Pin A festive dessert platter featuring a colorful assortment of homemade rock candies holiday-themed chocolates and sparkling sugar confections perfect for adding a sweet eye-catching centerpiece to your holiday table.
This dessert platter brings joy and festive cheer every time I serve it to family and friends during the holidays.
Ingredients
- Rock Candy: 2 cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup water, ½ cup light corn syrup, ½ tsp flavored extract (peppermint, cherry or lemon), Food coloring (red, green or as desired), Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Holiday Chocolates: 200 g high-quality dark chocolate chopped, 100 g white chocolate chopped, Holiday sprinkles or edible glitter
- Sugar Confections: 1 cup assorted gumdrops, ½ cup candied fruit (cherries, orange peel etc), ½ cup sparkling sugar or edible glitter
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly dust with powdered sugar.
- Step 2:
- For the rock candy combine granulated sugar water and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan Stir constantly over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Step 3:
- Increase heat and bring to a boil without stirring Continue cooking until mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage).
- Step 4:
- Remove from heat immediately Add flavored extract and a few drops of chosen food coloring Swirl gently to combine.
- Step 5:
- Carefully pour the hot syrup onto the prepared baking sheet Let cool for 5–10 minutes then use a buttered knife to score into pieces or break into shards once fully set (about 1 hour) Dust with more powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Step 6:
- For holiday chocolates melt dark and white chocolate separately using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts.
- Step 7:
- Pour melted chocolates into festive silicone molds or spread onto parchment swirling white into dark for a marbled effect Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or edible glitter Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm then unmold or break into pieces.
- Step 8:
- Arrange rock candy chocolates gumdrops candied fruit and sparkling sugar on a large platter in a decorative holiday pattern Serve immediately or store candies in airtight containers.
Pin This recipe always brings our family together around the table to share sweetness and holiday spirit.
Required Tools
Heavy-bottomed saucepan, Candy thermometer, Parchment paper, Silicone chocolate molds (optional), Mixing bowls, Spatula, Large platter
Allergen Information
Contains soy and dairy (chocolate) May contain traces of nuts if chocolates are processed in shared facilities Corn syrup may not be suitable for those with corn allergies Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 280 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 50 g Protein 2 g (per serving)
Pin This dessert display is a festive treat that delights both the eyes and the palate.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I ensure rock candy hardens properly?
Cook the sugar syrup to 300°F (hard crack stage) and allow it to cool undisturbed on parchment paper to set into glossy shards.
- → Can I use different flavors for the rock candy?
Yes, peppermint, cherry, lemon, or other extracts like almond and vanilla can be added to customize taste.
- → What’s the best method to melt the chocolates?
Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid burning and ensure smooth melting.
- → How should I store the candy display?
Keep candies in airtight containers separately to maintain freshness and prevent flavors from mixing.
- → What tools are essential for making this candy display?
A heavy-bottomed saucepan, candy thermometer, parchment paper, and optionally silicone molds for chocolates are key tools.