Kohakutou Candy – Japanese Crystal Gummies

Indulge in the enchanting world of Japanese confectionery with our irresistible Kohakutou Candy recipe.

These captivating treats, known for their vibrant colors and delicate crystal shapes, will transport your taste buds to a realm of sweet bliss.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate these edible jewels in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Jump to:

• Why you’ll love this recipe: 
• What ingredients do you need to make Kohakutou Candy?
• Customizations and substitutions
• What do Kohakutou candies taste like?
• Tips to make the best candies at home (MAKE SURE TO READ)
• Frequently asked questions

Get ready to embark on a delightful culinary adventure that will leave you spellbound by the beauty and deliciousness of homemade kohakutou candies.

Why you’ll love this recipe: 

Here are three reasons why people will love this Kohakutou Candy recipe:

1. Authentic Japanese Delight: Experience the joy of indulging in a beloved Japanese treat with these homemade Kohakutou candies. Recreate these crystal gummies’ original taste and texture right in your kitchen.
2. Simple and Allergy-Friendly Ingredients: This recipe requires only a handful of easily accessible ingredients, and it is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. It’s a fantastic option for individuals with dietary restrictions or seeking a healthier candy alternative.
3. Creative and Customizable: Kohakutou candies offer a canvas for your creativity. You can personalize your candy creations with different flavors and vibrant colors to suit your taste preferences and make stunning patterns. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delightful and visually appealing treats.

Enjoy the process of making these Kohakutou candies and savor the unique flavors and texture of these Japanese crystal gummies.

What ingredients do you need to make Kohakutou Candy?

• Agar-agar powder: Agar-agar is a vegetarian gelatin substitute derived from seaweed. It is used as a thickening agent in this recipe to create the gummy texture of the candies.
• Water: Water is used to hydrate and dissolve the agar-agar powder. It forms the base of the candy mixture and helps bind all the ingredients together.
• Granulated sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness to the candy and helps create the desired texture. During cooking, it dissolves in the mixture to form a syrup that solidifies as the candies set.
• Flavoring: Flavorings such as cherry, orange, peach, and green apple are added to infuse the candies with delightful tastes. These can be in the form of natural extracts or essences, providing distinct flavors to each batch.
• Liquid food coloring: Liquid food coloring adds vibrant and appealing colors to the candies. It allows for customization and artistic designs, making the Kohakutou candies visually attractive.

Customizations and substitutions

• Flavorings: Experiment with different flavorings to create your unique combinations. Try using extracts like strawberry, lemon, coconut, or mint. You can also use natural fruit juices or purees for a more intense flavor.
• Coloring: Feel free to explore a wide range of liquid food coloring options to create a variety of colors. Mix different colors to achieve new shades, or use natural food coloring alternatives for a more wholesome approach.
• Shape and Size: While the recipe suggests cutting the candies into crystal shapes, you can experiment with different shapes and sizes. Use cookie cutters or molds to create fun and attractive designs that suit your preference.

What do Kohakutou candies taste like?

Kohakutou candies have a unique texture and delicate sweetness. The candies themselves are typically flavorless, allowing the added flavorings to shine.

When you bite into a kohakutou, you’ll experience a soft and chewy texture with a slightly gelatinous quality.

The flavors you incorporate will determine the taste, whether fruity, floral, or any other desired flavor profile. Overall, kohakutou candies offer a delightful combination of texture and subtle sweetness, making them enjoyable to savor.

Tips to make the best candies at home (MAKE SURE TO READ)

Here are some tips to help you make kohakutou candies successfully:

1. Measure accurately: Since kohakutou candies rely on precise measurements, measuring the ingredients accurately, especially the agar-agar powder and sugar, is essential. Use a kitchen scale or measuring spoons to ensure the right quantities.
2. Dissolve agar-agar completely: When simmering the mixture, stir until the powder fully dissolves. This will ensure a smooth texture and prevent any clumps from forming in the candies.
3. Use heatproof dishes: Spray the rectangular heatproof dishes with oil before pouring the gummy mixture. This will help in the easy removal of the candies once they are set.
4. Experiment with flavors: Feel free to customize the flavorings according to your preference. Besides the cherry, orange, peach, and green apple mentioned, you can try other fruit flavors, extracts, or even natural flavorings like matcha or rosewater.
5. Be creative with colors: Use liquid food coloring to add vibrant hues to your kohakutou candies. You can blend shades to create unique patterns or stick to a single color for a consistent look.
6. Allow proper drying time: After cutting the candies into crystal shapes, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 2-3 days. This will create a hard crust on the outside, giving them the desired texture. Ensure they are completely dry before enjoying or storing them.
7. Store properly: Store the kohakutou candies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming sticky. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Remember, making kohakutou candies may require practice for perfect texture and flavors. Enjoy the process and experiment with different variations to create unique treats!

Frequently asked questions