Delicious Homemade Honeycomb Sweet Treat Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200g granulated sugar
  • 5 tbsp golden syrup
  • 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

Steps and instructions

  1. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with greaseproof paper.
  2. Place the sugar and golden syrup in a deep saucepan and stir together, do not turn on the heat yet.
  3. Heat the mixture slowly, stirring continuously until the sugar has melted. Do not let it boil before the sugar grains have disappeared.
  4. Turn up the heat a little, and simmer until you have an amber colored caramel (this won't take long).
  5. Turn off the heat, tip in the bicarbonate of soda and beat in with a wooden spoon until it has all disappeared and the mixture is foaming.
  6. Scrape into the lined tin immediately but be careful as the mixture will be very hot.
  7. Leave to set for 1hr-1hr 30 mins, then bash into pieces.
  8. Store in an airtight container and enjoy within 3 days.

Tools for making

  • Deep saucepan - A saucepan with high sides to safely mix and heat the ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon - Used to stir the ingredients and incorporate the bicarbonate of soda.
  • Baking tray - A flat tray used to pour and set the honeycomb mixture.
  • Greaseproof paper - Used to line the baking tray and prevent sticking.
  • Airtight container - Used for storing the honeycomb once it has cooled and set.

Recipe variations

  • Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a sweet and salty flavor.
  • Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the honeycomb pieces for a chocolate-coated version.
  • Mix in crushed nuts, such as almonds or peanuts, to add crunch and flavor.
  • Replace golden syrup with maple syrup or corn syrup for a different flavor profile.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the caramel mixture for a hint of vanilla flavor.
  • Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the caramel mixture for a chocolatey twist.
  • Sprinkle some dried fruits, such as chopped dried cranberries or raisins, over the honeycomb before it sets.
  • Experiment with different shapes by pouring the hot caramel mixture into silicone molds.
  • Coat the honeycomb pieces in desiccated coconut or crushed cookies for extra texture.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the golden syrup with agave nectar or brown rice syrup.

Recipe overview

This delightful Honeycomb recipe is a sweet treat that's both fun and simple to make. It requires just three ingredients: granulated sugar, golden syrup, and bicarbonate of soda. The process involves heating and mixing these ingredients to create a foamy caramel that, once it's set and broken into pieces, resembles honeycomb. The resulting candy has a unique, crunchy texture and a sweet toffee-like flavor that's irresistible. This recipe is quick and easy, but it does require careful attention to the heating process to ensure the sugar doesn't burn. Enjoy the honeycomb within a few days of making it for the best texture and flavor.

Common questions

  1. Can I use honey instead of golden syrup?
  2. No, honey cannot be substituted for golden syrup in this recipe as it will yield different results.
  3. What can I use instead of bicarbonate of soda?
  4. Bicarbonate of soda is a key ingredient in this recipe to create the honeycomb texture. There is no direct substitute for it.
  5. Can I use a different type of sugar?
  6. Granulated sugar works best for this recipe to achieve the desired texture and taste. Substituting it with other sugars may affect the outcome.
  7. How should I store the honeycomb?
  8. Store the honeycomb in an airtight container at room temperature. It is best consumed within 3 days to maintain its crunchiness.
  9. Can I double the recipe?
  10. Yes, you can double the recipe if you need to make a larger batch. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Saucepan - A deep saucepan is needed to melt the sugar and golden syrup.
  • Wooden spoon - Used for stirring the mixture and incorporating the bicarbonate of soda.
  • Baking tray - To line with greaseproof paper and pour the honeycomb mixture into for setting.
  • Greaseproof paper - Lining the baking tray with this prevents the honeycomb from sticking.
  • Airtight container - Used to store the honeycomb once it has cooled and set.

Origin stories

Honeycomb candy, often referred to as "Cinder Toffee" in Britain, has a history that's as rich as its sweet, sugary flavor. This delicious treat gained popularity in the Victorian era, where it was commonly found at fairs and carnivals, and has since remained a beloved treat in many British households. Its bubbly structure, reminiscent of a honeycomb, gives it a unique crunch and lends to its name. Interestingly, the key to its distinctive texture is the addition of bicarbonate of soda, which reacts with the hot sugar syrup to create an explosion of tiny bubbles. And while its name might suggest otherwise, there's no honey involved!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.