Why is it called Saltwater Taffy?

Despite the name, Saltwater Taffy doesn’t actually contain seawater. The name comes from its association with seaside candy shops, particularly in Atlantic City, where it became popular in the 19th century.

How long does Homemade Saltwater Taffy last?

Properly stored in an airtight container, Homemade Saltwater Taffy can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the taffy and thaw it at room temperature before eating.

Can I make taffy without a candy thermometer?

While it’s possible to use the "cold water test" (dropping a small bit of the candy mixture into cold water to see if it forms a ball), a candy thermometer is far more accurate and ensures the best results.

Is pulling the taffy necessary?

Yes! Pulling the taffy incorporates air into the candy, giving it the chewy, stretchy texture that makes taffy so delightful. Without pulling, the taffy would be too dense and sticky.

Can I add other flavors?

Absolutely! Taffy is incredibly versatile. Try adding mint, fruit extracts, or even root beer flavoring to customize your taffy to your liking.

Homemade Saltwater Taffy: A Classic Treat Made Easy

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Start by placing the sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. This will create the foundation for your taffy, so make sure everything is mixed well before moving on to the next step.
Boil the Mixture: Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Keep an eye on your candy thermometer – you want the temperature to reach 260°F (127°C). This is the critical “hard ball” stage where the candy begins to firm up.
Add Butter and Flavoring: When the mixture reaches the right temperature, remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract. If you’d like to add a pop of color, now’s the time to stir in your food coloring.
Cool the Taffy: Next, pour the hot mixture onto a greased marble surface or a heatproof baking sheet. Allow it to cool for about five minutes, or until it’s safe to handle but still warm and pliable.
Pull the Taffy: Now comes the fun part! Butter your hands and start pulling the taffy. You’ll want to stretch and fold the candy repeatedly for about 10 to 15 minutes. This process incorporates air into the taffy, giving it that classic smooth, shiny texture. It’ll also make the taffy less sticky and easier to handle.
Cut and Wrap: Once the taffy has reached the desired consistency, butter a knife or kitchen scissors and cut the taffy into bite-sized pieces. Wrap each piece in small squares of wax paper, twisting the ends to seal. Your Homemade Saltwater Taffy is now ready to enjoy!

Notes

Temperature is key: Make sure to use a candy thermometer for accuracy. If your taffy doesn’t reach the right temperature, it may not firm up properly.
Butter your hands generously: Taffy can get sticky, so make sure your hands are well-buttered before you start pulling.
Add flavors: Want to mix things up? Try adding peppermint, lemon, or strawberry extract for different flavor variations.
Store it properly: To keep your taffy fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last up to two weeks – if it doesn’t get eaten first!

Author: Elina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert, Candy
Method: Boiling and Pulling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3-4 pieces
Calories: 120 kcal
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 40mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Saltwater Taffy Recipe, How to Make Taffy at Home, Homemade Candy Recipe