Classic Honeycomb Candy
Light, airy, and perfectly golden—this classic honeycomb candy recipe uses real honey for richer flavor. Known as cinder toffee, hokey pokey, or sponge candy, it's a nostalgic treat that shatters with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Honeycomb
- 1¾ cups granulated white sugar
- ½ cup Go Honey pure honey
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
Optional Chocolate Coating
- 300g bittersweet chocolate, tempered
- Sea salt flakes (Maldon recommended)
Instructions
Prepare Your Station
Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper on the bottom and sides. Measure out baking soda and set it within arm's reach—you'll need to move fast.
Combine Ingredients
Combine sugar, honey, water, and salt in a large saucepan. Gently stir to saturate the sugar with liquid. Heat over medium-high heat, swirling the pot frequently to dissolve sugar. Brush down the sides with a pastry brush dipped in cold water to prevent crystallization.
Attach Thermometer
Once the mixture boils and sugar has dissolved, clip the candy thermometer to the side of the pot (tip should not touch the bottom). Stop stirring completely.
Heat to Hard Crack
Heat without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C). Swirl the pot occasionally to ensure even heating. Check temperature in multiple spots for accuracy.
Add Baking Soda
Remove from heat immediately and add all the baking soda at once. Whisk vigorously, reaching all corners of the pot. The mixture will expand dramatically into a golden foam—this is the signature honeycomb reaction.
Pour Immediately
Scrape the expanded mixture into the prepared pan immediately. Do not spread or press down.
Cool and Break
Allow to cool and harden completely, at least two hours. Use the tip of a sharp knife to push into the honeycomb—it will shatter into beautiful irregular pieces.
Optional: Dip in Chocolate
Dip pieces in tempered chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt flakes before the chocolate sets.
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Make This Recipe with Go Honey
Our 100% pure, raw honey adds authentic flavor to this recipe. Shop our collection of wildflower, buckwheat, and specialty honeys.
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