Finding leftover hard candy after a candy-making session or the holidays? Before you toss it out, stop right there!
Through many trials in my own kitchen, I’ve discovered countless creative ways to use up extra hard candy so it doesn’t go to waste.
In this article, I’ll share my favorite tips for repurposing and reinventing scraps of hard candy into fabulous new treats and crafts.
You’ll learn techniques like remelting, baking, and candy crafts that I’ve perfected.
Join me to give new life to old candy and reduce waste through delicious DIY projects.
Let’s sweeten up your leftover candy!
Contents
- 1 What To Do With Leftover Hard Candy
- 2 Key Takeaways
- 3 Candied Fruits
- 4 Trail Mix with a Twist
- 5 DIY Ice Cream Sundae Toppings
- 6 Candied Popcorn
- 7 Candy-Inspired Rice Krispy Treat Bars
- 8 Candy Yogurt Creations
- 9 Colorful Candy Bark
- 10 Conclusion
- 11 FAQ
- 11.1 Q: What can I do with leftover hard candy?
- 11.2 Q: How can I make candied fruits with leftover hard candy?
- 11.3 Q: What is a unique twist I can add to my trail mix?
- 11.4 Q: How can I create DIY ice cream sundae toppings with melted hard candies?
- 11.5 Q: How can I make candied popcorn?
- 11.6 Q: How do I incorporate leftover hard candies into Rice Krispy treat bars?
- 11.7 Q: How can I make candy yogurt?
- 11.8 Q: What is candy bark?
- 12 Source Links
What To Do With Leftover Hard Candy
Crush leftover hard candy and use it as a dessert topping, mix into baked goods, stir into hot beverages for added flavor, or melt down to create new candy shapes. Store in a cool, dry place for future use.
Key Takeaways
- Make delicious candied fruits by melting hard candies and dipping fruits in them.
- Create a unique trail mix by combining hard candy with nuts, popcorn, and dried fruit.
- Set up a DIY ice cream sundae cart with melted hard candies as toppings for a fun and colorful twist.
- Add a sweet and crunchy coating to popcorn by mixing in melted hard candies.
- Turn your classic Rice Krispy treat bars into colorful and flavorful delights by incorporating melted hard candies.
Candied Fruits
Add a burst of flavor to your favorite fruits by turning them into candied delights with melted hard candy. It’s a fun and creative way to enjoy both the natural sweetness of fruits and the added sweetness of hard candies. Here’s how you can make delicious candied fruits at home:
Ingredients:
- Assorted fruits (such as strawberries, pineapple chunks, orange segments, or apple slices)
- Hard candies in various flavors
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the candy from sticking.
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Place the hard candies in a ziplock bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin or a mallet.
- Arrange the fruits on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
- Sprinkle the crushed hard candies over the fruits, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Bake the fruits in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the candy has melted and formed a glossy coating.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the candied fruits cool completely before serving.
Once the candied fruits have cooled, you can enjoy them as a standalone snack or use them as a topping for desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or cakes. The combination of the juicy, natural fruit flavors and the sugary, candy coating creates a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
So, the next time you have leftover hard candy, don’t let it go to waste. Transform your favorite fruits into candied delights and savor the burst of flavor in every bite!
| Fruits | Recommended Hard Candy Flavors |
|---|---|
| Strawberries | Watermelon, strawberry, or cherry |
| Pineapple | Pineapple, coconut, or lemon |
| Orange | Orange, tangerine, or citrus mix |
| Apple | Green apple, caramel, or cinnamon |
Trail Mix with a Twist
Step up your trail mix game by combining crunchy nuts, dried fruit, popcorn, and crushed hard candy for a one-of-a-kind treat. This unique twist on traditional trail mix is a delightful snack that will satisfy your cravings and add a pop of sweetness to your day.
Start by gathering your favorite nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts. Add in some dried fruit such as cranberries, raisins, or apricots for a burst of natural sweetness and chewiness. Next, pop some popcorn and let it cool before mixing it in with the nuts and dried fruit.
Now comes the fun part – crushing up your leftover hard candy to sprinkle into your trail mix. You can use a rolling pin or a food processor to crush the candies into small pieces. The vibrant colors and sweet flavors of the candies will add a burst of excitement to every bite.
Once the hard candy is crushed, simply mix it into your trail mix along with the nuts, dried fruit, and popcorn. Give it a good toss to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Then, pack it in small bags or containers, and you’re ready to enjoy your homemade trail mix with a twist.
Trial Mix with a Twist Recipe
Ingredients:
| Crunchy Nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews, peanuts) | Dried Fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins, apricots) | Popcorn | Leftover Hard Candy (crushed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 1 cup | 2 cups | 1/2 cup |
Instructions:
- Gather your preferred nuts, dried fruit, popcorn, and crushed hard candy.
- Mix the nuts, dried fruit, and popcorn together in a bowl.
- Gradually add the crushed hard candy to the mixture, tossing to distribute evenly.
- Transfer the trail mix into small bags or containers for easy snacking on-the-go.
- Enjoy your trail mix with a twist as a quick and tasty treat anytime!
DIY Ice Cream Sundae Toppings
Elevate your ice cream sundaes by setting up a DIY topping bar with melted hard candies – the possibilities are endless! Not only will this add a burst of color and sweetness to your frozen treats, but it will also allow you to repurpose those leftover hard candies in a fun and creative way.
Start by melting your hard candies in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. You can choose a variety of flavors and colors to create a vibrant array of toppings. Once melted, you can pour the candies into individual serving containers or squeeze bottles for easy dispensing.
Table 1: DIY Ice Cream Sundae Toppings
| Topping | Description |
|---|---|
| Fruity Explosion | A mix of melted fruit-flavored hard candies, perfect for adding a tangy burst of flavor to vanilla ice cream. |
| Chocolate Delight | Melted chocolate-flavored hard candies create a rich and indulgent topping for any ice cream flavor. |
| Rainbow Sprinkle Surprise | Mix crushed hard candies with colorful sprinkles for a whimsical and crunchy topping that kids will love. |
Get creative with your DIY ice cream sundae bar by offering various toppings like crushed nuts, whipped cream, fresh fruits, and even cookie crumbles. The melted hard candies will add a unique twist to your favorite frozen treat, making it a delicious and visually appealing dessert that will impress your guests.
So, the next time you find yourself with leftover hard candies, don’t let them go to waste. Instead, use them to create a DIY ice cream sundae topping bar that will take your dessert game to the next level. With a little imagination, you can transform those forgotten candies into a sweet and colorful addition to your frozen treats.
Candied Popcorn
Indulge in a sweet and salty treat by tossing freshly popped popcorn in melted hard candies for a mouthwatering delight. This innovative candy project is perfect for movie nights, parties, or simply satisfying your craving for something delicious. The combination of the crunchy popcorn and the sweet, melted hard candies creates a delightful flavor and texture sensation that you won’t be able to resist.
To make candied popcorn, start by popping your popcorn using your preferred method. You can use microwave popcorn, an air popper, or even pop the kernels on the stovetop. Make sure to fully remove any unpopped kernels for a smooth snacking experience.
Once your popcorn is ready, it’s time to melt the hard candies. Choose your favorite flavors and colors to add a pop of vibrancy to your popcorn. Place the hard candies in a heatproof bowl and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Be careful as the melted candies will be hot!
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| Freshly popped popcorn | Melt the hard candies in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring in between until fully melted. |
| Melted hard candies | Pour the melted hard candies over the popcorn, using a spatula or your hands to evenly coat the kernels. |
| Heatproof bowl | Spread the coated popcorn onto a lined baking sheet and allow it to cool and harden. |
| Lined baking sheet | Once hardened, break the candied popcorn into bite-sized pieces and enjoy! |
Get creative with your candied popcorn by mixing different flavors of hard candies or adding sprinkles for an extra touch of fun. Serve it in individual bowls or package it in colorful bags for a sweet homemade gift. The possibilities are endless, and the result is a unique and tasty treat that everyone will love.
Candy-Inspired Rice Krispy Treat Bars
Give your Rice Krispy treat bars a makeover by mixing in crushed hard candies for a burst of flavor and a pop of color. This creative use of leftover hard candy will take your classic treat to a whole new level of deliciousness. The added sweetness and vibrant candy bits will make these bars a hit with kids and adults alike.
To make candy-inspired Rice Krispy treat bars, start by preparing the traditional Rice Krispy treat recipe. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat and add marshmallows, stirring until fully melted. Remove from heat and stir in rice cereal until well coated. Now comes the fun part – add in your crushed hard candies. You can choose candies in a variety of flavors and colors to create a visually appealing and flavorful combination. Fold in the crushed candies gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Once the mixture is well combined, transfer it to a greased baking dish and press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands. Allow the bars to cool and set before cutting them into squares or any desired shape. The result will be chewy and crispy bars with a delightful candy surprise in every bite.
To add some extra pizzazz to your candy-inspired Rice Krispy treat bars, consider drizzling melted chocolate or adding sprinkles on top. This will enhance the visual appeal and complement the flavors of the crushed hard candies. Enjoy these colorful and flavorful bars as a fun snack or a sweet treat for parties and gatherings.
Candy Yogurt Creations
Transform your plain yogurt into a vibrant and flavorful treat by blending in melted hard candies. This simple and delicious DIY candy yogurt is a delightful way to start your day. Whether you prefer Greek yogurt, regular yogurt, or dairy-free options, adding melted hard candies will take your yogurt to the next level.
To make candy yogurt, start by selecting your favorite flavors of hard candy. Fruit-flavored hard candies work particularly well, as they add a burst of fruity sweetness. You can choose to melt the hard candies in a saucepan over low heat or use a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave. Stir occasionally until the candies are fully melted and smooth.
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – Yogurt of your choice | 1. Start with plain or lightly flavored yogurt. |
| – Assorted hard candies | 2. Select your favorite flavors of hard candies. |
| – Optional toppings (e.g., fresh fruits, granola, nuts) | 3. Prepare any desired additional toppings. |
| 4. Melt the hard candies in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. | |
| 5. Allow the melted candies to cool slightly before adding them to the yogurt. | |
| 6. Pour the melted candy into the yogurt and stir until well combined. | |
| 7. Add any desired additional toppings, such as fresh fruits, granola, or nuts. | |
| 8. Enjoy your colorful and flavorful candy yogurt creation! |
Experiment with different flavor combinations and toppings to create your own signature candy yogurt. You can also use this technique to make yogurt parfaits, layering the candy-infused yogurt with fresh fruits and crunchy granola for a beautifully indulgent treat.
So the next time you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness and excitement to your yogurt, reach for some leftover hard candies and let your creativity shine. With candy yogurt, every spoonful will be a delightful explosion of flavors!
Colorful Candy Bark
Impress your guests with a beautiful and vibrant candy bark made by combining melted chocolate and crushed hard candies. This simple and delicious treat is perfect for parties, special occasions, or just as a sweet indulgence. The combination of rich chocolate and the crunch of the candy creates a delightful texture and flavor that will leave everyone craving for more.
To create your candy bark masterpiece, start by melting your favorite chocolate. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a colorful twist. Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or a microwave, making sure to stir it until it becomes smooth and glossy.
Once the chocolate is melted, spread it evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Now comes the fun part – sprinkle the crushed hard candies all over the chocolate, creating a colorful mosaic of sweetness. You can use a variety of hard candies, such as lollipops, mints, or fruit-flavored candies, to add a variety of flavors and colors to your bark.
Allow the candy bark to cool and harden completely before breaking it into pieces. The result is a stunning and delicious treat that will be a hit at any gathering. Serve it on a platter or package it in cute gift bags for a delightful party favor. And don’t forget to save some for yourself, as this candy bark is too good to resist!
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
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“This candy bark is not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. The combination of rich chocolate and the crunch of the candy creates a delightful texture and flavor that will leave everyone craving for more.”
Conclusion
Don’t let your leftover hard candy sit around! From candied fruits to candy bark, there are plenty of fun and inventive ways to make the most of those extra candies and add a special touch to your favorite snacks and desserts.
One great idea is to make candied fruits by melting your hard candies and dipping your favorite fruits into the sweet mixture. The result is a delicious combination of fruity goodness and sugary sweetness, perfect for snacking or adding to desserts.
Another option is to create a trail mix with a twist by combining your leftover hard candy with nuts, popcorn, and dried fruit. This unique combination will add a delightful pop of sweetness to your snack, making it even more enjoyable.
If you’re an ice cream lover, why not set up a DIY ice cream sundae cart with melted hard candies as toppings? By melting your excess candies and drizzling them over your favorite frozen treat, you can create your own sweet, colorful sauces that will take your ice cream experience to the next level.
For popcorn enthusiasts, try making candied popcorn by adding melted hard candies to freshly popped kernels. The result is a delightful snack that combines the satisfying crunch of popcorn with a sweet and crunchy coating.
If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful twist on classic Rice Krispy treat bars, incorporating melted hard candies is the way to go. By adding crushed hard candies to your recipe, you’ll create colorful and flavorful bars that are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Don’t forget about breakfast! Add some excitement to your morning yogurt routine by blending yogurt with melted hard candies, creating a simple and delicious candy yogurt. This delightful treat is a fantastic way to start your day on a sweet note.
And finally, why not try making candy bark by melting chocolate and adding crushed hard candies? This homemade candy decoration is visually appealing and incredibly tasty. It’s a great way to use up your excess hard candies and create a stunning treat for yourself or to share with others.
So, don’t let your leftover hard candy go to waste. Get creative and enjoy the deliciousness of repurposed candy in these fun and inventive ways. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQ
Q: What can I do with leftover hard candy?
A: There are several fun and creative ways to use leftover hard candy. Some ideas include making candied fruits, creating a trail mix, setting up a DIY ice cream sundae cart, making candied popcorn, creating Rice Krispy treat bars, making candy yogurt, and creating candy bark.
Q: How can I make candied fruits with leftover hard candy?
A: To make candied fruits, simply melt your leftover hard candies and dip fruits of your choice into the melted candy. Let them cool and harden, and you’ll have delicious candied fruits ready to enjoy.
Q: What is a unique twist I can add to my trail mix?
A: Incorporate your leftover hard candy into your trail mix for a pop of sweetness. Combine the hard candy with nuts, popcorn, and dried fruit for a unique twist on a classic snack.
Q: How can I create DIY ice cream sundae toppings with melted hard candies?
A: Transform your ice cream sundae experience by making homemade toppings with melted hard candies. Get creative and make your own sweet, colorful sauces to drizzle over your favorite frozen treat.
Q: How can I make candied popcorn?
A: Add a sweet and crunchy coating to your popcorn by melting hard candies and mixing them in. This candied popcorn is a delightful snack that will satisfy your cravings for something sweet and salty.
Q: How do I incorporate leftover hard candies into Rice Krispy treat bars?
A: Turn your leftover hard candies into a colorful and flavorful addition to your classic Rice Krispy treat bars. Simply melt the hard candies and mix them into your Rice Krispy treat mixture before setting them to cool.
Q: How can I make candy yogurt?
A: Blend yogurt and melted hard candies together to create a delicious candy yogurt. This simple and tasty DIY treat adds a sweet twist to your morning routine.
Q: What is candy bark?
A: Candy bark is a homemade candy decoration made by melting chocolate and adding crushed hard candies. It creates a visually appealing and delicious treat that you can enjoy or give as a gift.
Source Links
- https://butterfieldscandies.com/4-fun-and-easy-ways-to-use-up-leftover-hard-candy/
- https://www.theinspirationedit.com/ways-to-use-up-leftover-candy/
- https://www.thepragmaticparent.com/55-things-to-do-with-leftover-halloween-candy/
Hello, I’m Matthew, a candy expert and enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the candy industry. My passion for candy started at a very young age. Since then, I have worked in numerous, large candy stores, and have been fortunate enough to try out hundreds of brands of candies, different types and flavors. In addition to my work, I enjoy sharing my extensive knowledge with others, and decided to create Sugar Stand in order to do so. My mission is to make the world a sweeter place, one candy at a time.