May 21, 2024

Make Your Very Own Crystal Candy With Silky Gems Viral Crystal Candy Recipe!

What is Kohakutou?

Kohakutou, meaning "amber candy" in Japanese, is a delightful treat with a hidden surprise. This traditional candy which has many interpretations around Asia is made with agar agar and sugar, poured into molds, and then cut or torn into beautiful crystal shapes. The magic happens after a few days of drying, when a crunchy outer shell forms around a soft, chewy center.

A Touch of History

The exact origins of Kohakutou are a bit hazy, but some believe they may have been inspired by rock candy brought to Japan by Portuguese traders in the 16th century. Over time, confectioners from Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines and many other counties adapted the recipe, using agar agar, a vegan gelatin alternative derived from seaweed, to create their own unique candy.

How do you make Kohakutou?

½ cup water (or your favorite juice, tea, coffee - be creative!)
1 tsp agar agar powder
1 cup sugar
Food coloring (optional)
Flavoring extract (optional)

How to make crystal candy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's what you'll need:

Small saucepan
Square or rectangular food storage container
Parchment paper
Knife
Optional: skewer, small paintbrush

Bloom the Agar Agar: In your saucepan, combine ½ cup of cold liquid (water, juice, etc.) and 1 tsp agar agar powder. Let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the agar agar to absorb the liquid and bloom.
Sweet Symphony: Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the agar agar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, pour in the sugar and keep whisking until it's fully incorporated. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, watching it transform into a thickened, light yellow syrup.
Shaping your Crystals: Pour the hot syrup into your lightly oiled container, ensuring it's about ½ inch thick. Now comes the fun part - customization! You can add a few drops of food coloring and swirl it with a skewer to create beautiful patterns. Want to add a flavor punch? A few drops of your favorite extract will do the trick!
Setting the Stage: Pop your container in the fridge and let the jelly set for at least 2 hours.
Unveiling your Gems: Once chilled, use a knife to run along the edges of the container, then gently remove the jelly.
Crystal Carving: Here's where you get creative! Cut the jelly into bite-sized pieces or get fancy and shape them into crystals. Don't be afraid to experiment - irregular shapes can mimic real gemstones!
The Great Crystallization: Place your creations on a parchment paper-lined surface. Now comes the wait! Leave them at room temperature for 3-5 days. Patience is key as they develop their signature crunchy shell.
Treasure Chest Time! Once your Kohakutou boasts a beautiful hard crust, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.

What does Kohakutou taste like?

Kohakutou offers a delightful textural contrast. The outside develops a satisfying crunch, while the inside remains delightfully chewy. The flavor is customizable! The base recipe offers a subtle sweetness, but feel free to experiment with juices, extracts, or even a sprinkle of edible glitter for an extra touch of magic.

Silky Gem's Top Tips for Kohakutou Perfection

Flipping for Success: When drying your Kohakutou, flip them every other day to ensure even drying on all sides.
Sharing is Caring: Once you've mastered Kohakutou, why not share your creations? They make stunning cake decorations or party favors!
Budget-Friendly Bling: Kohakutou is a delightful and affordable way to add a touch of elegance to your desserts.

Share your creations with us!

We would love to see your creations at home, why not try make some of our signature flavors and tag us!