Kohakutou (Crystal Candy)

TikTok VIRAL candy with a unique crunchy shell and a firm jelly interior, this Japanese Traditional Candy kohakutou is sweet and fun to eat!

What is Kohakuto?

Kohakutou is a traditional Japanese sweet (琥珀糖) that's been getting a lot of love on social media lately. Made from agar-agar (a gelatinous substance derived from seaweed) and sugar, these treats look like little edible gems. They have a unique texture with a crunchy exterior and a soft, jelly-like inside. What makes Kohakutou so eye-catching is the way it can be dyed in vibrant colors and shaped into all sorts of cool designs. People are really into sharing their homemade versions on Instagram and TikTok, making it a trending treat that's as fun to look at as it is to eat.

Why is Crystal candy trending?

Recently, Kohakutou has taken social media by storm, and it's easy to see why. This traditional Japanese candy, known for its vibrant, jewel-like appearance, is perfect for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Food bloggers, influencers, and culinary enthusiasts can't get enough of sharing their colorful creations, making hashtags like #Kohakutou and #EdibleJewels trend.

The stunning visuals of the candy, combined with its unique texture, have inspired many to try making it at home, experimenting with various colors, shapes, and flavors. As a result, Kohakutou has become more than just a sweet treat—it's a popular, artistic expression that's captivating a global audience.

Ingredients

• Water: Serves as the main liquid component for dissolving agar powder and sugar, forming the base of the kohakutou mixture.
• Agar powder: Acts as a gelling agent, providing structure and firmness to the kohakutou candy. It's derived from seaweed and is a plant-based alternative to gelatin.

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the kohakutou and contributes to its texture and consistency. When heated with agar and water, sugar forms a syrupy mixture that solidifies into a crunchy outer layer while keeping the inside slightly chewy.
• Food coloring (optional): Adds vibrant colors to the kohakutou, enhancing its visual appeal and allowing for customization.

• Flavor extracts (optional): Enhances the taste and aroma of the kohakutou. Fruit extracts or essences can be used to complement the colors or add contrast, enriching the overall sensory experience of the candy.
• Edible gold paint (optional): Gives the crystals an accent, and sparkle

How to make kohakutou

1. Pour mixture into the prepared molds and add coloring and flavors.
2. Let it cool to room temperature.

3. Refrigerate until fully set (about 2-3 hours).
4. Remove from mold and cut into desired shapes.

5. Cut up the smaller pieces to create little gems ontop of the larger pieces

6. Dry the pieces on a wire rack or tray for 4-7 days.
7. Decorate the pieces with gold paint and gold leaf

Frequently Asked Questions

What is kohakutou?

Kohakuto, also known as agar jelly candy, is a traditional Japanese confectionery known for its crystal-like appearance and delightful texture. It's made primarily from agar, sugar, and water, with optional food coloring and flavor extracts.

Can I substitute agar powder with gelatin?

While agar powder is traditionally used in kohakutou for its plant-based properties, you can substitute it with gelatin if preferred. Keep in mind that gelatin may produce a slightly different texture compared to agar.

How long does it take for kohakutou to set?

After pouring the mixture into the mold, allow it to cool at room temperature for a while, then refrigerate for about 2-3 hours until fully set. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the mold and the thickness of the candy.

Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, you can use natural food coloring derived from fruits, vegetables, or other plant-based sources to color your kohakutou. This can provide vibrant colors without artificial additives.

How do I store kohakutou?

Store your homemade kohakutou in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure the candies are completely dry before storing to prevent them from becoming sticky.

How long does kohakutou last?

Kohakuto can last for several weeks when stored properly in an airtight container. However, for the best taste and texture, it's recommended to consume them within a week or two of making them.

Can I customize the flavors of kohakutou?

Yes, you can customize the flavors of your kohakutou by adding different flavor extracts such as fruit essences or other natural extracts. Experiment with various combinations to create unique and delicious candies.

Why is my kohakutou too soft or too hard?

Achieving the perfect texture for kohakutou can require some experimentation. If your candies are too soft, you may have used too much water or agar. If they're too hard, you may have cooked the mixture for too long or used too much agar. Adjust the ingredients and cooking time accordingly for your desired texture.

Can I make kohakutou without a mold?

While using a mold helps create uniform shapes, you can also pour the mixture onto a flat surface lined with parchment paper and let it set. Once set, you can cut the candy into smaller pieces using a sharp knife.

Is kohakutou suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes, kohakutou is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans, as it's made primarily from plant-based agar powder. Just ensure that any additional ingredients, such as flavor extracts or food coloring, are also vegan-friendly if needed.

Let's Get Cooking

If you liked this recipe make sure to leave me a comment and rating down below, I would love to know how you went. Also don't forget to tag me on Instagram @catherine.desserts so I can see and share your desserts.

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📖 Recipe

Kohakutou (Crystal Candy)

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TikTok VIRAL candy with a unique crunchy shell and a firm jelly interior, this traditional Japanese candy is sweet and fun to eat!

• Author: Catherine Zhang
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: approx 30 candies 1x
• Category: Candy
• Method: Intermediate
• Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups Water
• 3 tbsp Agar powder
• 5 cups Granulated sugar
• Food coloring (optional)
• Flavor extracts (optional)
• Edible gold paint or leaf (optional)

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Instructions

Cooking

1. Lightly grease a container or silicone mold with a thin layer of oil or line it with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the candy later. Use more or less containers depending on how thick you want your candies to be and how many flavors you want to make.
2. In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of agar powder. Stir well to dissolve the agar powder.
3. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously to ensure the agar powder is fully dissolved.
4. Once the agar mixture reaches a boil, gradually add 5 cups of granulated sugar, stirring constantly. Continue to stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes clear.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes thick and clear
6. Skim off any foam that formed while it cooked for clear candy
7. If you want to add color and flavor to your kohakutou, divide the mixture into your prepared containers and add a few drops of food coloring and flavor extracts to each bowl. Stir well to evenly distribute the color and flavor.
8. Smooth the surface with a spatula if necessary. If using multiple colors, you can add different drops of food coloring to the container and swirl to create multicoloured patterns.
9. Allow the agar mixture to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to set completely. This will take about 2-3 hours.

See Also This Recipe:  The EASIEST Candy Apple

Shaping and Drying

1. Once fully set, remove the agar block from the mold. Cut it into desired shapes using a sharp knife. Traditional kohakutou shapes include rectangles, diamonds, and irregular pieces to resemble gemstones.
2. You can roughly chip up the scraps from shaping them into tiny gems and place them ontop of the crystals too
3. Place the cut pieces on a wire rack or a tray lined with parchment paper. Let them dry at room temperature for 4-7 days. This drying process will create a crunchy outer layer while keeping the inside slightly chewy.
4. Finish the candies off by brushing them with some edible gold paint or gold leaf
5. Store the finished kohakutou in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy as a beautiful and delicious treat!
6. Be patient during the drying process. The outer layer should become firm and crunchy while the inside remains slightly soft.