Homemade Saltwater Taffy: Bringing the Seaside to Your Kitchen
Nothing brings back memories of summer at the beach quite like saltwater taffy. With its sweet, chewy texture and variety of flavors, it’s a nostalgic treat for many. This homemade saltwater taffy recipe is easy to follow and results in a batch of taffy that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20–30 pieces of taffy
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop, Pulling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2/3 cup warm water
2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for buttering hands)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon flavoring extract (vanilla, peppermint, or lemon)
Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, mix sugar, corn syrup, warm water, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Once the mixture begins to boil, insert a candy thermometer. Continue boiling without stirring until the temperature reaches 255°F (hard-ball stage).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter, your chosen flavoring extract, and food coloring if desired.
- Pour the hot taffy onto a greased marble slab or a lined and greased baking sheet. Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes, or until it is cool enough to handle.
- Butter your hands and begin pulling the taffy. Stretch it and fold it repeatedly for about 10-15 minutes until the taffy becomes light in color and glossy.
- Stretch the taffy into a rope, then use greased scissors to cut it into small pieces. Wrap each piece individually in wax paper.
- Let the taffy cool completely before serving, then enjoy the sweet, chewy results of your hard work!
Notes
Wrap each piece tightly in wax paper to keep it fresh and prevent it from sticking. Twist the ends to seal it.
Dark corn syrup can be substituted for light corn syrup, but it will give the taffy a richer, molasses-like flavor.
Food coloring is optional, but it adds a fun touch to the taffy.
For a fun variation, add a sprinkle of sea salt to the top of the taffy pieces before wrapping them up.
Experiment with other extracts like orange, cinnamon, or almond for unique flavor combinations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/homemade-saltwater-taffy/
