Every Halloween, candy corn becomes the most popular candy of the season. Candy corn is so popular, in fact, that people of all ages wage wars over who gets to eat the most of this delicious treat. But what’s the story behind this beloved Halloween candy? Read on to find out!
History of candy corn
Halloween is the perfect time to indulge in some sweet candy corn! This delicious treat is made of sugar, glucose, yellow dye #5 (Tin Yellow), and black food coloring (coal tar). Its origins are a mystery, but it likely dates back to the 1880s. Regardless of its history, candy corn is a popular Halloween candy because it’s easy to love and hard to resist. It’s the perfect candy for those who are looking for a sweet treat that won’t fill them up too much. So, whether you’re a candy corn lover or not, we recommend indulging in some this Halloween!
Candy corn is most likely a derivative of the Spanish word “querocán,” which means “a kind of fritter made from maize meal, sugar, butter or oil and usually cooked in syrup.” The candy corn we know today probably originated in America, where it was first popularized as part of the Halloween celebrations.
In the late 19th century, candy corn was mostly made of sugar, corn syrup, and butter. As the century progressed, however, artificial flavors were added to the mix, which gave it its distinctive flavor profile today. The original name for candy corn, “querocán,” has since disappeared from the American vernacular.
Great-grandson of Gustav Goelitz, who invented the first candy corn: While we don’t really know the origins of candy corn, one thing is for sure: it’s a delicious treat! And if you’re looking for some great recipes to try this Halloween, be sure to check out our list below. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and simple or something more complex, we’ve gotcha covered. Bon appétit!
Is candy corn healthy?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as the content and caloric intake of candy corn depend on your own personal preferences. However, most people would agree that candy corn does not pose a significant health risk. In fact, some people even claim that it’s healthy because it contains sugar and other simple carbohydrates.
That said, if you’re looking for a healthier option this Halloween, we recommend checking out our list of vegan Halloween costumes. Not only are they cruelty-free, but they also tend to be quite tasty!
It also has the title of worst Halloween candy. While there is no “worst” Halloween candy, candy corn definitely has a reputation for being one of the most popular and worst-tasting Halloween treats around. In particular, many people believe that it’s super unhealthy to eat too much candy corn on Halloween because it contains a lot of sugar. Some concerned parents even go so far as to say that candy corn is the cause of childhood obesity! So while you probably won’t offend anyone by asking them not to bring any candy corn trick or treating this year, we recommend choosing something else as your favorite Halloween tradition!
Flavors of candy corn
There are basically three flavors of candy corn: original, caramel, and chocolate. However, the flavor of candy corn can vary depending on the batch. So while there’s no one “right” way to eat candy corn (although most people would agree that it tastes best when eaten straight), here are some popular ways to enjoy each flavor of candy corn:
Original: Eat original candy corn as is or mix it with milk for a more classic taste.
Caramel: Use caramel syrup to make your favorite recipe inspired by caramel candies from childhood! For example, try our Caramel Apple Candy Corn tarts or our Caramel Cake with Candied Bacon frosting.
Chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate candy corn over ice cream, mix it into brownies, or use it to make chocolate milk!
Candy corn recipes
Here are a few delicious candy corn recipes to help whet your appetite:
-Candy corn cupcakes: whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the sugar and eggs and mix until well combined. Stir in enough water to make a soft dough that can easily be stirred (about 1/2 cup/120 ml). Pipe or spoon batter into 24 paper-lined cups on an oiled baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into one of the centers comes out clean. Cool completely before decorating with candy corn.
-Candy cornbread: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add sugar and eggs and mix until well combined. Stir in enough water to make a soft dough that can easily be stirred (about 1/2 cup/120 ml). Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into one of the centers comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing and serving.
-Candy corn chocolate cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter and flour in an 8×8 inch baking pan, tapping out the excess butter after each phase of preparation. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add oil in increments until all of the ingredients are wet but not clumping. Pour mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into one of the centers comes out clean but still slightly springy to the touch. Cool completely before frosting and serving.
-Candy corn sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sugar together. Cook until the mixture starts to boil and turns a light amber color. Stir in corn syrup, milk, and vanilla extract. Bring to a low simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened enough to coat the back of your spoon. Let cool before serving as is or pour into an airtight container for later use (such as in candy corn cupcakes).
How to store candy corn?
Halloween candy corn is the perfect thing to enjoy during the spook-filled holiday. But how do you store it so that it lasts until Halloween? Here are four tips to make sure your candy corn lasts until the big day:
- Make sure the candy corn is cooled completely before storing it. Waiting until it’s fully cool will help to prevent it from becoming brittle or sticking together.
- Store candy corn in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crisp. Avoid stacking the candy corn on top of each other, as this can cause them to stick together and become difficult to portion out later on.
- Be aware of dates when purchasing candy corn- older candy corn may start to go stale more quickly than newer batches, so be sure to check the packaging for expiration information!
- If the candy corn starts to become stale, try stirring it into a warm liquid such as milk or hot chocolate for a new flavor twist.
Conclusion
Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in candy corn? Not only is candy corn the best Halloween candy, but it’s also a healthy snack option. In this blog, we have shared tips on how to make candy corn as well as some delicious recipes that will tantalize your taste buds. Happy Halloween!