Wisconsin Fairy Food Recipe

Dive into the sweet, airy delight of Wisconsin Fairy Food, a beloved treat with a crunchy honeycomb texture coated in smooth chocolate. This classic candy is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing guests with its unique texture and flavor.

Wisconsin Fairy Food, also known as honeycomb candy, sponge candy, or sea foam, is a delightful confection that has been a favorite in the Midwest for generations. The magic of this candy lies in its airy, crunchy texture and the rich chocolate coating that adds a perfect balance of sweetness. This homemade version of Fairy Food is surprisingly simple to make and requires just a few ingredients. Follow this recipe to create a batch of this whimsical treat that will bring a smile to anyone who tries it.

Ingredients

1 cup dark corn syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon baking soda
10-15 oz chocolate candy coating

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Line a Baking Sheet: Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Gather Equipment: Have a candy thermometer ready, as well as a wooden spoon and a heatproof spatula.

Step 2: Cook the Syrup

Combine Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the dark corn syrup, granulated sugar, and white vinegar.
Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved. Attach the candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom.

Step 3: Bring to Temperature

Boil the Syrup: Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches 300°F (149°C) on the candy thermometer (hard crack stage). This will take about 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on the temperature to avoid burning the syrup.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda

Remove from Heat: Once the mixture reaches 300°F, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately.
Stir in Baking Soda: Quickly and carefully stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up rapidly, creating the airy texture of the Fairy Food. Stir until the baking soda is fully incorporated.

Step 5: Pour and Cool

Pour into Pan: Immediately pour the foamy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Do not spread it out; simply let it flow and settle naturally to maintain the airy texture.
Cool Completely: Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature. This will take about 1-2 hours.

Step 6: Break into Pieces

Break Candy: Once the candy is fully cooled and hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a sharp knife. Be gentle to preserve the airy texture.

Step 7: Coat with Chocolate

Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate candy coating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and fully melted.
Dip Candy: Dip each piece of Fairy Food into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the coated pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
Set Chocolate: Allow the chocolate coating to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Cook Notes and Variations

Chocolate Variations: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate candy coating for a different flavor profile.
Flavor Additions: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt to the syrup mixture before adding the baking soda for added flavor.
Decorative Toppings: Sprinkle the chocolate-coated pieces with crushed nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt before the chocolate sets for extra texture and flavor.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Version:

Sugar Substitute: Use a keto-friendly sugar substitute like erythritol or allulose instead of granulated sugar.
Syrup Substitute: Replace dark corn syrup with a sugar-free syrup that suits keto diets.
Chocolate: Use sugar-free chocolate chips or keto-friendly chocolate coating.

Low-Carb Version:

Moderate Carbs: Reduce the amount of sugar used, or use a mix of sugar and sugar substitute to lower the carb content.
Chocolate Options: Opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage (70% or higher) to reduce the sugar content in the coating.

Wisconsin Fairy Food is a delightful candy that brings joy with its light, airy texture and rich chocolate coating. Perfect for special occasions, gift-giving, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. With its simple ingredients and straightforward process, you can create a batch of this classic candy that captures the magic of homemade confections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark corn syrup?

A: Yes, you can use light corn syrup, but dark corn syrup adds a deeper flavor and richer color to the candy.

Q: How should I store Fairy Food?

A: Store Fairy Food in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crunchy. Avoid humidity as it can make the candy sticky.

Q: Can I make Fairy Food without a candy thermometer?

A: While a candy thermometer ensures accuracy, you can test the hard crack stage by dropping a small amount of syrup into cold water. If it hardens immediately and cracks, it’s ready.