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Homemade Saltwater Taffy Recipe You’ll Love
Youssef Hb

Homemade Saltwater Taffy Recipe You’ll Love

A chewy, salt-and-sugar American treat made with sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Customize with flavors like vanilla, peppermint, or orange. Perfect for a halal-friendly, alcohol-free classic candy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 20 servings
Course: DESSERTS
Cuisine: American (coastal tradition)
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or neutral oil)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract (substitute with other flavors)
  • Optional food coloring (paste dyes recommended)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
  2. Cut parchment paper to fit an 18x26-inch baking sheet
  3. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar for non-stick surface
  4. Smooth out any wrinkles on parchment
  5. Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a heavy saucepan
  6. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves
  7. Insert candy thermometer on pan side
  8. Boil mixture without stirring until reaches 280°F (hard crack stage)
  9. Remove pan from heat
  10. Add butter and stir until melted
  11. Stir in vanilla (or other flavoring) and food coloring if using
  12. Let the mixture cool to 200°F
  13. Place leveling spatula on prepared parchment sheet
  14. Pour candy onto parchment while hot
  15. Quickly stretch gently with greased hands or a puller until runny
  16. Cut into 2-inch thick ropes
  17. Cool until firm (30-60 minutes)
  18. Twist into coils and store in wax paper

Notes

Use a candy thermometer for precise boiling
If using hand-stretching, work quickly at 200°F without letting it sit
Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 weeks
Replace butter with neutral oil like canola if needed
Experiment with seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice or lemon zest