Watermelon Sour Hard Candy Recipe

Dolce Flav

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Author:

Dolce Flav

Servings

25

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

These Watermelon Sour Hard Candies are chewy, tangy, and bursting with bright watermelon flavor. Using watermelon extract and a simple sugar-corn syrup base, these candies are enhanced with a sour coating made from citric acid or sour sanding sugar. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a nostalgic treat, this recipe produces glossy, flavorful candies that are crisp and long-lasting. Easy to make at home, they can be shaped in molds or cut into fun bite-sized pieces for a fun, sweet-and-sour snack.

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon watermelon extract
5–10 drops red or pink food coloring
1–2 teaspoons citric acid (for sour coating)
Optional: sanding sugar for coating

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Directions

Prepare Molds or Sheet: Lightly grease candy molds or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until sugar dissolves.
Boil Candy: Heat over medium heat until mixture reaches 300°F (149°C) on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage). Do not stir while boiling to avoid crystallization.
Add Flavor and Color: Remove from heat and stir in watermelon extract and food coloring quickly.
Pour Candy: Pour hot candy into prepared molds or onto parchment paper. If using a sheet, let it cool slightly and cut into strips or break into pieces.
Add Sour Coating: While candies are still slightly tacky, sprinkle with citric acid or roll in sour sanding sugar for a tangy finish.
Cool Completely: Allow candies to cool and harden at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe Note

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Name: Watermelon Sour Hard Candy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 25
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; 2/3 cup light corn syrup; 1/2 cup water; 1 teaspoon watermelon extract; 5–10 drops red or pink food coloring; 1–2 teaspoons citric acid (for sour coating); Optional: sanding sugar for coating

1. Can I make lollipops with this recipe?

Yes — insert sticks into molds before candy sets.

2. Can I adjust sourness?

Yes — increase or decrease citric acid or sour sanding sugar to taste.

3. Can I make sugar-free hard candy?

Yes — use a suitable sugar substitute, but texture may be slightly different.

4. Can I use fresh watermelon instead of extract?

No — fresh watermelon contains too much water, which affects candy texture. Use extract for concentrated flavor.

5. Can I make colored layers or swirls?

Yes — pour different colored batches side by side and swirl gently before cooling.

6. How do I prevent candy from sticking?

Use lightly greased molds or parchment paper and store in a dry, airtight container.

7. Can I melt and reshape leftover candy?

Yes — carefully reheat over low heat and pour into molds again.

8. Can I use green food coloring for a realistic watermelon look?

Yes — use red or pink for the body and green for the rind if desired.

9. How do I get a shiny candy finish?

Cook to the correct temperature (hard crack stage) and avoid stirring while boiling.

10. Can I make a sour watermelon candy mix?

Yes — mix with other sour fruit-flavored candies for variety.