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Today, we celebrate the Golden State’s sweet side with a simple yet delightful recipe for Pistachio Almond Honeycomb Candy. Whether you are looking for a homemade holiday gift for a loved one or you want to appease your sweet tooth, this simple candy fits the bill every single time.
What is Honeycomb Candy?
Honeycomb candy, a confection as fascinating as it is delicious, is a unique sweet treat known for its airy, sponge-like texture and rich caramel flavor. This candy gets its distinctive appearance from the reaction of baking soda with the caramelized sugar syrup, which creates an eruption of tiny bubbles. As the mixture cools and hardens, these bubbles are trapped, forming a light, crunchy structure that resembles a honeycomb.
Ever heard of hokey pokey, honeycomb toffee, sponge candy, or seafoam candy? They’re all versions of this popular candy. The appeal of this candy lies in its delightful crunch and the way it effortlessly melts in your mouth, making it a favorite among children and adults alike. Our recipe adds in the rich flavors of California-grown pistachios and almonds, making each bite a celebration of the Golden State’s agricultural bounty.
Honeycomb Candy vs. Nut Brittle: Understanding the Difference
While both honeycomb candy and nut brittle are beloved confections, they differ significantly in texture and preparation.
What is Honeycomb Candy?
This candy is known for its airy, sponge-like structure, created by the chemical reaction of baking soda with caramelized sugar. This reaction produces carbon dioxide bubbles, creating a light, crunchy texture that melts in the mouth. Honeycomb candy typically features a deep caramel flavor and is often enjoyed on its own or coated in chocolate.
What is Nut Brittle?
Nut brittle, on the other hand, is a denser, harder candy made by embedding nuts, such as pistachios, peanuts, or almonds, in a clear, caramelized sugar syrup. It has a glass-like consistency and makes a snap when broken. Both treats have a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch, but each offers a distinct sensory experience.
Click here to make our Pistachio Nut Brittle recipe.
Discover the Sweet Taste of California with Every Bite!
The Heart of California: Pistachios
Before we dive into our recipe, let’s talk about one of our star ingredients: pistachios. Grown in the sun-kissed orchards of California, these nuts are more than just a tasty snack. They are a testament to California’s agricultural prowess. Pistachios require specific growing conditions, and California’s climate offers the perfect mix of cool winters and long, hot summers. This is ideal for pistachios, which need a period of winter dormancy followed by a warm growing season. The result? Plump, flavorful nuts that are perfect for our honeycomb candy.
California’s Liquid Gold: Honey
Now let’s buzz into the sweet world of honey. California is known for its diverse ecosystems and is home to a variety of honey flavors, each as unique as the flora from which the bees forage. This natural sweetener is made by bees using nectar from flowers, and plays a crucial role in our honeycomb candy, adding a depth of flavor that’s purely Californian.
A Sweet Symphony: Almonds
Almonds are another Californian treasure. These nuts are not only delicious, but are packed with nutrients. In our honeycomb candy recipe, they bring a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor, complementing the pistachios and honey beautifully.
Step-by-Step How To Make Honeycomb Candy
More Giftable Recipes Featuring Ingredients From the Golden State
‘Tis the season for gifting loved ones with delicious treats. Luckily, we have a few ideas for ways to make delicious, giftable delicacies at home easily.
Be sure to share your Pistachio Almond Honeycomb creations with us by snapping a pic and tagging us on social using #CAGROWN.
Pistachio Almond Honeycomb Candy
Meg van der Kruik
Indulge in the irresistible delight of Pistachio Almond Honeycomb Candy. This candy has a delightful blend of toasted California pistachios and sliced California almonds suspended in a delicate honey-infused candy.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Course Dessert, desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 1 16” x 11.5” baking sheet
Calories 3249 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup water
- 1 ½ cup pistachios, toasted, chopped and divided
- 1 ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted and divided
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon flaky finishing salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
Line a 16” x 11.5” baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly coat with cooking spray, or line with a silicone baking mat.
In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, bring sugar, honey, and water to a boil while stirring constantly. Once the mixture begins to boil, lower the heat to medium, insert the candy thermometer, and continue to cook without stirring until the temperature reaches 290℉ (145℃). Remove from heat and remove the candy thermometer.
Stir 1 cup pistachios and 1 cup almonds into the candy mixture until incorporated.
Whisk in baking soda quickly just until incorporated. The mixture will quickly triple in size.
Carefully pour the mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Do not spread or deflate the candy.
Evenly sprinkle the remaining pistachios, almonds, and finishing salt over the top and allow to cool at room temperature.
Once the candy has completely cooled, peel it from parchment paper or a silicone mat and break it into pieces.
Candy will last for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Notes
When adding the baking soda, it is important to be very careful. The candy will expand very rapidly and can make a mess or burn you if you are not careful. Make sure your saucepan holds at least 3 to 4 quarts.
Nutrition
Calories: 3249kcalCarbohydrates: 449gProtein: 67gFat: 154gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 42gMonounsaturated Fat: 88gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 4459mgPotassium: 2953mgFiber: 36gSugar: 389gVitamin A: 767IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 576mgIron: 13mg
Keyword almond, honey, honeycomb candy, Pistachio, pistachio candy
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