Seafoam(Candy)
Seafoam candy is a light, airy treat with a crunchy texture and sweet vanilla flavor, perfect for festive occasions or as a nostalgic homemade gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter the sides of a heavy 1 1/2-quart saucepan.
- Combine light brown sugar, granulated sugar, hot water, light corn syrup, and salt in the saucepan.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Then cook to the hard ball stage (250°F) without stirring.
- Remove from heat. Immediately beat egg whites until stiff.
- Pour hot syrup in a thin stream over beaten egg whites, beating constantly at high speed on an electric mixer.
- Add vanilla.
- Continue beating until mixture forms soft peaks and begins to lose its gloss, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in chopped pecans if using.
- Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper, swirling each candy to a peak.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect seafoam texture, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume. If you don't have light corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but this may alter the flavor slightly. Make sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form; this is crucial for the candy's structure. For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans.
Serving Suggestions
Seafoam candy makes a delightful treat on its own or as a decorative topping for desserts like cupcakes and cakes. It pairs beautifully with Jan's Praline Bars for a sweet platter. For a fun twist, serve with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness, or alongside coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store seafoam candy in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its texture. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause the candy to become sticky and lose its crispness. If you have leftovers, separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Consume within a week for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafoam(Candy) contains roughly 111 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my seafoam not rise properly?
If your seafoam didn't rise, it could be due to the egg whites not reaching stiff peaks before adding the syrup. Ensure your mixing bowl is clean and free of grease, which can hinder egg white whipping. Also, make sure that your syrup is at the correct temperature (250°F) when adding to the egg whites for optimal results.
Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?
Yes, a stand mixer is ideal for this recipe, especially for beating the egg whites. It will allow you to beat the mixture consistently at high speed without tiring out your arms. Just make sure to use the whisk attachment to achieve maximum volume for your seafoam candy.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you prefer to avoid pecans, you can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. Alternatively, consider adding crushed candies or sprinkles for a festive touch. Your seafoam will still be delicious without nuts!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).