2000s Recipes + Menus

Molasses Sponge Candy

Makesabout 1 lb
  • Active time:25 min
  • Start to finish:1 1/4 hr
April 2002
The sponge candy’s tender crunch melts in your mouth.
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 cup mild molasses
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • Line bottom and sides of a 13- by 9-inch baking pan with foil, then butter foil.
  • Bring sugar, water, butter, and cream of tartar to a boil in a deep 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then wash down any sugar crystals with a pastry brush dipped in cold water. Boil without stirring until syrup registers 265°F (hard-ball stage) on a candy thermometer, about 10 minutes. Add molasses (don’t stir) and continue to boil undisturbed until syrup registers 295°F (hard-crack stage), 4 to 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and sift baking soda over syrup, then whisk to incorporate. (Use caution: mixture will bubble vigorously.)
  • Immediately pour syrup into lined baking pan and cool completely. Lift candy in foil from pan, then discard foil and break candy into pieces.
Cooks’ note: Candy keeps, layered between wax paper in an airtight container, 1 month.
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