Freeze-drying candy at home has become a popular trend for those who want to preserve their favorite treats. While you can use traditional freeze dryers, these tools can be expensive. You can achieve the same results using a dehydrator. Here’s how to freeze-dry your own treats.
What Is Freeze Dried Candy?
Freeze-dried candy is just regular candy that has gone through a special process to remove almost all of its moisture. The result is a candy that’s totally dry and has a unique crunch. It also lasts longer than regular candy because there’s no moisture left to make it go bad. The flavor is more intense, and the texture is completely different from what you’re used to.
What You Will Need
- Food dehydrator or freeze dryer
- Different types of candy like gummy bears, marshmallows, or skittles.
- Parchment paper
- Airtight containers
How to Freeze Dry Food and Candy
Choose gummy bears, gummy worms, hard candies, sour candies coated with sugar, marshmallows, and skittles for your freeze-drying process. Avoid candies with a lot of liquid or high-fat content, like chocolate or caramel, as they don’t freeze-dry well. Once you’ve made your choice, here’s how to freeze-dry your candy:
Step 1: Prep Your Candy
Place parchment paper on the dehydrator trap. Take your candy and spread it in a single layer on the trays (make sure the pieces don’t touch each other). If you’re using larger candies, cut them into smaller pieces.
Step 2: Set Up the Dehydrator
You’ll need to set your dehydrator to the lowest possible temperature, ideally around 95°F to 110°F (35°C to 43°C). Let the machine run for 24 to 48 hours. This might vary depending on the type of candy and the humidity level. Check the candy every few hours to ensure the process is going smoothly and you have the desired texture. You’ll know the candy is ready when it becomes brittle and dry to the touch. If you’re not sure, take a piece and break it in half. If it snaps cleanly, it’s done. If it bends or feels sticky, it needs more time in the dehydrator.
Step 3: Store the Freeze-Dried Candy
Once the candy is fully freeze-dried, remove it from the dehydrator and let it cool completely. Transfer the freeze-dried skittles or candy to airtight containers to prevent moisture from re-entering. Store the containers in a cool, dry place.
What Can You Use Freeze-Dried Candy For?
You can have freeze-dried candies as they are but it also goes great with your favorite desserts, like ice cream, cakes, or cookies. It’s also great as a topping for yogurt or cereal. You can even drop a few pieces into your hot chocolate or coffee, and they’ll dissolve, adding a sweet, fruity flavor.
Summary
Making freeze-dried candy is easy. These candies are long-lasting, have a great crunch, a chewy texture, and are full of flavor. Now that you know how to make your own freeze-dried foods, go ahead and try it out yourself.
Looking to try freeze-drying at home? The MisterChef Dehydrator is perfect for the job. With easy-to-use settings and reliable performance, it helps you create delicious freeze-dried food and candy. Try it today!