This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
The instructions for crunchy sweet Honeycomb Candy (a/k/a sponge toffee or cinder toffee) couldn’t be easier and the results are consistently wonderful! The honeycomb has an amazing crunchiness and terrific honey flavor.
Honeycomb Candy is fun to make, and totally delicious!
If you’ve thought about making homemade candy but were afraid the recipe might be too complicated, or hard to get just right, start with this honeycomb brittle by Martha Stewart.
Overview of ingredients:
This easy Honeycomb Candy is made with a three simple ingredients, plus a little water.
- granulated or white sugar
- honey (or golden syrup) some recipes call for corn syrup but we use all honey instead
- baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
- water
How to make homemade Honeycomb Candy:
Honeycomb candy brittle is made on the stove-top and takes about 15 minutes, start to finish.
- First combine the sugar, honey and water in a heavy-bottom large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat.Reduce to medium heat and continue cooking.
- Once the candy reaches 300 degrees F and is a deep golden caramel color remove from the heat. Immediately and carefully stir in the baking soda.
- Whisk briefly just to combine and then watch the magic happen!
- The candy brittle bubbles up and grows in volume by about three times its original size.
- Baking soda causes a chemical reaction giving the brittle its namesake appearance and airy texture.
- Finally, pour the mixture into a prepared pan or baking tray and let it cool completely.
- Once cooled, break the crunchy candy into pieces and enjoy!
Do you need special equipment to make a honeycomb recipe?
- For best results use a candy or instant-read thermometer for this recipe.
- If you don’t have a candy thermometer you can try and wing it, but it’s much more difficult to perfect the recipe.
- Take the guesswork out of candy making and achieve perfect results every time by using a thermometer.
- Check the Amazon link featured below for an inexpensive candy thermometer you can use when making toffee, brittle andfudge.
- When making candy use a heavy bottom stainless saucepan for even heat distribution and a lower risk of burning. A good pan makes all the difference when making honeycomb toffee.
- We don’t recommend using nonstick cookware when making candy.
How long will honeycomb candy keep?
Properly sealed away from moisture honeycomb candy will keep for up to a week at room temperature.
Store honeycomb candy in an airtight container at room temperature.
When storing, separate the layers with sheets of parchment paper.
Humidity can cause the brittle to become sticky. Therefore use a good, well sealed container for storage.
Honeycomb also travels well making it great for gifting, especially during the holidays.
What are some other ways to use honeycomb candy?
Honeycomb makes a fabulous garnish for cakes, cupcakes andpies.Break the candy into large pieces for a more dramatic presentation.
Dip part of each piece in melted chocolate and allow to set before serving.
This candy is utterly irresistible swirled into our honey ice cream.
Crushed honeycomb is a terrific topping on just about any dessert! It’s really great on anything creamy adding a nice textural contrast.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt if desired.
What does honeycomb taste like?
This golden-hued candy taste like honey. Therefore we recommend using a good quality, light, floral honey that you love. The honey flavor is front and center so don’t use anything too strong or bitter.
One note of caution: If you have extensive dental work, you may want to skip eating honeycomb candy. Follow recommendations made by your dentist about eating toffee, taffy and brittle.
Honeycomb Candy
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Yield: 20
Course: Candy
Author: Tricia
Pin RecipePrint RecipeRate Recipe
5 from 22 votes
Sweet, crunchy and fun to make, and perfect as a garnish for ice cream.
Equipment
candy or instant read thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (335g)
- ¼ cup honey (90g or 3oz)
- ¼ cup water (60g or 2oz)
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
Instructions
Lightly spray a large baking sheet with vegetable cooking spray. Set aside.
In a medium-large, heavy bottomed saucepan combine the sugar, honey and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
Reduce the heat to medium-high and continue cooking and stirring until the mixture darkens and reaches 300°F.
Remove from the heat and immediately add the baking soda. Quickly whisk the mixture, just until blended. The honeycomb will grow in volume by almost 3 times its' original size, so be careful.
Immediately pour the hot candy onto the prepared baking sheet. Do not spread or touch the candy. Let the honeycomb cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Store the honeycomb brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Recipe Notes
- Recipe by Martha Stewart
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Nutrition
Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 165mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
Here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:
Easy homemade hard candy is easy to make and can be adapted to your favorite flavors and colors. It’s fun to make too!
Peanut Butter Fudge
The most requested Christmas treat – year after year!
View this Recipe
English Toffee
A family favorite for generations
View this Recipe
Homemade Almond Roca Recipe
Buttery, sweet, crunchy and delicious! Great for gifts too
View this Recipe
