Food
Fact-checked

At DelightedCooking, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Sponge Candy?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Sponge candy is a sweet confection which has a rigid, foamy texture as a result of a chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda which is harnessed in its manufacture. This candy has a rich, molasses-like flavor which many people find quite enjoyable, along with the peculiar texture, which is extremely hard at first, but slowly melts in the mouth if consumers are patient. Sponge candy is popular in many regions of the world, and it can often be found in specialty candy stores; a few candy companies also produce packaged candy bars which include sponge candy.

Depending on the region of the world in which one is in, you may know sponge candy as hokey pokey, puff candy, cinder toffee, sponge toffee, seafoam, honeycomb, or honeycomb toffee. All of these candies include the same four ingredients: corn syrup or molasses, brown sugar, baking soda, and vinegar. In some regions, additional ingredients may be added, and the finished product is often covered in chocolate for an especially rich flavor.

Homemade sponge candy includes white vinegar.
Homemade sponge candy includes white vinegar.

To make sponge candy at home, heat one cup of brown sugar, one cup of corn syrup, and one tablespoon of white vinegar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until the mixture reaches the brittle stage, around 300 degrees Fahrenheit (149 degrees Celsius). Remove the mixture from the heat, stir in a tablespoon of baking soda, and then pour it into a very well oiled pan to set. After the sponge candy has hardened, tip it out and crack it apart or cut it. Keep the candy wrapped in wax paper in an airtight container.

Baking soda is used in sponge candy to create a foamy reaction when eaten.
Baking soda is used in sponge candy to create a foamy reaction when eaten.

If you make sponge candy at home, be careful, as the heated sugar syrup can cause a nasty burn. Make sure that you do not leave it unattended while heating, as it can start to bubble, potentially causing severe burns. When handling the saucepan and pouring the syrup out, you may want to wear a heavy oven mitten, just in case some of the sugar syrup slops out.

The experience of eating sponge candy is quite unique. The candy squeaks when it is bitten, providing a great deal of resistance, and yet it has a strange frothy texture. As the candy melts away in the mouth, it tends to bubble a bit, releasing the molasses flavor. Some people like to add small chunks of sponge candy to things like ice cream sundaes to take advantage of the unique texture of this interesting sweet treat.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon243791

When I was a little kid back in 1950, there was a candy store across the street from my Grandmother's place. They made their own molasses sponge candy. My Grandmother used to bring back large chunks of sponge candy whenever she went to the store. It was not chocolate covered and I preferred it that way.

When I put a small piece in my mouth the candy would sometimes explode, then melt gradually. The flavor, texture and unique characteristics of the candy has always been stuck in memory. As a result, I haven't been able to find it in 60-plus years. Now that I have the recipe, you can bet I am going to make it.

anon119047

For truly premium sponge candy, you've got to go to Watson's Chocolates in Buffalo. My stepdad, John Watson, founded the restaurant and candy store in Kenmore with his brother Louis. Louis' son, Jim took over in the 80s. I think. The restaurant is gone but the candy making continues.

anon87648

Recipes are fine for most of us, but making premium sponge candy? On a consistent basis? With consistent results? Hard to believe! A lot of fuss and muss and mess! Good grief!

I doubt that many of us would consider making their own Snickers candy bars or Cadbury Wunderbars or any of your favorite candy bars from our youth! For me, it's got to be Premium Sponge Candy from the Bella Mia Candy Store in Buffalo, NY (the sponge candy capital of North America to be sure). Get a box or two and pass them around. You can be an overnight sensation and the local hero! Enjoy!

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Homemade sponge candy includes white vinegar.
      By: indigolotos
      Homemade sponge candy includes white vinegar.
    • Baking soda is used in sponge candy to create a foamy reaction when eaten.
      By: mady70
      Baking soda is used in sponge candy to create a foamy reaction when eaten.