Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups apple cider (reduced to 1 cup)
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2–1 tsp sea salt, plus flaky salt for topping (optional)
- Optional spices: pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, simmer 4 cups of apple cider over medium heat until reduced to 1 cup. This takes about 30–40 minutes. Stir occasionally and don’t walk away.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the reduced cider, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, and butter.
- Stir gently over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and the sugars dissolve.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the pot and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches exactly 248°F (soft-ball stage).
- Immediately remove from heat and pour into a parchment-lined 8×8 or 9×9 pan.
- Optional: sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still warm.
- Let cool at room temperature for at least 3–4 hours until fully set.
- Cut into 1-inch squares using a buttered knife or pizza cutter and wrap individually in wax or parchment paper.
Notes
Use real, unfiltered apple cider for best flavor. A candy thermometer is essential for getting the right chewy texture. To add a twist, try a sprinkle of cayenne, a dip in dark chocolate, or a splash of bourbon after cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg