5 Minute Glass Candy – Easy Microwave Hard Candy
Easy glass candy is candy magic. Not only does it take 2 ingredients at its base, it only takes 5 minutes to cook!
It would probably take less time to make this candy at home than go out and snag a bag of store bought candy, making them ridiculously addictive in more than one way. They’re so versatile in how you flavor them or what you use them for too. I found them to be a festive touch as glass daggers to my blood splatter cupcakes here. They look incredibly realistic and take mere minutes to whip up a unique cake topper.
You can of course go several different routes to achieve a particular aesthetic for yourself. Believe it or not, most of the questions I get regarding my homemade hard candy recipe is for how to best apply it for a Frozen birthday party theme. When I initially created this recipe for my video, that never even occurred to me and about a year later when I finally watched it, I got what all the hype was about for this movie. It’s a very sweet movie but definitely a dramatic departure from Breaking Bad which is a great thing about this candy. You could turn them into lollipops or even edible diamond rings! It’s crazy versatile.
For todays purpose, these blue candies will serve as edible crystals à la Breaking Bad. As you may or may not know, I don’t watch a lot of television. I find most reality shows to be appalling and unless you’re Nigella Lawson sashaying towards the camera, I don’t even care to watch a cooking show however, I will make exceptions for my two favorite shows, The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad, the latter which is set to premiere its final season this Sunday. I think Bryan Cranston is brilliant {not to mention me and my baby brothers used to laugh together watching his hijinks as Hal} so needless to say, I’m a huge fan and know exactly what I’ll be doing Sunday night. To gear up for this event, I decided it would be fun to create some shattered blue hard candies and though the finished product was a deeper blue than I’d originally intended {note to self, use a lighter toned blue coloring next time}. However, the will serve its purpose as I munch on these little Breaking Bad inspired jewels while I get my fix in two ways.
httpv://youtu.be/5gHdJR6DuXY
- 1 c granulated sugar
- ½ c corn syrup
- Color/extracts
- Mix the sugar and syrup in a large heatproof bowl.
- Cover with plastic and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Keep your eye on it so it doesn't overflow. Don't stir.
- Cover with new plastic and microwave for another 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully stir in desired color/flavorings.
- Quickly pour onto parchment/silpat and allow to harden, shatter, serve.
My microwave is 1.58 kw. Adjust accordingly.
When in doubt, go low and slow. Sugar syrup is dangerous.
Use a large, heat proof measuring cup. Not all glass is made equal.
There are just a few things to definitely consider when creating these edible gems. Since the sugar syrup gets super hot {300 degrees to be exact}, please be careful while handling it. The 300 degree mark is very important as that indicates the hard crack stage. It’s best to use a digital candy thermometer. They’re not very expensive and they’ll be so invaluable for future candy making endeavors. If you want something reusable try using a silicone mat instead of parchment {not wax}. This one is an economical choice while this one is a tried and true mat I’ve used for at least a decade. While you’re exercising precaution, make sure the vessel you’re cooking it in is microwave safe if you’re utilizing the microwave. You can, of course always use the stovetop too. Not all containers are meant to be microwaved. Lastly, I only recommend corn syrup {dark or light are both fine} or Lyles golden syrup. I’ve tested this with honey and it’s way too soft. They’re better in a recipe like for my honey-herb cough drops.
If you’re interested in other super simple recipes that only require 2 or 3 ingredients, check out my entire playlist here!
Love,
Your Squishy Monster ^.~
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What does it taste without the flavourings?
Sugar or plain hard candy 🙂
god mode candy
After this has cooled a bit can it be handled with gloves to form into shapes?
Hi, Eva! I would recommend watching my candy jewels or lollipops video to get an idea for different shapes. Molds are a fantastic option!
Do i have to cover with plastic
How would you do this on the stove??? It looks so delicious and I’m planning on using it on my birthday cake, but I’d rather use the stove because that way I can be surer of the temperature. Thanks!
Hi, Ian! Check out my lollipop or other hard candy videos for stove top versions =)
Hi, I try to make the candy blue for a Frozen cake but turn up green!! Probably because the corn syrup is not really white.
Do you know what can I do to end up with the finish candy blue?
Thanks
Hi, Olga. I’ve made this in many different colors. Perhaps your coloring wasn’t saturated enough?
Hi,
I just found your pagemail and I am wondering if this can be used for making geode cakes?
I am attempting one and like to make my own sugar than buying the crystals at the store.
Thank you..
Hi, Lani! I actually had a reader tell me she did =)
Thank you! My 11 year old and I might just be making something oozing with blood for her school cake competition. After spending an hour and a half stirring sugar and sweating over the stove, only to end up with caramel colored sticky ooze, I had to find another way. 7 minutes counting prep time and I have perfect glass. The hardest part about this recipe is cleaning the bowl after. Oh, and I did, only excitement, open the plastic wrap from the wrong side the second time. Two fingers are stinging and need some lavender oil to calm the burn. But our joy over our perfect glass is enough to ease the pain.
i don’t have corn syrup can i use something else instead?
[…] swirled macarons, geode rock candy, rock candy sticks, agate rock lollipops, glass candy, geode cake pops (in 11 colors), chocolate geodes and rock candy cupcakes and […]
I LOVE THESE!!! They are delicious. 😋 🤤 they are a mouthwatering treat I would gladly make into party lollipops. 😊
That’s awesome, Ria!
I’m making this for a project is there a way to make them on a hot plate
Hi, Wennie. Sure. Just make sure that your syrup registers at 300 degrees aka the hard crack stage. This is the most important factor in ensuring that it sets.
Can you add some lemon if you want lemon candies?
Hi, Jack! I would stick with lemon extract and lemon zest at the end to make a greater impact and not dilute the candy =)
How long does this keep? Thanks 🙂
Hi, Etana! I’ve had it vacuum sealed in the fridge for up to a month. Otherwise, if you keep it tightly wrapped and store it in a cool place, it should last for a week or two but it entirely depends on the humidity. Have a great day!
Thank you for sharing your recipe. I am throwing my son a Minecraft Birthday Party and was looking for something I could use as diamonds and this would be perfect. I can’t wait to make it.
That’s sounds like so much fun!! Thanks for using my recipe, please let me know how the party goes! =)
How much pure flavor extract should I use per recipe?
Hi, Kristofer! You can start off with 1 ts but increase it for more intensity {the great thing about this recipe is that you can remelt it if it solidies too quickly at least a couple times so you can definitely play around with the flavor too}
I love this candy, first candy I made. It came out great, but I was scrubbing my measuring cup for like 20 min. It’s fun to make, but can be messy.
Thanks for the tutorial!
Dejadog from the Dog Brothers (not the karate youtube channel)
Hi, guys! It helps to use hot, soapy water. Sometimes, I like to microwave water in it and it slides right off =)
I soaked my measuring cup in hot water and rinsed it about twice, then left it to soak overnight and it was completely dissolved.
Thank you so much your ss sweet as the candy..I’m making a candy bar with 50% home made candy and this one for sure will be on the table..I’m making in to lollipops… Thank yo again happy gram s
Thank you so much for letting me know, Marlena. This makes me very happy to hear. Good luck with the candy bar!!
Hello! I’m thinking about doing this recipe, but i was wondering How easy is it to get the melted plastic wrap off the measureing cup, Thanks!
Hi, Ben! Warm soapy water does the trick =)
[…] the iconic glass slippers in this film. I tried it first on the stove and failed miserably but then I found this recipe which uses the microwave and was way easier and it came out perfectly. The glass tastes just like […]
Thanks for sharing will try this tonight. I’m trying to do an.outdoor ice rink. Do you know if I’ll be able to take it off in 1 piece and if I don’t have a Matt like yours what can I use.
A small portion should be no problem. Make sure to use parchment/silpat—never wax =)
Finally, a shortcut recipe that really works! I needed this candy glass for a “Frozen” birthday cake for my granddaughter…this did the trick! I made a double batch, so the cooking time was a bit longer. i used a thermometer to ensure temperature got to 300 degrees…but with a large Pyrex measuring cup and Silpat mats, clean-up was a breeze! Results exactly what I wanted in a fraction of the time of the stovetop method. Thanks for sharing this!
I’m so very happy to hear this, GiGi! Happy belated to your grandbaby. You’re one rock-star g-ma!! =)
I am not sure what I did wrong. We tried making this with the dark corn syrup and it tasted pretty bad. I may have burned it although I didn’t know until after it cooled and we shattered it. It worked out perfectly, except it was not edible. Any add in suggestions to guarantee good flavor? Should I switch to light corn syrup?
Light corn syrup will yield easier results. The most important aspect is to make sure it reaches 300 degrees. It’s most accurate with a digital candy thermometer.
hey:)
At what temperature is your micro, when your doing the candy?
thanks for your answer:)
The inside of my microwave says 1.58 kilowatts =)
[…] Check out the recipe and full video tutorial here: […]
Hi Squishy Monster 🙂 , im planning on doing this but we dont have any corn syrup here in our country (philippines). But I have glucose syrup and would like to ask if it would work. Thank you very much !!!
I’ve never worked with it personally but it should be fine =)
Great recipe, if I wanted to add rum would that affect the final result? Thanks.
I think that would be delicious. Thanks for stopping by, Tom! =)
How fun, Angela! Breaking Bad is one show that I have been meaning to watch for a while and haven’t. Need to get on it soon!
The premiere was so awesome last night. I def recommend it!
These blue candies are awesome !
What a fun idea 🙂
Hope you give ’em a try!
LOL @ the chili powder! haha
this is a great idea 🙂
One of my friends thought it would actually be good in there after watching this video and now I’m thinking…;)
Fantastic candy! I must play with food colouring more often. Thank you for the wonderful idea.
I’m thinking crazy rainbow swirls next too!
What a coincidence! I mentioned Breaking Bad on my last post – only difference is that your topic is a lot more interesting. Blue glass candy, wow!
Looking forward to watching the last episodes, though I’m a bit sad that it’s ending 🙁
All bad things must come to an end, I think is what it said 😉
This is such a great idea the candy and a hilarious one. I am a big fan of the show too and I am so curious to see what will happen. We have waited too long.
I’ve totally loved meeting fellow fans SO excited for Sunday =)
This looks awesome, love the bright colour!
Thanks, Nat!
I’ve never watched either program so I will just settle for the candy 🙂
This candy is to elevate the experience…I highly recommend it =)
Hi Angela, your blue candy look awesome. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your recipe. Nice video.:)
Have a fabulous weekend.
Thank you so much! I hope yours is nice and relaxing =)
Argh! So cool. I want to make this for my little brother now. Mum used to make us little toffees with hundreds and thousands when we were kids but this looks like it might be the new version!
It’s so easy I think I’ll even send it over to my baby brother to cook up in his microwave in college, lol.
The candy is so pretty! I am the opposite – I think I watch too much TV :p
If I had the time, I bet I would watch hours upon hours of Nigella, lol.
Sounds delish!
Thanks, Miranda!
We don’t have cable and never hooked up our converter box so we CAN’T watch TV! We do watch it through Netflix, though. Haven’t ever watched Breaking Bad but it’s on my “check it out” list. 🙂 The candies are so cool!
That’s how I prefer it, hope you get to check it out, V!
Oh Angie, what a cool idea! My kids would loveee this especially breaking part hahaha
Got to try it on the weekend! Have a lovely day 🙂
Maybe they can party with y’all during the premiere =)
How cute is that! I can’t believe you made your own candy! And I don’t watch tv that often too, although when i do it’s mainly cooking shows (surprise). My friend’s boyfriend hates tv, but then when Nigella Lawson appears on screen, he oddly gets very interested.. I wonder why.. (he also hates cooking, so..)
It’s probably because she’s incredibly easy on the eyes =)
This candy is too cute!
Thanks =)
Wow! You watch the ‘Walking dead’ series? Ha ha.
I’ve never watched it…maybe I should.
Wish I can have what you made! Looks fantastic.
Have fun and keep a song in your heart.
Lee.
Thanks so much Lee! I think the first 2 seasons are on Netflix, it’s a great watch!
WE NEED TO COOK.
And I need to finished watching the 4th season…
Lol, it’s what I do all the time, I’m ready!!! 😉
Fun!
How fun is this! I have heard that Breaking Bad is amazing from so many people that I trust (yourself included). Clearly, I need to start watching!
I highly recommend it!
My partner can’t wait for the last season of Braking Bad. He will love this candy.
I’m sad but still excited for this final season.
I haven’t seen Breaking Bad, but I am a fan of the Walking Dead. I do like my cooking shows though 🙂 I love that color of blue, so pretty! I had to laugh at the chili powder…you almost got me 😉 I had my hair tips blue, as yours were purple and mine came out quickly too! As in 2-3 washes! I wish it lasted longer, and I tried 3 different brands too!
My friend swears by kool-aid but I’m super skeptical as I can’t see how that’ll stick, lol. I would love to see your blue tips!!
I tried kook-aid too, sadly that did not take either! Boo! I have a picture of the blue tips on my blog somewhere. I tried to find it but gave up…lol! 😉
kool-aid…lol!
I’ve never seen Breaking Bad …isn’t that weird?
now I’m gonna have ta go watch that!
I’d go for some breaking bad candy too
Hi Angie!
Wow! I really enjoyed that video. You make it look so easy. I’m sure I would mess it up some how, lol…Love the color too!!!
Thanks for sharing…
HOW COOL!! Super cute, pretty bluuue 🙂
Thanks, Kayle!
Really beautiful, DELICIOUS!, exciting candy recipe Angie! A must and will try! Love that blue color!
Besides some fave sports teams, THE SHARKS, few other shows, not much of a tv watcher any more either.
Thanks for sharing this cool recipe!
xoxoxoxo.
Les.
Thanks for watching, Les!