Candy Coal

Transform your holiday dessert table with this playful and irresistible "Candy Coal" recipe—a whimsical treat that blends crispy rice cereal with a jet-black candy coating for a striking, textured look reminiscent of real coal. Perfect for a fun stocking stuffer or a cheeky "naughty list" joke, this sweet treat achieves its bold color and flavor with food-grade activated charcoal, black gel food coloring, and a touch of vanilla extract. The easy-to-make candy comes together in under 30 minutes, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for an authentic "dusty coal" appearance, these handmade bites are as charming as they are delicious. Whether as a fun conversation starter or a unique edible gift, Candy Coal is sure to spark joy this holiday season! Search-friendly keywords: Candy Coal recipe, fun holiday treats, playful edible gifts, stocking stuffer ideas, homemade candy.

Nutriscore Rating: 46/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups Light corn syrup
• 0.25 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Black gel food coloring
• 0.5 teaspoons Activated charcoal powder (food grade)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 0.5 cups Powdered sugar
• 3 cups Rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)

Directions

Step 1

Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Step 3

Allow the mixture to come to a boil, without stirring, until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer (the hard-crack stage). This may take about 8–10 minutes.

Step 4

Once the mixture reaches 300°F, quickly remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the black gel food coloring, activated charcoal powder, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Be cautious as the mixture will be extremely hot.

Step 5

Stir in the rice cereal carefully to coat it evenly with the candy mixture.

Step 6

Transfer the candy-coated cereal mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it gently with a silicone spatula to create an even layer.

Step 7

Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 8

Once hardened, sprinkle the powdered sugar over the top for a 'dusty' coal effect. Break the candy into rough, coal-like pieces.

Step 9

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(849.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2913.3

Total Fat 2.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1747.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 712.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Total Sugars 484.4g
Protein 18.2g	0%

Vitamin D 363.6IU	0%
Calcium 4.8mg	0%
Iron 72.8mg	0%
Potassium 328.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 0.8%

Protein: 2.5%

Carbs: 96.7%