Get ready to feel like a total candy-making wizard with this nostalgic, crunchy, golden Honeycomb Candy. It’s got that airy, bubbly texture that practically melts on your tongue and a sweet, toasty flavor with just a hint of caramel. One bite and it’s instant throwback vibes—like the inside of a Crunchie bar or old-school sponge toffee. Trust me, it’s magic.
And the best part? It’s only a handful of ingredients and takes just minutes to whip up. No candy thermometer needed—just a little heat, a little baking soda, and a whole lot of bubbly fun. Whether you’re making it for gifting, snacking, or to crumble on top of your favorite dessert, this one’s a showstopper.
Why You’ll Love Honeycomb Candy
Quick and Simple: Just 10 minutes on the stove and a little cooling time—totally doable, even if you’ve never made candy before.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need sugar, corn syrup or honey, and baking soda. That’s it.
Magical Texture: It’s crisp, airy, and melts in your mouth with the most satisfying crunch.
Versatile Treat: Eat it plain, dip it in chocolate, or break it into pieces for topping cakes, cupcakes, or even hot cocoa.
Perfect for Gifting: Pack it into cute jars or bags and it instantly becomes a sweet little homemade gift that everyone will love.

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Ingredients in Honeycomb Candy
Here’s where the candy magic begins—just a few basic ingredients, and boom! You’ve got a sweet, crackly treat that’s borderline addictive.
- Granulated Sugar: The base of the candy—melts into a beautiful golden caramel.
- Light Corn Syrup or Honey: Keeps the sugar from crystallizing and adds a little extra flavor and stick.
- Water: Helps everything melt down smoothly.
- Baking Soda: The star of the show—this is what makes the candy puff up with that signature honeycomb texture.
- Optional: Vanilla or Sea Salt: For a little extra depth or a sweet-salty balance.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
1. Prep Your Pan
Line a baking sheet or square pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Have everything ready—once the sugar mixture is done, it moves fast.
2. Combine Sugar, Syrup, and Water
In a medium saucepan, mix together sugar, corn syrup (or honey), and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
3. Boil Without Stirring
Let the mixture come to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, stop stirring and let it cook until it turns a deep golden color, about 5–7 minutes. You’re aiming for that rich amber tone.
4. Add Baking Soda (and Stand Back!)
Remove the pan from the heat and immediately whisk in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up dramatically—this is exactly what you want! Stir just until combined.
5. Pour and Cool
Quickly pour the foamy mixture into your prepared pan. Do not spread or touch it—just let it settle and expand naturally. Cool for at least 1 hour until fully set.
6. Break Into Pieces
Once cool and hardened, lift it out of the pan and snap into chunks. Store in an airtight container to keep that crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10 (based on small pieces)
Calories per serving: 110
Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 95mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g - Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 25g
Protein: 0g
Calcium: 0%
Iron: 0%
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
How to Serve Honeycomb Candy
As a Snack: Break into bite-sized chunks and enjoy on its own—it’s perfectly sweet and crunchy.
Dipped in Chocolate: Dip half of each piece in melted dark or milk chocolate and let it set—like a homemade Crunchie bar!
Topping for Desserts: Crumble it over ice cream, cakes, pies, or even whipped cream for texture and sweetness.
Gifting: Wrap in parchment, pack in tins or jars, and you’ve got a delightful edible gift for any occasion.
In Drinks: Drop a small piece in hot chocolate or coffee for a fun, fizzy little sugar rush.
Additional Tips
Work Quickly: Once you add the baking soda, pour it into your pan right away—the foamy texture won’t wait!
Don’t Stir After Boiling Starts: Stirring while it boils can cause crystallization and ruin that light texture.
Use a Deep Pot: The mixture foams up quite a bit—use a tall saucepan to prevent overflow.
Humidity Warning: Honeycomb candy absorbs moisture fast! Store in an airtight container and keep it dry.
Double or Halve: You can easily scale this recipe—just adjust your pan size accordingly.
FAQ Section
Q1: Why did my honeycomb candy turn out chewy?
A1: It likely didn’t cook long enough. You want that sugar syrup to hit a hard crack stage (around 300°F) before adding the baking soda.
Q2: Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
A2: Yep! It adds a slightly deeper flavor and still gives you that great texture—just make sure not to burn it.
Q3: Do I need a candy thermometer?
A3: Not necessary! Just keep an eye on the color of the syrup as it boils—when it turns golden, that’s your sign to stop.
Q4: How long will this candy stay fresh?
A4: Honeycomb candy keeps for about 1–2 weeks if stored in an airtight container.
Q5: What should I do if my candy is sticky?
A5: It might be because there’s moisture in the air. Keep it in a sealed container in a dry place to prevent it from becoming sticky.
Q6: Can I make this recipe without baking soda?
A6: Baking soda is what gives the candy its airy, honeycomb texture, so it’s not recommended to skip it.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Yes! Just make sure to use a larger pan to accommodate the extra volume. You may need to cook it a little longer, but keep an eye on the color.
Q8: Can I add flavoring to my honeycomb?
A8: Absolutely! You can add a few drops of vanilla extract or any flavoring of your choice after you remove the pan from the heat.
Q9: Can I freeze honeycomb candy?
A9: Freezing isn’t recommended since it can cause the texture to change. It’s best enjoyed fresh and stored in a cool, dry place.
Q10: Why is my candy not bubbling up?
A10: If your candy doesn’t bubble when you add the baking soda, it may be because the syrup wasn’t hot enough or the baking soda didn’t react properly. Make sure your syrup reaches that amber color before adding the baking soda.
Print
Honeycomb Candy
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 20 pieces 1x
Description
- Honeycomb Candy, also known as sponge toffee or cinder toffee, is a light, airy, and crunchy candy made from just a few ingredients — sugar, corn syrup, and baking soda! When the baking soda reacts with the hot sugar mixture, it creates a bubbly texture that hardens into a crispy, golden treat. Dip it in chocolate or crumble it over ice cream for an extra indulgent twist.
Ingredients
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup light corn syrup or golden syrup
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2 tablespoons honey (optional for flavor)
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1/4 cup water
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2 teaspoons baking soda (sifted)
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Optional: melted chocolate for dipping
Instructions
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Prep your equipment:
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Have your baking soda measured and ready — timing is key! -
Cook the sugar mixture:
In a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, honey (if using), and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. -
Boil without stirring:
Once dissolved, stop stirring. Let the mixture come to a boil and cook until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer (about 5–8 minutes). The mixture should be a light amber color. -
Add the baking soda:
Remove from heat and quickly whisk in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up rapidly — pour it immediately into the prepared pan. Do not spread it out; let it settle naturally to maintain the bubbles. -
Cool completely:
Let the candy cool and harden at room temperature for about 1 hour. Once set, break it into pieces. -
Optional chocolate dip:
Dip pieces in melted chocolate and allow to set on parchment for an extra decadent version.
Notes
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Store honeycomb in an airtight container at room temperature — humidity will make it sticky.
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Handle carefully — it’s brittle and sharp when broken.
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Great as a holiday gift or topping for ice cream, cakes, or cupcakes!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Candy, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: British-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0g