Kohakutou (Edible Crystal Candy) Recipe
Japanese Kohakutou are delightful gummy candies resembling edible crystals, perfect for snacking or decorating desserts.
This page may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Instructions
-
Lightly spray an 8-x 8-inch square pan, or multiple smaller pans for varied colors.
-
Combine agar agar and water in a medium saucepan; let sit for 5 minutes.
-
Heat the agar agar mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it boils and dissolves, thickening in 2-3 minutes.
-
Stir in sugar and cook for about 3 minutes until fully dissolved and the mixture becomes thick and syrupy.
-
Remove from heat. Incorporate candy flavoring if desired. For a single color, add food coloring directly to the pan. For multiple colors, quickly divide the mixture into bowls and stir in different food colorings.
-
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan(s) and refrigerate for 1 hour.
-
Loosen edges with a knife or spatula, then invert the pan onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to release the jelly. If stubborn, cut into chunks to remove.
-
Cut or tear the firm jelly into crystal shapes using a paring knife.
-
Serve immediately, or spread crystals on parchment and allow them to sit at room temperature for 12 hours, then flip for an additional 12 hours or up to 3 days total, to form a crisp outer crust.