Last Updated on February 8, 2023
Do you want to know how to fix sticky hard candy? Remember that water, even the smallest amount, can result in a gooey mess. Though, you may think that it is impossible to prevent this from happening again and again. There are many ways you can avoid this from sticking together.
So, how to keep hard candy from sticking together? The most effective approach is adding something else to the candy storage container to help absorb the water first. As a result, there will be nothing to mess up the candy.
How to Keep Hard Candy From Getting Too Sticky?
For starters, you can coat the candy in a thin layer of cornstarch. Doing this prevents hard candy from sticking together. In addition to that, the cornstarch will help absorb extra moisture from the air. As well as that, it protects the hard candy.
Afterward, please put the candy in an airproof glass container. Keep in mind that glass is ideal, rather than plastic. The main reason is that it is not absorbent to air vapor.
Moreover, ensure to store the candy properly. Not only that but also how to prepare the candy. Because of this, it has a great possibility of remaining fresh. Also, consider the different things you add to the storage containers.
How to Fix Sticky Hard Candy?
Cornstarch
Essentially, you can coat the hard candy in cornstarch. Bear in mind that cornstarch possesses a remarkably fine texture. In addition to that, it has a great ability to absorb moisture. Besides, it is tasteless. For those reasons, cornstarch is indeed the best option for preventing hard candies from ever sticking together.
Moreover, the fine texture indicates that it can coat the hard candy evenly and thinly. Also, its lack of flavor means that it can never affect the candy’s flavor.
But above all else, it helps to absorb any moisture from the air surrounding the candies. Not only does it protect the hard candy, but also it prevents it from turning very sticky.
Powdered Sugar
Alternatively, you can use powdered sugar. Likewise, you can refer to it as icing sugar or confectioners sugar. In this regard, powdered sugar has cornstarch to stop caking. Caking is the process of sugar turning into a firm lump. Because of this, it absorbs moisture.
So with that, powdered sugar is another remarkable method of coating candies with cornstarch. However, it provides a bit more flavor. That is why the extra sweetness from the sugar is perfect if you have a sweet tooth.
Granulated Sugar
Keep in mind that sugar absorbs moisture from the air. Because of this, it makes the candies sticky when they encounter water. That is why rolling the candies in granulated sugar will protect the candies from damage. Remember, the outside sugar is the factor that absorbs the moisture before it eventually gets to the candies.
Besides, it gives additional sweetness to the candies. Likewise, it provides them with a crunchy texture. It would help to use only a pinch of granulated sugar when using this method.
How to Unstick Hard Candy?
Aside from coating them with, for instance, cornstarch, there are several ways you can do this about storage. Because of this, it will indeed help you to unstick hard candy.
Moreover, you can wrap each candy in a candy wrapping or cellophane. Because of this, it will protect them from air exposure. Hence, prevent them from moisture. In addition to that, it is necessary that the packaging is not absorbent to air vapor.
Store it Inside an Airtight Container
For the most part, people must store hard candy in an airtight container. However, do you know what type of airtight container is the best to store it in? The answer is glass containers.
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Also, it would be best not to use plastic. The main reason is that plastic is not appropriate for air vapor. In addition to that, water vapor can penetrate the plastic from outside the container. As a result, it can make the candies sticky and soggy. As a solution, you can use silica gel packets in the container. Because of this, it will stop it from ever happening.
Place Rice at the Bottom of the Candy Container
Bear in mind that dry rice absorbs moisture instantly. For this reason, it will indeed dry out the candy’s moisture. You can do this by filling the bottom of the container with dry rice. As a result, doing this will stop moisture from ruining the hard candies.
Furthermore, you may get creative with the rice by using a food coloring of your choice. Talk about a decorative touch! However, please do not put rice if the candy is already sticky because the rice will indeed stick to them. And nobody wants that to happen.
Utilize Desiccant Packets to Fix Sticky Candy
Bear in mind that silica gel packets are indeed useful. The main reason is that they are convenient to add retrospectively to the hard candy containers. Also, remember that silica absorbs water from the air. For this reason, there is nothing left for the candies to absorb.
How Long Can I Expect Hard Candies to Last?
Essentially, hard candies will be at their best for approximately a year. Although, as long as you stored them properly, they could be slightly longer. After some time, the colors and flavors will begin to dull. However, the hard candies will still be edible.
Moreover, hard candies will indeed become very sticky as time goes by. In addition to that, they will look less appetizing. Keep in mind that the candy’s shelf life will become even shorter if the environment is very humid.
Furthermore, it would not help to store hard candy in the refrigerator. The reason is that it is not necessary to refrigerate in the first place. Not only that but also hard candy tends to last longer at room temperature. You can indeed observe the difference compared to when you store it inside the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the condensation or moisture in the fridge can make the hard candy sticky.
Although the fridge itself may not be moist, you have to watch out for the other foods. Besides, most foods inside the fridge have plenty of moisture. Likewise, the condensation that develops when you constantly open the refrigerator will significantly affect the hard candies.
Read more about How Long Hard Candy Last And How to Easily Store Them
How to Keep Crushed Candy Canes From Getting Sticky?
Crushed candy is even more difficult to keep from getting sticky than whole candy. Whole candy canes can be individually wrapped (which is one of the most effective ways of avoiding stickiness). However, when crushed, things can become a little trickier. Some of the most common solutions include:
- rice. Placing in a bag of rice that isn’t cooked is a great idea as the uncooked rice will remove any moisture from the crushed candy.
- starches. Whether you’re using cornstarch, or potato starch, starches usually don’t taste of anything but are incredible at removing moisture. And all you need to do is coat your crushed candy in a thin layer of starch and dust any excess off before storing.
- granulated sugar. If you’re looking for an extra crunch in your candy, using granulated sugar is the perfect option. The granulated sugar acts as a layer of protection from any moisture.
- confectioners’ sugar. Much like granulated sugar, confectioners’ sugar is a good option if you want to make your candy even sweeter. However, only use a very thin layer of sugar because it can become overwhelmingly sweet if you do not use it sparingly.
Why Are My Candy Grapes Sticky?
Candy grapes are delicious, but they are very susceptible to becoming sticky, quickly. The main reason why candy grapes become sticky is that the humidity is too high, which then causes moisture in the candy grapes. Another reason could be that the candy wasn’t cooked to the correct temperature. The stage which is most often called “hard crack”, is 300F+. If you do not reach this temperature using your candy thermometer, it’s likely your candy grapes will become sticky.
However, there are ways you can try to avoid this. Some top tips are:
- Ensure your candy grapes reach 300F and the “hard crack” stage. Using a candy thermometer is the best way to achieve this.
- Humidity can be a huge problem. For this reason, you may want to use a fan or air conditioning unit to ensure the room stays cool and dry.
- Always leave your candy grapes to dry at room temperature. If you place candy in the refrigerator or freezer, these environments are full of moisture and your candy will be sticky in no time at all.
- Coat candy in either starch (corn or potato) or confectioners’ sugar to help remove any moisture from entering your candy. For best results, you should also wrap it too, for an extra layer of protection.
How to Keep Lollipops From Sticking
Lollipops are another hard candy that becomes extremely sticky. Simply leaving them to dry in the hopes they won’t retain any moisture is just an impossible way of preventing them from sticking. Much like other hard candies, the best options to use are either starch, granulated sugar, or confectioners’ sugar. Just give your lollipop a light dusting, and then shake gently to remove any excess.
Conclusion
I hope this post has helped to answer the question: how to fix sticky hard candy? And give you an idea of tips, tricks, and easy fixes to help make the perfect consistency when it comes to hard candy. Do you have any of your tips and tricks for hard candy? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Sharing is caring!
Zarah is an experienced pastry chef whose creations have delighted countless customers. With a passion for baking, Zarah has developed a unique style that combines classic techniques with modern flavors. Her desserts are consistently crafted with the finest ingredients, and her attention to detail is evident in the stunning and delectable results. Zarah has a wealth of experience in the pastry kitchen, and loves to share her knowledge with others. Whether it is teaching a class or creating a custom cake for a special occasion, Zarah is committed to making sure every customer is satisfied.