Save Brighten your holiday gatherings with a Jingle Bell Rock Candy Display, a festive dessert platter that dazzles both the eyes and the palate. This vibrant centerpiece combines colorful homemade rock candies, rich holiday-themed chocolates, and sparkling sugar confections, creating an irresistible indulgence that captures the spirit of the season.
Save Beyond its stunning presentation, this dessert platter invites creativity—from choosing your favorite extracts and colors for the rock candy to swirling chocolates into festive patterns. Each element complements the others, making the experience as delightful to assemble as it is to enjoy.
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
- 1. Prepare baking sheets
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly dust with powdered sugar.
- 2. Make rock candy syrup
- Combine granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- 3. Boil to hard crack stage
- Increase heat and bring to a boil without stirring. Continue cooking until mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
- 4. Add flavor and color
- Remove from heat immediately. Add flavored extract and a few drops of chosen food coloring. Swirl gently to combine.
- 5. Pour and set rock candy
- 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.
- 6. Melt chocolates
- Melt dark and white chocolate separately using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts.
- 7. Shape holiday chocolates
- 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.
- 8. Assemble the display
- 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.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure an eye-catching finish, dust your baking sheets well with powdered sugar before pouring your rock candy syrup to help prevent sticking. When scoring the candy while still warm, use a buttered knife for clean cuts. Temper your chocolates carefully for shiny, smooth holiday pieces. Use silicone molds for easy removal and themed shapes to boost festivity.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Experiment with different flavored extracts like orange, almond, or vanilla for unique twists on the rock candy. Swap holiday sprinkles for crushed peppermint candies to add a cool crunch to chocolates. Adjust food coloring shades to match your holiday theme or party colors. For alternative diet preferences, consider vegan chocolate options.
Serviervorschläge
This vibrant dessert platter pairs beautifully with sparkling wine, comforting hot chocolate, or a spiced holiday tea. Serve as a dazzling centerpiece that guests can nibble on throughout the celebration. Store remaining candies separately to maintain their distinct flavors and textures.
Save Bringing this Jingle Bell Rock Candy Display to your holiday celebration promises not only a feast for the eyes but also an array of delightful flavors and textures. With its mix of classic sweetness and festive sparkle, it's sure to become a cherished tradition year after year.
Your Questions Answered
- → How do I achieve the perfect hard crack stage for rock candy?
Use a candy thermometer and heat the sugar mixture until it reaches 300°F (150°C). Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning and allow to cool undisturbed for proper crystallization.
- → What extracts work best for flavoring rock candies?
Peppermint, cherry, lemon, and vanilla extracts add distinctive flavors. Choose according to your holiday theme or personal preference.
- → How can I create the marbled effect in chocolates?
Swirl melted white chocolate gently into melted dark chocolate before setting, using a spatula or toothpick to mix lightly.
- → What is the best way to prevent candies from sticking?
Lightly dust baking sheets with powdered sugar before pouring hot syrup and dust finished candies again once set to reduce stickiness.
- → Can I prepare this dessert platter ahead of time?
Yes, prepare candies separately and store in airtight containers to keep flavors distinct and maintain freshness until serving.
- → Are there any common allergens in these ingredients?
Yes, chocolate contains soy and dairy. Corn syrup may affect corn allergy sufferers. Always check labels for potential nut contamination.