How to make crystal candy

• What is crystal candy?
• Ingredients and tools you’ll need
• Step by step guide to making crystal candy
• Fun variations to try
• Is crystal candy safe to eat?
• How to store crystal candy

What is crystal candy?

Crystal candy, also known as kohakutou, is quite simply, candy. It's a Japanese confectionary treat that looks remarkably like mini crystals or gemstones, hence it's name. It can be eaten alone, or is often used to decorate desserts such as cakes or cupcakes.

It's become very popular due to its very colourful aesthetic and interesting texture. When you bite into it, the exterior will feel hard and crunchy, whereas the interior should taste smooth and sweet. It's designed to slowly dissolve in your mouth and leave a long-lasting sweet taste.

Ingredients and tools you’ll need

The great thing about making crystal candy is you don't need many ingredients or tools to get started, but you may have to invest in some special ingredients that you might not already have at home, such as agar agar powder and candy flavouring.

To make a basic recipe of crystal candy that will yield 100 crystals, you will need:

• 12g agar agar powder (available from Amazon)
• ¼ teaspoon candy flavouring (available from Amazon)
• 397ml cold water
• 680g granulated sugar
• 3 drops liquid food colouring

In terms of equipment, to make crystal candy you will need:

• A medium-sized saucepan
• A spatula
• A lightly-oiled heatproof glass container
• A sharp knife
• A toothpick
• A parchment-covered baking sheet

Step-by-step guide to making crystal candy

1. Place the 400ml cold water into a medium-sized saucepan
2. Sprinkle 12g agar agar powder over the water and let it absorb for 5 minutes
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes stirring constantly with a spatula
4. Sprinkle in 680g granulated sugar and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat, then add in ¼ teaspoon candy flavouring
6. Pour the mixture into a heatproof, glass container that has been lightly oiled to prevent sticking
7. Add 3 drops of liquid food colouring on top and swirl with a toothpick — you can blend fully or leave it streaked
8. Place the container into the fridge for 2-3 hours until set
9. Remove the set candy from the container and cut into crystal shapes using a sharp knife
10. Place the crystal candy onto a parchment-covered baking sheet and let dry at room temperature for 2-3 days until a hard crust forms on the outside

Credit: Sugar Geek Show

Fun variations to try

How to make crystal candy on a stick

To make crystal candy on a stick, you will need to insert the sticks before the candy fully sets.

We've tweaked the instructions above to include information about adding your sticks:

1. Place the 400ml cold water into a medium-sized saucepan
2. Sprinkle 12g agar agar powder over the water and let it absorb for 5 minutes
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes stirring constantly with a spatula
4. Sprinkle in 680g granulated sugar and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat, then add in ¼ teaspoon candy flavouring
6. Pour the mixture into a heatproof, glass container that has been lightly oiled to prevent sticking
7. Add 3 drops of liquid food colouring on top and swirl with a toothpick — you can blend fully or leave it streaked
8. Let the candy mixture cool for 5-10 minutes at room temperature — just until it starts to firm up slightly but is still soft
9. Insert sticks about halfway into the candy, ensuring they stay upright. You can prop them up using clips, or rest them on the edge of the container
10. Place the container into the fridge for 2-3 hours until set
11. If you used a single container instead of moulds, carefully remove the set candy and cut into crystal shapes using a sharp knife
12. Place the crystal candy onto a parchment-covered baking sheet and let dry at room temperature for 2-3 days until a hard crust forms on the outside

How to make a crystal candy lollipop

To make a crystal candy lollipop, follow the above instructions, but use lollipop sticks! We would also suggest using moulds for your crystal candy rather than a container (such as these moulds from Amazon) as this will make it easier to achieve a lollipop-style look.

How to make fruit crystal candy

To make fruit crystal candy, all you need to add is 2-4 tsp of some fruit flavouring (fruit puree or fruit extracts, for example).

Follow the above recipe as usual, then once you remove the saucepan from the heat, add in a fruit flavouring or extract rather than the candy flavouring. Use 2-4 teaspoons, depending on how strong you like your flavours.

Is crystal candy safe to eat?

Yes! As crystal candy is made from water, sugar, agar agar powder and flavourings, it is safe to eat.

If made following the step-by-step guide above (and depending on the food and candy colourings you choose), it's also vegan, dairy free, gluten free and nut free! It's also safe for people who follow a kosher or halal diet.

How to store crystal candy

Your crystal candy should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Do not keep your crystal candy in the fridge as this may introduce moisture and cause your crystal candy to become sticky.

Pic: Getty

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