Ice Cream Taffy Recipe
Overview:
🍬 Description: When I was a teen, a friend’s mother made this candy, allowing us to help “pull” the taffy. It was tasty and fun. I got the recipe from her and have used it at teen parties a number of times since.
⏲️ Cook Time: 15 minutes
⏲️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
⏲️ Total Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Category: Candy
🔍 Keywords: Dessert, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Kid Friendly, < 30 Mins
📊 Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
📝 Review Count: 1 review
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 62.2
- Fat Content: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 0.8mg
- Sodium Content: 2.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 15.1g
- Fiber Content: 0g
- Sugar Content: 15g
- Protein Content: 0g
Ingredients:
- 3 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Place all ingredients in a saucepan. |
| 2 | Stir and boil until hard-cracked stage. |
| 3 | While warm, pull into long strips until white. |
| 4 | Place on waxed paper. |
| 5 | Break into small pieces. |
| 6 | Dust with powdered sugar if desired. |
Recipe Yield:
- 40-50 pieces of candy
Step by Step Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients – sugar, white vinegar, water, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar.
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Combine Ingredients: In a sturdy saucepan, combine 3 cups of sugar, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1 1/2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of butter, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
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Stir and Boil: Stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil until it reaches the hard-cracked stage, which is about 300°F (149°C) on a candy thermometer. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes.
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Pull the Taffy: Once the mixture reaches the hard-cracked stage, remove it from the heat. Be careful as the mixture will be extremely hot. While it’s still warm, pour the mixture onto a clean, heat-resistant surface, such as a marble slab or a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Form Long Strips: Using buttered hands or heat-resistant gloves, begin pulling the taffy into long strips. This process helps to aerate the candy and gives it that classic taffy texture. Continue pulling until the taffy turns white and becomes slightly stiff, but still pliable. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Shape and Cool: Once the taffy is pulled to your desired consistency, lay it out on a sheet of waxed paper. Allow it to cool slightly until it’s firm enough to handle but still warm and flexible.
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Break into Pieces: Once the taffy has cooled enough to handle, use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can simply break the taffy into pieces by hand for a more rustic look.
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Dust with Powdered Sugar: If desired, dust the finished taffy pieces with powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together and to add a touch of sweetness.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your homemade ice cream taffy is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips and Tricks:
- 🌡️ Temperature Control: It’s crucial to monitor the temperature of the candy mixture closely using a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches the hard-cracked stage. This ensures the taffy will have the right texture and consistency.
- 👩🍳 Be Patient: Pulling taffy can be a bit tricky at first, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of it. The key is to work quickly while the taffy is still warm and pliable.
- 🧊 Cooling Method: To speed up the cooling process, you can place the pulled taffy in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Just be sure not to let it get too cold, or it will become too hard to work with.
Serving Suggestions:
- 🍨 Ice Cream Topping: Serve the ice cream taffy alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a delightful sweet treat.
- 🎉 Party Favor: Package individual pieces of taffy in colorful wrappers or bags to give as party favors at birthdays, holidays, or other special occasions.
- 🎃 Halloween Treats: Wrap small pieces of taffy in orange and black waxed paper for festive Halloween treats that are sure to delight trick-or-treaters of all ages.
Dietary Considerations:
- 🥛 Low Protein: This ice cream taffy recipe is low in protein, making it suitable for individuals following a low-protein diet or those with certain dietary restrictions.
- 🚫 Low Cholesterol: With only 0.2g of saturated fat per serving, this taffy is a cholesterol-conscious choice for those watching their fat intake.
- 🌱 Healthy Option: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this homemade taffy is a healthier alternative to store-bought candies that are often loaded with artificial flavors and preservatives.
Conclusion:
Indulge your sweet tooth with this delightful homemade ice cream taffy recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create deliciously chewy taffy candies that are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a teen party or simply craving a nostalgic treat from your childhood, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to enjoy the sweet taste of success with every bite of this irresistible ice cream taffy!
