Save 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 dessert platter brings together festive flavors and eye-catching treats that my family and guests always enjoy throughout the holiday season
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
Save My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy these candies especially when we add sparkling wine or spiced tea to the mix
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
Save This festive dessert platter brings joy and color to any holiday celebration making it a favorite every year
Recipe Q&A
- → What temperature should the sugar syrup reach for rock candy?
The sugar syrup should reach the hard crack stage at 300°F (150°C) for proper rock candy formation.
- → Can I use different flavors for the rock candy?
Yes, extracts such as peppermint, cherry, lemon, orange, almond, or vanilla can be used to flavor the rock candy.
- → How do I prevent rock candy pieces from sticking?
Dust the cooled rock candy with powdered sugar to keep shards from sticking together.
- → What is the best method to melt chocolates for this display?
Melt chocolates gently using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to avoid burning.
- → How should I store the candy assortment to preserve freshness?
Store rock candies, chocolates, and sugar confections separately in airtight containers to avoid flavor mixing and maintain texture.
- → Are there allergy considerations for this dessert display?
This display contains soy and dairy from chocolate. Corn syrup may be an allergen. Always check ingredient labels for potential nuts or other allergens.