Pin It 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 holiday platter has been a hit every year bringing sweetness and sparkle to our celebrations.
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 It This dessert has become a cherished family tradition spreading joy at every holiday gathering.
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 It Enjoy crafting this festive display and sharing sweet moments with loved ones.
Recipe FAQs
- → How is the rock candy texture achieved?
By heating the sugar syrup to the hard crack stage (around 300°F/150°C), allowing it to cool and harden into crystalline shards.
- → Can the rock candy be flavored differently?
Yes, using extracts like peppermint, cherry, lemon, orange, almond, or vanilla provides different flavor profiles.
- → What molds work best for the holiday chocolates?
Festive silicone molds or parchment-lined surfaces allow easy shaping and decorative finishes.
- → How should the platter components be stored?
Store candies separately in airtight containers to maintain flavor integrity and prevent sticking.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
The chocolates contain soy and dairy; trace nuts may be present, and corn syrup may affect those with corn allergies.
- → What is the ideal serving suggestion?
Pair the sweet platter with sparkling wine, hot chocolate, or spiced tea for a festive touch.