Salt Water Taffy Recipe

Dive into a delightful world of homemade Salt Water Taffy! This recipe guides you through creating chewy, melt-in-your-mouth candy with vibrant color and irresistible flavor. Perfect for candy lovers of all ages, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow and yields approximately 50 delicious pieces. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade taffy!

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 60 mins

Calories 55.5 kcal

Protein 0g

Rating Be the first

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Salt Water Taffy

2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup light corn syrup
½ cup water
2 tablespoons unsalted margarine
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon flavoring oil
2-4 drops food coloring

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Salt Water Taffy? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Salt Water Taffy

In a heavy saucepan, whisk together 2 cups granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until well combined.
Stir in 1 cup light corn syrup, ½ cup water, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons unsalted margarine.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.
Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a rolling boil for 2 to 3 minutes.
Uncover the pan, insert a candy thermometer, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 266°F (130°C) – the hard-crack stage.
Carefully remove the pan from the heat. Add 2-4 drops of food coloring (gel food coloring works best) and 1 teaspoon of your favorite flavoring oil (e.g., peppermint, wintergreen, or butterscotch).
Stir gently to combine the food coloring and flavoring oil. Immediately pour the mixture onto a large, lightly greased marble slab or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Allow the taffy to cool until it is just cool enough to handle (about 10-15 minutes). Lightly grease your hands with cooking spray or shortening. Begin pulling the taffy, folding it in half and stretching it repeatedly until it becomes light in color and has a satiny gloss. This process takes time and patience, and it's okay if it is somewhat sticky at first.
Once the taffy is light and glossy, pull it into a long rope. Use kitchen shears to cut the rope into approximately 1-inch pieces.
Wrap each piece of taffy individually in waxed paper squares, twisting the ends for a professional look. Makes approximately 50 pieces.