Yes, you can absolutely melt crushed candy canes. Candy canes are made from sugar, corn syrup, flavorings, and colorings that are heated and manipulated into the familiar candy cane shape. Since candy canes are mostly sugar, they can be melted down just like any other hard candy. Crushing candy canes first makes it easier for them to melt quickly and smoothly.
Melting down crushed candy canes opens up a whole world of dessert and craft possibilities. The melted candy cane mixture can be used to make candy cane bark, drizzled over cakes and cupcakes, used to make candy cane lollipops, molded into candy cane shapes, and more. It’s an easy way to infuse desserts and treats with that delicious peppermint candy cane flavor.
Why Crush the Candy Canes First?
Crushing the candy canes before melting them serves a few important purposes:
- Increases surface area – Crushing the candy exposes more surface area to the heat, allowing the candy to melt faster.
- Prevents burning – Whole candy canes melted directly in a pot run a higher risk of scorching and burning on the bottom. Crushed candy melts faster and more evenly.
- Integrates flavors – Crushing combines any flavorings, colorings, and sugar components evenly throughout the melted candy mixture.
- Allows straining – Crushed candy canes can be strained after melting to remove any un-melted chunks or impurities.
Overall, crushing the candy canes helps speed up melting time and provides a smooth, integrated final product.
How to Crush Candy Canes
Candy canes can be crushed using a few simple methods:
By hand
Candy canes can be placed in a sturdy plastic bag and then crushed with a mallet, hammer, or rolling pin. Keep crushing until the pieces are very small. Watch your fingers when crushing by hand!
In a food processor
Place candy cane pieces into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse 5-10 times until the candy is crushed into a fine powder. Be careful not to over-process into a sticky paste.
In a blender
Like a food processor, a blender can make quick work of crushing candy canes. Place the pieces into the blender jar and pulse on high speed until finely crushed. Use short pulses to prevent sticking.
With a mortar and pestle
For small batches, a mortar and pestle can be used to crush candy canes. Just place the pieces into the mortar and grind away with the pestle until crushed down to size. It may take some elbow grease!
No matter the method, aim for even, fine crushing. The smaller the pieces, the faster and smoother the melting process. Any large uncrushed pieces can be strained out later after melting if needed.
How to Melt Crushed Candy Canes
Melting crushed candy canes is a simple process with just a few easy steps:
Ingredients
– Crushed candy canes
– Nonstick cooking spray or butter
Equipment
– Saucepan
– Rubber spatula
– Candy thermometer (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare your crushed candy canes, whether purchased pre-crushed or crushed yourself using one of the methods above. You’ll need about 1 cup crushed candy per batch.
2. Spray a saucepan with nonstick spray or grease with butter. This prevents the melted candy from sticking.
3. Add the crushed candy canes to the pan and place over medium low heat.
4. Stir continuously with a rubber spatula as the candy begins to melt down. Crushed candy melts quickly, in 5-10 minutes.
5. Once completely smooth, remove from heat. For an extra smooth mixture, you can strain the melted candy through a mesh sieve to remove any un-melted chunks.
6. Let cool slightly before using in recipes. Melted candy canes harden again quickly as they cool.
For best results, use a candy thermometer if possible and heat the crushed candy to 300-310°F. This ensures all the sugar has completely melted without scorching.
The melted candy cane mixture will be a thick, smooth liquid ready for baking, decorating, molding, and more. Enjoy that sweet peppermint flavor in new ways!
What to Do with Melted Candy Canes
Melted down candy canes are extremely versatile for holiday cooking, baking, and crafting. Here are some fun ideas:
Candy Cane Bark
Spread melted candy canes out on a lined baking sheet, add mix-ins like chopped candy, sprinkles, or crushed peppermint, let harden, and break into festive peppermint bark pieces.
Dipped Pretzels
Dip pretzel rods, pretzel twists, or pretzel crisps into melted candy canes and let set for candy-coated treats.
Cake and Cupcake Topping
Drizzle melted candy canes over cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods for decoration and flavor. Let set before serving.
Hot Chocolate
Stir a spoonful of melted candy cane into mugs of hot chocolate for extra sweet peppermint flavor.
Holiday Pancakes
Mix some melted candy cane into pancake batter and top pancakes with more melted candy for holiday breakfast fun.
Peppermint Bark Cheesecake
Make a white chocolate peppermint cheesecake and top with crushed candy cane pieces for a showstopping dessert.
Homemade Candy Canes
Pour melted candy cane mixture into candy molds to recreate that classic candy cane shape. Customize with stripes, flavors, and colors.
Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Add some melted candy cane to sugar cookie dough and decoration for candied peppermint sugar cookies.
Candy Cane Fudge
Beat melted candy canes into sweetened condensed milk to create a smooth, rich peppermint candy fudge.
The possibilities are endless! Melting candy canes opens up so many sweet ideas for the holidays.
Storing and Re-Melting Candy Canes
Properly stored, melted candy canes can be saved and re-melted for future use. Here are some tips:
- Let melted candy canes fully cool and harden before storage.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 month.
- To re-melt, add pieces to a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.
- Microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring between each.
- Melted candy may need a splash of corn syrup added to help smooth out again.
- Melted candy canes also freeze well for months.
With proper storage, you can melt candy canes just once and use them for holiday projects all season long.
Troubleshooting Melted Candy Canes
Melting candy canes is simple but occasionally issues pop up. Here are some common problems and how to avoid them:
Candy Scorching
Scroching happens when the heat is too high. Use medium-low heat and stir constantly to prevent scorching.
Crystallization
If not fully melted and smoothed out, melted candy can re-crystalize. Reheating gently with a splash of corn syrup can help fix.
Candy Seizing Up
Getting water in the melted candy can cause it to seize into a grainy lump. Ensure your equipment is perfectly dry before use.
Difficult Mold Release
Grease molds well before pouring in melted candy. Let cool completely before attempting to remove candies.
With some care, you can troubleshoot any issues that pop up when working with melted candy canes!
Candy Cane Melting Safety Tips
Melting candy on the stove requires caution to avoid burns. Here are some key safety tips:
– Wear long sleeves and keep pot handles turned in to avoid scalding from splatters.
– Use a saucepan significantly larger than the amount of candy to prevent boiling over.
– Allow candy to slightly cool before handling or pouring.
– Keep children and pets away from the stove while melting hot candy.
– Never leave melting candy unattended – stay near the stove.
– Use oven mitts when handling hot pots and equipment.
– Clean up spills right away to prevent slipping.
With some care, candy cane melting can be fun and safe for the whole family to enjoy!
FAQs
Can you use a microwave to melt candy canes?
Yes, a microwave can be used to melt candy canes. Place the candy canes in a microwave-safe bowl, heat in 30 second bursts, stirring between each until smooth. Use caution handling the hot bowl.
How do you thin melted candy canes?
Melted candy canes can thicken as they cool. You can thin the mixture by reheating gently and stirring in a bit of corn syrup, coconut oil, or non-hydrogenated shortening to get back to a thinner consistency.
What is the best way to dry melted candy canes?
To dry set melted candy canes, spread the candy out very thin on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Letting it dry fully at room temperature keeps the glossy sheen. Placing in the fridge or freezer to set can cause frosting or blooming.
Can you change colors when melting candy canes?
Yes! Add a drop of food coloring or concentrated gel paste food coloring when melting white candy canes to create any color you want. Red and green candy canes can be combined to make festive holiday colors.
How do you melt candy canes in the oven?
To melt in the oven, place crushed candy canes in a baking dish in a 250°F oven for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully melted and smooth. Keep a close eye to prevent scorching.
Conclusion
With just a bit of heat and some simple techniques, it’s easy to melt down candy canes into a sweet, versatile ingredient for holiday treats. Crush the candy first for the fastest melting method. Melt slowly over low heat while stirring constantly for the smoothest results. Then pour that pepperminty goodness over desserts, into molds, or use to stir up yummy baked goods. Melted candy canes add festive flavor to the season! With some safety measures and proper storage, you can enjoy melted candy cane creations all season long.