📝 About This Recipe
Transport yourself to a seaside boardwalk with this nostalgic, buttery hand-pulled taffy. This recipe yields a soft, chewy confection infused with real vanilla bean and a hint of sea salt for a sophisticated balance of flavors. The magic lies in the aeration process, where pulling the sugar transforms a translucent amber syrup into a pearlescent, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
🥗 Ingredients
The Candy Base
- 2 cups Granulated white sugar (standard fine grain)
- 1 cup Light corn syrup (prevents crystallization)
- 1 cup Water (filtered is best)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (gives the taffy its signature chew)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing hands and pans)
- 1 teaspoon Fine sea salt (balances the sweetness)
Flavoring and Finishing
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla bean paste (or the seeds of one whole vanilla bean)
- 1/2 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract (for an extra layer of aroma)
- 2-3 drops Liquid food coloring (optional, pastel colors work best)
- 1/4 cup Powdered sugar (for dusting the cutting surface)
- 1 roll Wax paper (cut into 3x3 inch squares for wrapping)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Generously grease a large, shallow heat-proof glass dish or a marble slab with plenty of butter. Set aside on a level surface.
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2
In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch until no lumps remain.
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3
Stir in the corn syrup, water, butter, and sea salt. Place the pan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved and the butter is melted.
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4
Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring the bulb is submerged in the liquid but not touching the bottom of the pot.
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5
Stop stirring and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Use a pastry brush dipped in warm water to wash down any sugar crystals on the sides of the pan.
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6
Cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches 250°F (121°C), which is the 'hard ball' stage. This usually takes 15-20 minutes depending on your stove.
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7
Immediately remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla bean paste, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using) very gently.
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8
Carefully pour the hot syrup into the prepared greased dish. Do not scrape the bottom of the pot, as crystallized sugar may be stuck there.
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9
Let the taffy sit for 10-15 minutes until it is cool enough to handle but still very warm. Test by poking the edge; it should hold an indentation.
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10
Grease your hands thoroughly with butter. Gather the taffy into a ball and begin the pulling process. Pull the taffy out into a long rope, fold it back over itself, and pull again.
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11
Continue pulling for 10-15 minutes. You will notice the color change from translucent to a satiny, opaque sheen as air is incorporated. The taffy will become firmer and harder to pull.
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12
Once the taffy is stiff and holds its shape, pull it into a long, thin rope about 1/2 inch in diameter on a surface dusted lightly with powdered sugar.
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13
Use buttered kitchen shears to snip the rope into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
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14
Wrap each individual piece immediately in a square of wax paper and twist the ends to seal. This prevents the taffy from sticking together or losing its shape.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use a candy thermometer for precision; even 2 degrees can change the texture from soft chew to hard candy. If the taffy gets too hard to pull, you can briefly warm it in a 200°F oven for 1-2 minutes to soften it back up. Avoid making taffy on a humid or rainy day, as the sugar will absorb moisture from the air and become sticky. Pulling taffy is a great group activity—the more hands you have, the faster the aeration happens! For a 'Salt Water' style, increase the sea salt to 1.5 teaspoons for that authentic coastal tang.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve in a vintage glass candy jar for a beautiful countertop display. Pair with a glass of cold milk to cut through the concentrated sweetness. Include in a homemade 'confectionery gift basket' alongside fudge and brittle. Serve as a palate cleanser after a rich, salty meal like a seafood boil. Place a few pieces next to a hot cup of black tea for a delightful afternoon treat.