Watermelon Sour Hard Candy Recipe

Watermelon Sour Hard Candy Recipe

Dolce Flav

Servings

25

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Category

Oil Soluble Watermelon Flavoring

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

Directions

  1. Prepare Molds or Sheet: Lightly grease candy molds or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

  2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until sugar dissolves.

  3. 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.

  4. Add Flavor and Color: Remove from heat and stir in watermelon extract and food coloring quickly.

  5. 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.

  6. Add Sour Coating: While candies are still slightly tacky, sprinkle with citric acid or roll in sour sanding sugar for a tangy finish.

  7. Cool Completely: Allow candies to cool and harden at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.

  8. Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.