Crunchy Sesame Candy Recipe

Gather ’round my fellow snack enthusiasts, because I’m about to spill the beans (or rather, seeds) on a crispy, nutty delight that’s about to become your new favorite treat. With just a few simple ingredients and a touch of kitchen alchemy, we’re diving into the delicious world of homemade sesame candy that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance!

The delightful crunch and nutty flavor of homemade Crunchy Sesame Candy make it a treat that I adore. Toasted sesame seeds, blended with sugar, water, and some honey, along with a hint of vanilla, yield a sweet confection that I find hard to resist when it’s fresh.

What’s more, this Easy Crunchy Sesame Candy is oh-so-simple to prepare.

Crunchy Sesame Candy Recipe Ingredients

• Sugar: Provides a sweet base; main carbohydrate source.
• Water: Essential for candy texture; aids in sugar melting.
• Honey: Natural sweetness; adds floral notes and moisture.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a hint of tartness; balances sweetness.
• Sesame Seeds: High in healthy fats and proteins; nutty flavor.
• Butter: Enhances richness; creates a smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth; complements sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances flavor by balancing sweet elements.

Crunchy Sesame Candy Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make this Crunchy Sesame Candy Recipe

1. Set up a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light coat of butter.

2. In a medium saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.

3. Put the saucepan on moderate heat and obtain boiling for the medium of the mixture, while you stir until the sugar has completely yielded and is now part of the mixture.

4. When the mixture starts to boil, cease stirring and allow it to cook until it manifests a light amber hue and registers a temperature of 300°F (148°C) on a candy thermometer.

5. As the syrup cooks, in a separate step, toast the sesame seeds. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, add the sesame seeds. Cook, shaking the pan occasionally to keep the seeds moving, until they are golden brown and smell nutty. This should take about 6 minutes for the seeds to reach this stage. Timers are great, but don’t go too by-the-numbers. Placing a set of senses on “high” is the best way to check for doneness. Once the seeds are sufficiently toasty, set them aside.

6. Take the saucepan off the heat and swiftly incorporate the butter, vanilla extract, and a dash of salt into the mix until the butter melts and the blend becomes smooth.

7. Mix in the toasted sesame seeds, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the syrup.

8. Promptly pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

9. Allow the sesame candy to cool fully at room temperature until it solidifies.

10. After it has hardened, snap the candy into pieces and savor your crispy sesame snack! Keep any remaining portions in a container that is airtight.

Crunchy Sesame Candy Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Baking sheet
2. Parchment paper or pastry brush for butter
3. Medium saucepan
4. Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
5. Candy thermometer
6. Skillet
7. Timer
8. Spatula (for spreading mixture)
9. Airtight container (for storage)

FAQ

• Can I use black sesame seeds instead of white?For a more intense flavor and color contrast in your candy, you can use black sesame seeds.
• How do I know when the caramel is ready?The caramel reaches its ideal state when it attains a golden brown hue and a thick texture. To check, use a candy thermometer and see that it registers around 300°F (149°C).
• How can I store the sesame candy to keep it fresh?Keep the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, and it will remain crunchy.
• Is there a substitute for honey?Using agave syrup or maple syrup as substitutes may cause some slight flavor alterations.
• Why do I need to toast the sesame seeds?The seeds’ nutty flavor is enhanced by toasting, and the texture is crunchier.
• What’s the best way to cut the candy?While the candy is still warm but firm, use a sharp knife, that has been slightly greased with oil, to make clean cuts.
• Can the recipe be doubled?Certainly, you can double the recipe, but make sure to use a bigger pot so that the combination doesn’t bubble over when it boils.

Crunchy Sesame Candy Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Maple syrup or corn syrup can be used as substitutes for honey. These will offer an entirely different sweetness and texture to your dish.
Coconut oil or margarine can be used to replace unsalted butter in a dairy-free option.
Sugar, in its powdered form, is a basic ingredient. Use brown sugar if you want a hint of molasses in your baked goods, or use coconut sugar if you want a natural alternative that doesn’t spike your blood sugar quite as much.
Lemon juice: Substitute equal amounts of orange juice or a mild vinegar such as apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Sesame seeds: Incorporate a blend of white and black sesame seeds for an eye-catching and flavor-packed contrast.

Pro Tips

1. Use a Candy Thermometer Accurately Make sure your candy thermometer is properly calibrated to get an accurate reading of 300°F (148°C). This is crucial to achieving the right texture—hard but not burnt. If you don’t have one, you can test the mixture by dropping a bit into cold water; it should form a hard ball.

2. Pre-toast the Sesame Seeds Instead of toasting the sesame seeds during the process, pre-toast them in advance and keep them ready. This way, you reduce the likelihood of burning them while waiting for them and will be able to quickly add them to the syrup once the mixture is ready.

3. Even Spreading on the Baking Sheet Pour and spread the mixture quickly and evenly while it’s hot for uniform thickness. You can use a greased spatula or the back of a greased spoon to help with spreading, as this mixture sets quickly once it begins to cool.

4. Cut Before Fully Hard If you want neatly cut pieces instead of snapped ones, use a sharp knife to score the candy while it’s still slightly warm and pliable. Once it cools completely, it can break along these lines.

5. Add a Flavor Twist For an extra flavor dimension, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a touch of finely grated orange zest to the mixture just before pouring it onto the baking sheet.