Reheating Hard Candy

by Andrew
(California)

Does reheating hard candy work?


I tried to make hard candy, but I stopped heating too soon and it didn't reach hard crack. Can I reheat my already-cooled candy until it reaches hard crack, or am I stuck with this soft candy?


Thank you,
Andrew

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Hi Andrew,

The question of whether or not you can reheat your hard candy mixture and try again is a matter for debate and opinion.


For example, some visitors have said that they've had success by reheating their peanut brittle mixture both in the microwave and on the stove top in order to get it to set properly.


The common denominator in all situations is that you have to be extremely careful and watchful to make sure that the candy mixture doesn't burn.


You definitely would have had more luck reheating the candy while it was still warm, but you may still be able to salvage it even though your candy mixture has cooled.


I've got a tremendous sweet tooth, but I'm NOT a science buff. The truth of the matter is that candy making definitely has a lot of science behind it. The way the sugar crystals melt and re-form, etc., is part of the equation and different variables lead to success or failure in candy making.


I personally haven't tried cooking hard candy back down again in an effort to boil it to a higher temperature, so I'm interested in hearing your results. Just go slow and let us know how it turns out for you.


Theoretically, melting hard candy successfully should work. One of the hard candy Christmas recipes calls for melting hard candies in the oven to create a "stained glass" effect. It's a lovely concept.


I'm definitely looking forward to hearing back from you on whether or not reheating hard candy mixture to the required temperature is going to fix your soft candy. Do let us know!


Blessings,
Angie