Edible Coal Candy is the ultimate playful holiday dessert. Made from crisp honeycomb candy, broken into rugged chunks, dipped in chocolate, and coated in black sugar, this treat looks exactly like real coal-but tastes absolutely amazing.
If you're searching for a creative Christmas candy that sparks conversation and doubles as a gift idea, Edible Coal Candy delivers. It's crunchy, caramelized, chocolatey, and surprisingly easy to make once you understand the key candy-making steps.
The first time I made Edible Coal Candy, I packaged it in small burlap bags with handwritten "Naughty List" tags. It instantly became the hit of our holiday party. Everyone laughed at the look, but once they tasted the light, airy honeycomb center covered in rich chocolate, they kept reaching for more. Now it's part of our annual Christmas lineup.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line an 8×10 or 9×9-inch heat-safe pan with parchment paper.
- Heat sugar, corn syrup, and water in a large pot until dissolved, then cook to 300-310°F without stirring.
- Remove from heat and whisk in baking soda for no more than 10 seconds. Pour into prepared pan.
- Cool completely for 1-2 hours, then break into coal-sized pieces.
- Dip honeycomb pieces in melted chocolate and place on parchment to set.
- Coat chocolate-covered pieces in black sugar before chocolate fully sets.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You'll Love This Edible Coal Candy
It's Surprisingly Delicious
Edible Coal Candy starts with classic honeycomb candy-also known as sponge candy or cinder toffee. The texture is crisp, airy, and caramel-like. Once dipped in chocolate, the contrast between crunchy interior and smooth coating makes it completely irresistible.
Despite the dramatic black exterior, the flavor is sweet, buttery, and lightly caramelized. It tastes far better than its "coal" appearance suggests.
It Makes the Perfect DIY Gift
Because Edible Coal Candy looks so realistic, it's ideal for novelty holiday gifts. Package it in small burlap bags or gift boxes with tags for a fun "lump of coal" surprise.
It also stores well at room temperature for up to a month, which makes it perfect for advance holiday prep.
Ingredients for Edible Coal Candy
For the Honeycomb
- Granulated sugar
- Light corn syrup (or golden syrup)
- Water
- Baking soda
Granulated sugar forms the base of the candy. Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and ensures consistent texture. Water allows the sugar to dissolve properly before heating.
Baking soda is the key ingredient that creates the honeycomb structure. When added to the hot sugar syrup, it releases carbon dioxide, causing the mixture to foam and form air pockets.
For the Coating
- Dark or semisweet chocolate
- Caster (superfine) sugar
- Black food coloring
The chocolate adds richness and helps the black sugar adhere to the surface. Mixing caster sugar with black food coloring creates a realistic "coal dust" effect. You can use black sanding sugar if preferred, though the texture will be slightly coarser.
How to Make Edible Coal Candy
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×10 or 9×9-inch heat-safe pan with parchment paper. Using a smaller pan creates thicker honeycomb pieces that resemble chunks of coal.
Have everything ready before starting. Candy-making moves quickly once it reaches temperature.
Step 2: Dissolve the Sugar
Add sugar, corn syrup, and water to a large pot over medium-low heat. Stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves.
Once dissolved, increase heat to medium and attach a candy thermometer. From this point forward, do not stir.
Heat the mixture to the hard crack stage, between 300-310°F (aim for about 305°F).
Step 3: Add Baking Soda
Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the baking soda for no more than 10 seconds. The mixture will bubble up dramatically.
Carefully pour it into the prepared pan without spreading it. Let it cool completely for 1-2 hours.
Step 4: Break into Pieces
Once fully cooled and dry, use a knife to break the honeycomb into irregular chunks. Save smaller shards for topping desserts or ice cream.
Step 5: Coat with Chocolate
Melt the chocolate in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each round until smooth.
Dip each piece of honeycomb in melted chocolate and place on parchment paper to set.
Step 6: Add Black Sugar
Before the chocolate fully hardens, toss each piece in black sugar until coated.
If the chocolate sets too quickly, gently warm it by rubbing it lightly with gloved fingers to soften the surface so the sugar sticks.
Allow the chocolate to set fully before packaging or serving.
Tips for Success
Use a Large Pot
The honeycomb expands dramatically once baking soda is added. A large Dutch oven works best to prevent overflow.
Don't Skip the Thermometer
Reaching the hard crack stage is critical. If undercooked, the honeycomb will be sticky. If overcooked, it may taste burnt.
Avoid Refrigeration
Never refrigerate Edible Coal Candy. Moisture will make the honeycomb sticky and ruin the crisp texture.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month.
Work Safely
The sugar mixture exceeds 300°F and can cause severe burns. Use oven mitts and long-handled utensils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
You can, but results are less consistent. Corn syrup or golden syrup works best.
Can I add black food coloring to the honeycomb itself?
You can try adding it before the baking soda, but coating in black sugar provides a more authentic look.
What if my honeycomb turns sticky?
Humidity can affect texture. Always store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps for up to one month when properly stored.
What can I do with leftover crumbs?
Sprinkle them on ice cream, cakes, cupcakes, or yogurt for added crunch.
Conclusion
Edible Coal Candy is the perfect blend of novelty and deliciousness. The crunchy honeycomb center, rich chocolate coating, and realistic black sugar exterior create a treat that looks playful but tastes incredible.
Whether you're gifting it in burlap bags or serving it on a Christmas dessert table, Edible Coal Candy is guaranteed to spark smiles and second helpings. Add it to your holiday baking list this year for a festive surprise everyone will remember.
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