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Sponge Candy with Fleur de Sel and SPices (also known as Seafoam Candy and Honeycomb Candy)

Sponge Candy

Also known as Sea Foam Candy, Honeycomb Candy and probably even more crazy names!  Closely adapted from Michael Harlan Turkell, who adapted from Aaron Cozadd.

Course Dessert
Cuisine Candy

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups (450 g) sugar
  • 3 T honey or corn syrup (do not use honey if you want it to be vegan)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (try experimenting with different vinegars for different flavors)
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 t baking soda (sifted and clump free)

Possible Toppings (choose one or one plus a salt)

  • Fleur de sel (or vanilla salt or some other flaky sea salt)
  • toasted fennel seeds
  • Aleppo pepper flakes
  • Chipotle pepper flakes
  • cacao nibs
  • edible flowers

Instructions

  1. Place a silicone mat (or parchment paper) in the bottom of a rimmed cookie sheet. Set aside.

  2. Combine everything but the baking soda in a deep, straight-sided pot, 3-4 qts. Place a heatproof brush with a small bowl of water, a whisk and a heatproof spatula within reach.

  3. Place the pot over high heat and cover. Bring the mixture to a boil and let stay covered for 3-4 minutes. Then remove the cover and use the heatproof brush to lightly and quickly brush the sides of the pot with a little water to prevent crystals. 

  4. Attach a candy thermometer to the sides of the pot. Boil until the temperature reaches 290 F (145 C). 

  5. Carefully and quickly whisk the baking soda into the boiling mixture (I left it on the burner but lowered the heat a bit). You want to stir quickly enough that the baking soda is evenly dispersed, but then stop just as quickly because you do not want to break the wonderful bubbles that are forming (they will form the distinct texture of this candy). Making sure your baking soda is clump free will help with this.  

  6. Immediately after whisking pour the mixture out onto your prepared cookie sheet. Use the heatproof spatula to quickly scrape all of the candy out of the pot.

  7. Quickly sprinkle your toppings over the setting candy. It is important to sprinkle the toppings before the candy sets too much so they will adhere. 

  8. Let cool for 45-60 minutes before breaking the candy into irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container--it will keep a long time.