How to Make Sugar Glass Recipe (or Candy Glass) (2024)

I really like the idea of glass you can eat. Not really, but Sugar Glass is pretty cool and you can make some adorable things with it. And seriously, who doesn’t love candy glass sticking out of a cupcake?! Because they DO go together. I seriously have the best recipe for how to make sugar glass.

How to Make Sugar Glass Recipe (or Candy Glass) (1)

Candy Glass or Sugar Glass

Candy Glass is a really cool treat. Not ACTUALLY cool–because it’s like room temperature, unless you’ve had it in the fridge (which you shouldn’t do because it gets sticky…but I digress).

Sugar glass is cool because it can BE so many things.

What is Candy Glass Used For?

Glass candy can be made into decorative pieces for cakes, cupcakes, and doughnuts; it is used during Halloween as a piece of broken glass candy in a Murdered Cupcake with a few drops (ok a lot of drops) of edible fake blood.

Use some to make mirror surfaces or frosting on cakes or cupcakes; it is also used during holidays like Easter to make edible decorations.

Ice from Elsa’s Castle? Yep. Smashed glass for a trick scaring your parents? Yep.

Basically, it’s like the fun tool for Halloween dessert decorating that I never thought I’d be able to make…Frankly, I love it.

Want to See How to Make Sugar Glass?

Check out our YouTube video of how to make sugar glass. And while you’re there, be sure to subscribe so you can catch all of our epic recipe videos!

How to Make Sugar Glass Recipe (or Candy Glass) (2)

Can You Eat Candy Glass?

Absolutely! It’s just a simplified form of lollipop. I’ve even made lollipops with a mold and it works GREAT. The only thing is, you can’t eat it all, because then you won’t have any to decorate your cupcakes. Sad day.

I have gotten asked before if it’s sharp – and while the points CAN be sharp, the edges aren’t. It’s about like eating a lollipop on a stick, so if you bite into it and it leaves an edge, that’s not going to cut your tongue or anything.

But the pointy bits are, obviously, pointy, so maybe don’t hand it to children if you wouldn’t hand them a lollipop.

How to Store Sugar Glass

So, if you shouldn’t put it in the fridge, what can you do to store this awesome edible glass?! I’ve got you there. Not only can you stash it in the freezer in an airtight zipper-top bag or container, you can store it at room temperature in the same airtight facility.

I’ve had a batch of broken glass candy in my freezer in a zipper-top bag for about 4 years now and have not noticed any damage – other than the fact that the kids keep sneaking a bite.

Glass sugar works just like a lollipop, so you can even wrap it in parchment paper to store it – but if it gets wet, it will start to get sticky and melt.

Tips to Make Broken Glass Candy

A few tried-and-true things can really make whipping up a batch of broken glass candy easy.

  • First, having a candy thermometer (paid links) is nice – and I have one. BUT, I found that having one of the handy aim-and-point touchless thermometers you use without putting it into the pot is epic. You can see me use it in the video above – it makes for one less thing to clean!
  • Second, if you have parchment paper, that’s a definite must to line your baking sheet with. The candy ice won’t stick to the parchment paper and you don’t have to do anything to the parchment paper. The cooled candy just slides right off. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use wax paper and lightly coat it in non-stick cooking spray to keep the candy from sticking.

Variations to Candy Ice

Just as there’s a ton of ways to use candy glass, there’s a ton of ways to make variations. The two primary ways to make your batch of glass candy different are to:

  • Flavor It – As far as flavoring candy glass, to keep from coloring when you’re just trying to flavor it, I recommend using flavoring oils (paid link). Colorless, they are absolutely NOT flavorless. The scent and flavor comes across really well with just a drop or two.
  • Color It – When you’re wanting to color your broken glass candy, you will want to use a gel food coloring (paid link), so that you’re not adding a ton to get a bold color. It only took a few drops of red to make the candy glass in the video above a bright, bright red.

More Halloween Recipes You’ll Love

Speaking of…I totally wrote this Spectacularly Spooky Halloween Recipes book with my friend Stephanie. We worked hard to come up with over 50 recipes that are sure to spook-ify you to your bones, so if you have a minute to check it out…it’s awesome.

How to Make Sugar Glass Recipe (or Candy Glass) (3)

Now, ON TO THE EDIBLE GLASS!

How to Make Sugar Glass Recipe (or Candy Glass) (4)

Alright, so pin this to your favorite dessert recipes board so you can find the recipe for Edible Glasslater.

You know, in case you need it closer to Halloween–or maybe for some fun stained-glass action over the holidays…you know, because broken glass makes so much sense suddenly for Christmas and New Years…LOL!

How to Make Sugar Glass Recipe (or Candy Glass) (5)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sugar glass?

Sugar glass, also known as candy glass, is an edible form of glass made from sugar, water, and corn syrup. It can be used to make decorations for cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. It is also used in film and television production as a safe alternative to real glass.

What ingredients and equipment are needed to make sugar glass?

To make sugar glass, you will need granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and a candy thermometer. You will also need a heat-resistant bowl, a wooden spoon, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

What is the step-by-step guide to making sugar glass?

To make sugar glass, start by combining the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heat-resistant bowl. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Once the mixture reaches 300°F, remove it from the heat and pour it onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow the sugar glass to cool and harden before using it.

What tips should I keep in mind when making sugar glass?

When making sugar glass, it is important to stir the mixture constantly while it is heating to ensure that it does not burn. It is also important to work quickly once the mixture has reached 300°F, as it will start to harden quickly.

What are some common issues that can arise when making sugar glass?

One of the most common issues that can arise when making sugar glass is that the mixture can burn if it is not stirred constantly while it is heating. Another issue is that the sugar glass can become too hard if it is left to cool for too long in the sauce pan – it is best to pour it immediately into the baking dish before it cools too much.

How can I tell when the sugar glass is ready to use?

The sugar glass is ready to use when it has cooled and hardened. You can test the sugar glass by tapping it with a spoon or knife. If it is hard and does not break, it is ready to use.

How should I store sugar glass?

Sugar glass should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It can be stored for up to a month.

How To Make Candy Glass

How to Make Sugar Glass Recipe (or Candy Glass) (6)

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

You can't make a Murdered Cupcake without some Edible Glass and a few drops (ok a lot of drops) of edible fake blood.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated white sugar
  • 3/4 cups of water
  • 2/3 cups light corn syrup
  • flavoring oil, if desired

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan add in the sugar, corn syrup, and water.
  2. Insert the candy thermometer and bring to a boil. Stir constantly until the thermometer reaches 300 degrees.
  3. Once at 300 degrees, remove from heat and transfer immediately to a baking pan (lined with parchment paper).
  4. Allow it to sit until hardened (about 2 hours on the counter or 30 min in the freezer). Make sure to cover it while it sits.
  5. Once hardened lift the pan up and drop straight down to crack the glass. Repeat until you have fragments at a desired size.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 193Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 13mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 0gSugar: 48gProtein: 0g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

And do NOT forget to check out my new book, Spectuacularly Spooky Halloween Recipes–there’s over 50 awesomesauce, creeptacular recipes that you just CAN’T MISS! So, go, click. LOOK…

How to Make Sugar Glass Recipe (or Candy Glass) (7)

Go ahead and take a minute to pin this Sugar Glass to your favorite Pinterest board, so you can get back to it in a jif!

Table of Contents

How to Make Sugar Glass Recipe (or Candy Glass) (2024)

FAQs

How do they make sugar glass? ›

Description. Sugar glass is made by dissolving sugar in water and heating it to at least the "hard crack" stage (approx. 150 °C / 300 °F) in the candy making process. Glucose or corn syrup is used to prevent the sugar from recrystallizing and becoming opaque, by disrupting the orderly arrangement of the molecules.

How do you make sugar coated glass? ›

We'll dive deeper into the details and give you plenty of tips and tricks, but there are four basic steps to rimming a glass:
  1. Wet the rim with a liquid such as citrus juice.
  2. Dip or roll the rim in a tray filled with sugar or salt.
  3. Shake off any excess.
  4. Allow the rim to dry before pouring a drink.
Mar 25, 2020

How to make sugar glass pane? ›

You create sugar glass by melting ingredients in a pot over a stove until it reaches a certain temperature and all the moisture has been cooked out. You then carefully pour this molten mix into a negative mold of the object you wish to cast. In this case a rubber bottle mold that you have made and properly prepared.

How to make sugar glass for gingerbread house? ›

Method
  1. Here's How: Line a baking sheet with baking paper. ...
  2. Pour the sugar into a small pan on a stove over low heat.
  3. Stir continuously until the sugar melts (takes a while). ...
  4. If the sugar is heated just past the hard crack stage it will turn amber (coloured translucent glass).
  5. Pour the melted sugar onto the cooled pan.

How long will sugar glass last? ›

Sugar glass does not last long...at all. As I said before, keep it in the fridge until you need it. After only 10-15 minutes at room temperature the glass will start to sweat and get sticky. The longer you leave it out the more it will just bend instead of break.

Why is my sugar glass not hardening? ›

Keep heating and stirring your candy until it reaches 300°F (148.89°C). This is very important. If you don't get your mixture hot enough, it won't harden properly. Your candy will be soft and sticky, no matter how long you let it sit, harden, or cool.

What can I use to stick sugar to glass? ›

A liquid: This is what will make the sugar stick to the rim of your glass. Citrus juices such as lime juice, lemon juice, and orange juice are common rim moisteners. For a sweeter taste, you can try simple syrup, agave, honey, caramel, or chocolate sauce.

Can you make sugar glass in the microwave? ›

It's just 2 parts sugar to 1 part light corn syrup for 2:30 on high (it might be slightly different for each microwave) HANDLE WITH CARE – IT'S VERY HOT!! and use immediately on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet as it will harden very fast.

How long does it take for sugar glass to harden? ›

Make sure the pan is level as well. Then wait until it hardens up. It usually takes an hour or two. An optional step would be to pour the hot sugar into silicone molds.

What is the recipe for glass pane? ›

To make a glass pane, place 6 blocks of glass in the 3x3 crafting grid. When making a glass pane, it is important that the blocks of glass are placed in the exact pattern as the image below. In the first row, there should be 3 blocks of glass. In the second row, there should be 3 blocks of glass.

What is a substitute for isomalt? ›

Isomalt Substitute

Since isomalt is a sugar substitute, sugar can be used instead of isomalt. For decorations, candies made with sugar, water, and corn syrup can be used. Another option is to skip isomalt-based decorations and use pre-made edible or non-edible decorations.

How to make windows with Jolly Ranchers? ›

Melting the Jolly Ranchers:

Place in microwave and cook at 50% power for no more than 2 minutes at a time. Mix and melt until you have reached a “molten glass” consistency. Spoon into appropriate spaces on your template. If you have several templates, try not to do too many at once, as the candy will begin to harden.

Is sugar glass Real glass? ›

Sugar glass.

By cooking a mixture of sugar, corn syrup and water to a temperature of 150°C, you can create a hard candy that cracks and breaks just like real glass. Sugar glass can be moulded into all sorts of shapes, but it needs to be used soon after it's made.

Can you cut yourself on sugar glass? ›

You can still cut or injure yourself on breakaway glass.

Is sugar glass biodegradable? ›

Biodegradable sugar glass MNs were fabricated following optimisation of a simple and novel low temperature vacuum deposition micromoulding methodology.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Errol Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 6548

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Errol Quitzon

Birthday: 1993-04-02

Address: 70604 Haley Lane, Port Weldonside, TN 99233-0942

Phone: +9665282866296

Job: Product Retail Agent

Hobby: Computer programming, Horseback riding, Hooping, Dance, Ice skating, Backpacking, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.