Covid has taught us many things, including how precious time with our loved ones is and how life can change quickly. But it's also taught us how to improvise during these challenging times. With many of our favourite shops closed, people everywhere have decided to turn to homemade recipes.
If you're missing your candy fix, then we're here to help. In this post, we'll share some sweet recipes that you can make at home. Whether you like traditional hard-boiled sweets or soft jellies, we've got some incredible recipes for you.
Nutty Chocolate & Toffee Bark
We love this recipe because it's full of rich flavours and will take you back to those times of sitting around a bonfire with your loved ones. If you prefer to work with UK measurements, you can use an online converter to make things easier.
Most of the ingredients will be in your cupboard, and while this recipe might seem quite intense, it's straightforward.
Fruit Drops
The ultimate travel (or sit at home) sweets, fruit drops are traditional, full of flavour and suitable for adults and children. It might surprise you to know that our fruit drops recipe is incredibly easy.
Here's what you'll need:
- 80ml Cold Water
- 225g Granulated Sugar
- ⅛ tsp Cream of Tartar
- 1.5tsp Liquid Glucose
- Icing Sugar
- Gel Food Colourings
- Vegetable Oil
- Fruit Flavourings
If you have those ingredients, then you're ready to make delicious sweets from the comfort of your own home.
- Lightly oil your baking tray, dough scraper and scissors. Heat the sugar, liquid glucose and water in a saucepan on medium heat. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves.
- When the mixture begins to boil, pour in the cream of tartar and stir until it dissolves. Place the lid on your saucepan and leave for three minutes.
- After three minutes, lift the saucepan lid every 30 seconds. DON'T STIR anything because the sugar will crystalise.
- Use a thermometer to check the temperature and wait for it to reach 150℃. Once it has, you can remove from the heat then add the colouring and flavour.
- Pour the mixture into your baking tray and leave to cool for a minimum of one minute.
- Once the mixture is cool, you can use your dough scissors to break it into pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
- Place in icing sugar, then leave to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container, then repeat the process until you have a selection of flavours.
Vegan Vanilla Marshmallows
Yes, you can enjoy marshmallows if you're vegan! This recipe is relatively simple to make and perfect for hot chocolate, smores, or just enjoying a movie.
What You'll Need:
- 300g Silver Spoon Icing Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste
- 3 tbsp Agar Agar
- 50g Corn Flour
- 300g Granulated Sugar
- 470ml Golden Syrup
- Small Pinch of Salt
- Grab a small baking tin and line it with parchment paper.
- Combine the cornflour and icing sugar, then use several spoonfuls of the mixture and coat the tin's sides.
- Set the rest of your mixture aside. Whisk together 120ml of water with the agar until it forms a paste.
- Pour the rest of the water into a saucepan and add the golden syrup, granulated sugar and salt but don't stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, and keep a close eye on it.
- Use a small brush and water on the inside of the saucepan to prevent the mixture from crystalising.
- Once boiled, immediately remove the mixture from the heat.
- Turn on your mixer and slowly pour the syrup and agar-agar mixture into the bowl. Add your vanilla and mix for 10 minutes, until it forms a whipped texture.
- Transfer everything to the tin and leave uncovered for between 12-18 hours. When they're dried, you'll be able to put them in the fridge then cut into squares and serve.
Peppermint Lollipops
Not only are peppermint lollipops refreshing, but they're also delicious. Better still, this recipe is simple to make and won't take up too much time.
You'll Need:
- 1 tsp Cream of Tartar
- 500g Granulated Sugar
- 2 tsp Peppermint Essence
- 200ml Water
- Green Food Colouring
- 40 Lollipop Sticks
- Place the cream of tartar and sugar into 200ml of hot water and gently heat until dissolved. Bring to the boil and use your sugar thermometer to measure when the mixture reaches 'hard crack'.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the peppermint essence and green colouring. Place parchment paper on a heatproof surface and pour individual spoonfuls of the mixture onto it.
- Place a lollipop stick on each, and set the lollies until they reach a stiff consistency.
Simple Gummy Sweets
Perfect for your children and coming in an only 42 calories a serving, these gummy candies are a great way to spend that extra lockdown time.
You'll Need:
- 42g of Gelatin (unflavoured)
- 85g of Flavoured Gelatin
- ½ Cup of Cold Water
- Candy Moulds
- Spray your candy moulds with cooking oil and place them onto a baking sheet.
- Mix all of the gelatin with water and whisk until it's dissolved.
- Place in a pan and heat while you're mixing, until it becomes a liquid.
- Pour the liquid into the candy moulds and leave to set in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Here are some links to other recipes we think would be great for your family.
- Homemade Real Fruit Jelly Squares
- Boiled Sweets
- Homemade Toffee
- Starburst Sweets
- Homemade Gumdrops
- Chocolate Liqueur Sweets
Well there you have it, our top picks for homemade sweets. With so many available, you'll be spoiled for choice. The kids might be unable to go to school, but you'll be able to keep them busy.
Does the thought of making your sweets fill you with horror? Luckily, wholesale sweet companies will send you a range of delicious treats the whole family will enjoy.
From jellies to boiled sweets and chewy candies, there's something for everyone at Appleton's. You can also visit our blog for the latest confectionery news, tips and other great recipes.