Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy

Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy is a delightful Japanese treat that captures the essence of playful dessert-making. This candy stands out for its unique texture and appearance, making it perfect for celebrations, parties, or just a fun afternoon activity. With its chewy center and crunchy outer crust, Kohakutou offers a wonderful sensory experience. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite flavors and colors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create your own candy at home without any complicated techniques.
• Customizable Flavors: Use different candy flavorings and food colors to suit your taste and aesthetic preferences.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields about 100 crystal gummies, making it perfect for gatherings or as gifts for friends and family.
• Unique Texture: The combination of crunchy outer layers and chewy interiors makes each bite a delightful experience.
• Natural Ingredients: Made with agar-agar instead of gelatin, this candy is suitable for various diets while maintaining its deliciousness.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having everything ready will make your candy-making experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium-sized saucepan
• Spatula
• Heatproof glass dish
• Toothpick
• Sharp knife
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium-sized saucepan: Essential for mixing ingredients evenly and heating them to the right temperature.
• Spatula: Helps in stirring the mixture thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure an even consistency.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for cutting the set gummy into beautiful crystal shapes.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

Kohakutou is made from simple ingredients that create a tasty treat with an appealing look.

For the Base Mixture

• 12 grams agar agar (telephone brand)
• 14 ounces cool water
• 24 ounces sugar

For Flavoring and Color

• 1/4 teaspoon candy flavoring
• 1/8 teaspoon citric acid (optional – adds a tart flavor)
• 3 drops liquid food coloring (I used Americolor airbrush color)

How to Make Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy

Step 1: Prepare the Agar Agar Mixture

1. Place cool water into a medium-sized saucepan.
2. Sprinkle agar agar powder over the water and let it absorb for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Heat the Mixture

1. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly with a spatula until fully dissolved.

Step 3: Sweeten It Up

1. Sprinkle in your sugar while continuing to stir.
2. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Step 4: Add Flavoring

1. Remove from heat and add in your preferred candy flavoring along with citric acid if using.
2. Mix well to combine all flavors evenly.

Step 5: Pour into Dish

1. Lightly oil a heatproof glass dish to prevent sticking.
2. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Add Color Swirls

1. Add a few drops of liquid food coloring on top of the mixture.
2. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the color into the mixture or leave streaked for visual appeal.

Step 7: Chill Until Set

1. Place the container in the fridge for about 2-3 hours until fully set.

Step 8: Cut into Shapes

1. Remove the set gummy from the container carefully.
2. Use a sharp knife to cut it into crystal shapes as desired.

Step 9: Dry Out Crystals

1. Place your crystal gummies onto a parchment-covered cookie sheet.
2. Let them dry at room temperature for 2-3 days until they develop a hard crust on the outside.

Enjoy your homemade Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy! These delightful treats are sure to impress anyone who tries them!

How to Serve Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy

Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether as a sweet treat at a party or a fun snack for kids, these colorful gummies bring joy and flavor. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

As Party Favors

• Present individual crystal gummies in small, clear bags tied with colorful ribbons. They make delightful take-home treats for guests.

In Dessert Bowls

• Serve the gummies in small dessert bowls alongside fresh fruits or whipped cream for an inviting and vibrant dessert platter.

With Tea

• Pair the gummy candy with a warm cup of herbal tea. The chewy texture complements the soothing qualities of tea beautifully.

On a Candy Buffet

• Incorporate Kohakutou into a candy buffet at celebrations. Mix them with other sweets for an eye-catching display that adds color and variety.

As Topping for Ice Cream

• Use the crystal gummies as a fun topping on ice cream or yogurt. Their chewy texture provides a nice contrast to creamy desserts.

How to Perfect Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy

To ensure your Kohakutou turns out perfectly, follow these helpful tips. Each step is crucial for achieving that ideal balance of texture and flavor.

• Use quality agar agar – Make sure to choose high-quality agar agar, as it greatly affects the final texture of your gummies.
• Measure accurately – Precision in measuring ingredients, especially sugar and agar agar, is key for achieving the right consistency.
• Cool before cutting – Allow the mixture to cool completely before cutting into shapes to prevent it from sticking or losing its form.
• Experiment with flavors – Don’t hesitate to try different candy flavorings; this allows you to create unique combinations tailored to your taste.
• Store properly – Keep the finished gummies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture while preventing them from drying out too quickly.

Best Side Dishes for Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy

When serving Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy, consider pairing it with complementary side dishes that enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the gummies.
2. Creamy Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a delicious contrast alongside the gummy candy.
3. Matcha Cookies – These green tea-flavored cookies provide a unique taste that pairs well with the sweet gummies.
4. Puffed Rice Snacks – Light and crunchy rice snacks offer a fun textural contrast when served with chewy candies.
5. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels – Sweet and salty pretzels add variety and excitement next to Kohakutou candies.
6. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can complement the sweet flavors of gummy candy, creating an interesting tasting experience.
7. Savory Spring Rolls – Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables provide a refreshing counterbalance to the sweetness of the gummies.
8. Fruit Smoothies – Blend your favorite fruits into smoothies for a refreshing drink option that pairs nicely with gelatinous treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy can be a fun experience, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Boldly skip ingredient measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you have the right amounts of agar agar and sugar.
• Boldly ignore the soaking time: Allowing agar agar to soak in water is essential. This step helps it dissolve properly, leading to a smoother texture in your gummy candy.
• Boldly rush the cooking process: Cooking too quickly can cause uneven dissolving of ingredients. Stir consistently and cook at a low simmer for even results.
• Boldly skip the cooling period: Patience is key! Letting the mixture cool completely before cutting ensures that your gummies hold their shape and texture well.
• Boldly overlook storage conditions: Storing your gummies improperly can lead to them becoming sticky or losing their crunchy outer crust. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 2 weeks when refrigerated.

Freezing Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy

• Place gummies in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; however, this may alter their texture slightly upon thawing.

Reheating Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy

• Oven: Preheat to 200°F (93°C). Place gummies on a baking sheet until slightly warm (do not overheat).
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 5-10 seconds. Check frequently to avoid melting.
• Stovetop: Place gummies in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy.

What is Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy made from?

Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy is primarily made from agar agar, sugar, and flavored liquid, creating a delightful chewy texture.

How long does it take for Kohakutou to set?

The setting time for Kohakutou is typically 2-3 hours in the refrigerator. Ensure it’s fully set before cutting into shapes.

Can I customize my Kohakutou flavors?

Absolutely! You can use various candy flavorings or natural fruit juices to create unique tastes tailored to your preference.

Why did my Kohakutou candies turn out sticky?

Stickiness often occurs due to humidity or improper storage. Make sure they are stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy is not only delicious but also customizable with different flavors and colors. This recipe allows for creativity, so don’t hesitate to experiment with various fruit juices or candy flavorings. Enjoy making these delightful treats!