices include peppermint, cherry, lemon, orange, almond, and vanilla extracts to complement holiday themes.
- → Can I use molds for the holiday chocolates?
Yes, festive silicone molds help create themed shapes, enhancing presentation and adding variety to the confection display.
- → How should I store the finished candy display?
Keep candies in airtight containers separately to maintain texture and prevent flavor mixing, storing in a cool, dry place.
- → What are ideal pairings for this festive candy assortment?
Sparkling wine, hot chocolate, or spiced tea complement the sweet and festive flavors of the display nicely.
- → Are there common allergens in this candy display?
The chocolates contain soy and dairy, and corn syrup may trigger corn allergies; always verify labels for potential nut traces.