Homemade Violet Crumble: A Delectable Honeycomb Chocolate Treat

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon baking soda
500 grams dark chocolate, roughly chopped

Steps and instructions

Grease a 9-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, allowing some to hang over the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and vinegar. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
Continue to heat the mixture without stirring until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the baking soda. The mixture will begin to foam. Stir until well combined and the foaming subsides.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and let it cool completely. This will take about 1-2 hours.
Once the candy is cooled and hard, remove it from the dish using the parchment paper and break it into small pieces.
Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Dip each piece of candy into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
Place the dipped pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them sit until the chocolate has hardened.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Tools for making

Saucepan - Used to heat and combine the sugar, corn syrup, and vinegar.
Candy thermometer - Essential for monitoring the temperature of the sugar mixture.
9-inch baking dish - Used to pour and cool the candy mixture.
Parchment paper - Used to line the baking dish for easy removal of the candy.
Microwave-safe bowl - Used to melt the dark chocolate for dipping.
Stirring utensil - Necessary for stirring the sugar mixture and melting the chocolate.
Baking sheet - Used to place the dipped candy pieces for the chocolate to harden.

Recipe variations

Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
Add crushed nuts, such as almonds or peanuts, to the candy mixture for added crunch.
Experiment with different flavors by adding extracts, such as vanilla or almond, to the candy mixture.
Try using honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a different flavor profile.
Add a pinch of salt to the candy mixture to enhance the sweet and savory contrast.
Sprinkle sea salt or crushed pretzels on top of the melted chocolate for a salty-sweet combination.
Create a "Violet Crumble Sundae" by serving the candy pieces over vanilla ice cream and drizzling with caramel sauce.
Make bite-sized Violet Crumble truffles by rolling the candy mixture into small balls and dipping them into chocolate.
For a vegan option, substitute the corn syrup with agave nectar or brown rice syrup and use dairy-free chocolate.
Add a layer of caramel between the candy and the chocolate coating for an extra chewy and gooey texture.

Recipe overview

Violet Crumble is an iconic Australian candy bar that features a crunchy honeycomb toffee center coated in a layer of rich dark chocolate. This homemade version captures the essence of the original, with the added satisfaction of making it from scratch. The process involves boiling a simple syrup mixture until it reaches the hard-crack stage, then stirring in baking soda to create the honeycomb texture. This is then broken into pieces and dipped in melted dark chocolate. The result? A delightful blend of sweet, crunchy, airy honeycomb and velvety dark chocolate. It's a fun and rewarding project that will have you feeling like a candy artisan in your own kitchen.

Common questions

Can I use honey instead of corn syrup? No, honey cannot be used as a substitute for corn syrup in this recipe. Corn syrup helps to give the Violet Crumble its unique texture and consistency.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? While you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste, it is recommended to use dark chocolate for a richer and more intense flavor that complements the sweetness of the candy.
Do I need a candy thermometer? Yes, a candy thermometer is necessary to accurately measure the temperature of the sugar mixture. This ensures that the candy sets properly and achieves the desired texture.
Can I speed up the cooling process of the candy? It is not recommended to speed up the cooling process as the candy needs time to cool and harden naturally. Rushing this step may result in a softer texture.
How should I store the Violet Crumble? Store the finished Violet Crumble in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid storing in the refrigerator as this may cause the candy to become sticky or lose its crunchiness.
Can I make Violet Crumble in advance? Yes, Violet Crumble can be made in advance. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored properly in an airtight container.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
Saucepan - A large saucepan for cooking the sugar syrup.
Candy Thermometer - A thermometer used to measure the temperature of the sugar syrup.
Baking Dish - A 9-inch dish for pouring and cooling the candy mixture.
Parchment Paper - Used to line the baking dish and prevent the candy from sticking.
Microwave-Safe Bowl - A bowl that can be used to melt the chocolate in the microwave.
Baking Sheet - A sheet lined with parchment paper to place the dipped candies for cooling.
Airtight Container - Used to store the finished Violet Crumble.

Origin stories

Violet Crumble, originating from Australia in 1913, boasts the title of being one of the nation's oldest chocolate bars. Its creator, the renowned confectioner Abel Hoadley, was known for his keen sense of inventiveness and his desire to create a product that would not spoil in the summer heat. Inspired by his wife's favorite flower, the violet, Hoadley christened his new creation 'Violet Crumble'. The unique, honeycomb-toffee center is designed to 'shatter' upon the first bite, giving the candy its distinctive slogan: "It's the way it shatters that matters". Today, Violet Crumble remains an iconic treat, enjoyed not just in Australia, but around the world.

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.