This Homemade Saltwater Taffy comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy treat that your family will love! You can even switch up the flavors and colors to suit your taste, or why not use it as a fun way to “clean out the pantry”? Perfect for those busy weeks when you need a little something sweet to treat your family!
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s talk about what you’re going to need for this delightful treat! Here’s the breakdown of ingredients:
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Light Corn Syrup
- 1/4 Cup Water
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract (or other flavorings)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Food Coloring (Optional)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this taffy is super simple and so much fun! Buckle up, because here’s how I make this recipe:
Prepare the Baking Sheet : Start off by preparing a baking sheet. You want to line it with parchment paper, this is just so your taffy doesn’t stick and becomes a sticky mess. Set it aside for later!
Combine the Ingredients : In a medium saucepan, combine your granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, think of it as getting it all cozy and ready to become something amazing!
Boil the Mixture : Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and let the mixture boil without stirring until it reaches the soft-ball stage (around 240°F or 115°C). Be careful here! This is where you’ll start to smell that sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, it’s heavenly!
Add Butter and Flavorings : Once your candy mixture reaches the right temperature, carefully remove the saucepan from heat. Now stir in the butter and vanilla extract (or any other flavoring you’ve chosen). If you’re using food coloring, this is where it goes too! Mix it in until everything is beautifully combined.
Pour on Baking Sheet : Now, pour that hot mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Allow it to cool for a few minutes until it’s comfortable to handle, this part can be hard because it smells so good!
Start Pulling the Taffy : Once you can handle the taffy, butter your hands (this is key to keep it from sticking to you!). Start pulling the taffy by stretching it out and folding it over itself repeatedly for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll notice it starts to lighten in color and becomes shiny, this is the moment you know you’re doing this right!
Shape the Taffy : When the taffy reaches a firm texture, shape it into a log. Grab a pair of scissors and cut it into small pieces, whatever size you prefer! I tend to go for bite-size pieces so they’re perfect for kids and snacking!
Wrap and Store : Wrap each piece in wax paper or parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. Let the taffy cool completely before digging in! Trust me, your patience will be rewarded!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe for homemade saltwater taffy whenever I want to indulge a little. There’s just something about the process, holding the warm, sticky taffy in your hands while pulling it to perfection makes me feel like a kid again! Plus, I’m a real sucker for nostalgia. Every time I make it, I think of the sweet summers spent at the boardwalk. And you know what the best part is? You can use whatever you have on hand for flavorings and colors; it’s super versatile!
If you loved this homemade saltwater taffy, be sure to check out my Pink Sugar Cookies, my Grapefruit Bars, or my Boozy Bourbon Cherries!
Why This Recipe Works
Customizable
The beauty of saltwater taffy is that you can make it your own! Add different flavorings and colors based on what you like or what you have on hand. You can even mix flavors, just imagine a fruity rainbow of taffy!
Crowd-Pleaser
This treat is seriously a hit with both kids and adults! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a summer party, or just enjoying a cozy movie night at home, everyone will love this little sweet treat!
Quick & Easy
As the name suggests, this recipe comes together quickly and easily, all done in just one pot! There’s minimal cleanup required, making it a win-win for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
These tasty taffy pieces are the perfect sweet snack any time great for parties, movie nights, or even just a little afternoon pick-me-up. They can serve as fun party favors or sweet treats for kids!
How to Store
Homemade saltwater taffy keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container. It will last up to 2 weeks, though it might be gone before then because it’s just THAT good!
Freezer Friendly
This treat isn’t ideal for freezing as it tends to lose its texture and chewiness once thawed. But hey, if you need to make a big batch ahead of time, just keep it in a cool, dry place!
Alright, there you have it! A sweet recipe for homemade saltwater taffy that’s sure to bring joy to your kitchen (and your family). Trust me; once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Happy Taffy Making!
Homemade Saltwater Taffy
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Attach a candy thermometer and allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches the soft-ball stage (around 240°F or 115°C).
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract (and food coloring if using).
- Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and cool for a few minutes until manageable.
- Once manageable, butter your hands and begin pulling the taffy by stretching and folding it over itself for 10-15 minutes.
- When the taffy is firm, shape it into a log and cut into bite-size pieces.
- Wrap each piece in wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking and let cool completely.