Homemade Candy Corn Recipe
Quite possibly the most popular candy for Fall and Halloween is Candy Corn. There is just something about those little marshmallow bites of yellow, orange and white pieces of candy that we all love. They are of course available at most every store you could imagine. But have you ever thought about making your own?
Yes – with this Homemade Candy Corn Recipe, it’s possible and pretty easy too! All you need are some basic ingredients, a strong arm and a little time.
I saw something interesting on Facebook last week. The question was – “when I can buy a box of oatmeal pie cookie sandwiches for under $2, why would I want to bake them myself?”
Now, I have to admit I have thought about this more times than I like to admit, however, the answer is – because you know what ingredients are in them. Which also goes for this Homemade Candy Corn, can you buy it already made for not a lot of money – sure – but if you make your own you definitely know what candy corn ingredients you are using and that there aren’t a bunch of preservatives in it or other ingredients that we can’t even pronounce.
And besides – it’s fun to make your own. The kids love helping roll out the long ropes and putting it together to form the unmistakable candy.
How to make Candy Corn
So how do we make this favorite Halloween Candy? Let’s get started…
First, you will combine the powdered sugar, powdered milk, and salt in a large bowl and stir to combine.
On the stovetop, combine the butter, corn syrup and sugar and boil for about 3-4 minutes. It’s best to use a candy thermometer, cook until it reaches 230 degrees or the soft ball stage. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Carefully pour the mixture into the powdered sugar mixture.
This is where the strong arm comes in. Grab your hubby if you need help and stir the mixture until well combined.
Turn the mixture out onto a piece of wax paper and let cool until you can easily handle it, about 10-15 minutes.
Divide the mixture into thirds and color two of pieces with yellow and orange, kneading until well combined.
Then roll each piece into ropes, place the ropes together and pinch them slightly until they stick together.
Flatten the ropes and cut into triangles.
Here’s a short video we created for you —
Follow along with my Candy Corn Pinterest Board!
Homemade Candy Corn
Homemade Candy Corn isn't as hard as you think, and taste lots better than store bought. Recipe from HoosierHomemade.com
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar, granulated (white)
- 2/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup powdered milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Orange and Yellow Wilton coloring
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, salt and powdered milk.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter and corn syrup.
- Bring to a gentle boil, constantly stirring, turn down heat and continue boiling for about 3-4 minutes. Mixture should read 230 degrees on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Add to liquid mixture to the powdered sugar mixture, with a heavy wooden spoon or other sturdy spoon, stir together,
- Place candy on wax paper, and allow to cool until you are able to handle it. Knead until all incorporated.
- Divide into 3 equal parts and color with Wilton orange and yellow coloring. I used my hands to mix the coloring in, you can put gloves on if you want, but I didn't have any trouble washing off the coloring.
- Roll each piece into long ropes, trying to keep the thickness close to the same size.
- Place ropes together, with orange in the middle
- Gently press ropes together, and flatten with your hands
- With a sharp knife cut triangles, not every piece will have a white point (those are good for snacking)
- Cut into several pieces, this recipe made a TON of candy corn
- Store in airtight container.
Notes
Be sure not to boil the mixture too long or the candy corn will be grainy. Adding a little more corn syrup to the mixture when boiling will make the candy corn a little softer.
Such a fun recipe! I love candy corn! Thanks so much for sharing your yummy recipe on the Monday Funday Party!
This looks so much better and more authentic than the recipe my daughter just tried today. Pinning!
Its like edible playdoh! What a fun activity to do with the kids. I LOVE the candy corn colors, its one of my favorite Fall patterns.
Thanks for stopping by Audra!
~Liz
Wow, this is so amazing! 🙂 This looks like one fabulous recipe!! I love fall inspired food! 🙂 I would love for you to stop over and say hello!
Cathy
Thanks so much for stopping by Cathy!
~Liz
Liz, this is so cute and I love the idea of making it at home! Thanks so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday 🙂
Thanks so much Lisa!
~Liz
Liz,
I love candy corn. I don’t buy it because I eat it all but the homemade version must be even better. Visiting from Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop.
Annamaria
Thanks so much for stopping by Annamaria!
~Liz
I have some candy corn that I bought last hplloween and now their realLy hard . how can I MAKE THEM SOFT AGAIN
I don’t think you can Gayle
In the candy corn recipe you call for dry milk–are you using instant or non instant? I have asked other people who have a candy corn recipe and no one will answer. I have both but I would like to know what would work the best. Thank you.
Cathy, we use the instant dry milk in our recipe. Hope this helps you out.
~Liz
The kids love candy corn…have to try this with them. Thanks so much for sharing. These turned out fantastic!
Can you replace the corn ayrup with honey? The bags I buy always day made with honey.
Hi Camille, I have not used honey, so I really am not sure. Sorry.
Somehow I need to find time to make these this week! And yes, I’ve made oatmeal pies too, but I live in Beijing and I can’t just run out to the store and buy some. Always fun to have a taste of home. My children are still asking me to make the oatmeal pies again. I bet it will be the same with these. I’ll need to make enough for them to share with friends (and teachers) at school–and they’re both in high school!
Thanks for the recilpe. Planning to make some to make my butterfingers candy. I usually make candy for the Nov.-Dec. Holidays. Made some last year & everyone is clamoring for more.