Freeze-dried candy has become a popular treat due to its unique texture and intense flavor. When candy is freeze-dried, it becomes light and crispy, and the flavor becomes more concentrated. If you’ve ever wanted to try freeze-dried candy but don’t have a freeze-dryer machine, you’re in luck! You can actually freeze dry candy at home using just your freezer. Although it may take a little time, the results can be just as delicious.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to freeze dry candy at home without a machine.
What You’ll Need:
- Candy of your choice – Popular choices include gummy bears, Skittles, marshmallows, and chocolate.
- Freezer-safe tray – A baking sheet or any flat, freezer-safe tray will work.
- Plastic wrap or airtight container – To store your freeze-dried candy once it’s done.
- A freezer – Ideally, a deep freezer (which gets colder than a regular fridge-freezer), but a standard freezer will work too.
- Paper towels (optional) – To absorb moisture if needed.
Steps to Freeze Dry Candy at Home:
1. Prepare the Candy
Start by selecting the candy you’d like to freeze dry. Gummies, marshmallows, and chocolate-covered treats work particularly well. Avoid candies with a high moisture content, as they might not freeze dry as effectively.
Once you’ve selected your candy, arrange it in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. Make sure the pieces of candy aren’t touching each other, as you want them to freeze independently for the best results.
2. Flash Freeze the Candy
The next step is to flash freeze the candy. This process involves rapidly freezing the candy at a very low temperature to prepare it for dehydration.
Place the tray of candy in your freezer, preferably in a deep freezer if you have one. The goal is to freeze the candy completely and as quickly as possible. It’s best to leave the candy in the freezer for about 24-48 hours. This ensures that the candy is frozen solid.
3. Allow the Candy to Dehydrate
After the candy is frozen, the next part of the process is removing moisture. In a freeze-drying machine, this is done under low pressure, but since you don’t have one, we will use the process of sublimation (where ice turns directly into vapor without becoming liquid) by utilizing your freezer.
To do this, place the frozen candy on a tray or plate in the freezer and leave it for several days. Ideally, you want to leave the candy for 2-5 days, as it needs time for the ice inside the candy to evaporate and leave it with the light, crispy texture that is characteristic of freeze-dried candy.
You can also use a technique called “vacuum sealing” to speed up the dehydration process, although it may not be as effective without a vacuum chamber. If you have a vacuum sealer, place your candy in a vacuum-seal bag and seal it tightly. This will help draw out some moisture from the candy as the freezing process continues.
4. Check the Candy for Desired Texture
After several days of freezing, check the texture of your candy. You’re looking for a candy that has become light, crispy, and easily breakable. Gummy candies should be crunchy, marshmallows should puff up and be airy, and chocolates should be brittle and crumbly.
If your candy is still soft or sticky to the touch, it may need more time in the freezer. Patience is key in the freeze-drying process, so leave it in for longer if necessary.
5. Store Your Freeze-Dried Candy
Once your candy has reached the desired texture, it’s time to store it. Place the freeze-dried candy in an airtight container or a vacuum-sealed bag to keep it fresh. The candy should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The longer you store it, the longer the candy will maintain its crispy texture.
If you want to take your storage to the next level, consider placing your freeze-dried candy in a vacuum-sealed bag, as this will prevent moisture from re-entering the candy and compromising its crispiness.
Why Use a Freezer?
While a freeze-dryer machine is the most efficient way to freeze dry candy, using your regular freezer at home works as a great alternative. The deep freeze temperature helps preserve the integrity of the candy’s structure while the slow sublimation process removes moisture over time. Although it takes longer than a freeze-dryer, this method can still produce great results for a fraction of the cost.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure your freezer is cold enough: If you’re using a regular freezer, it needs to be set to the lowest temperature possible. The colder the freezer, the faster the sublimation process will be.
- Try different candies: Experiment with different types of candy to see which ones freeze dry best. Gummies, marshmallows, and chocolate-covered treats tend to work well, but hard candies or fruit snacks may not work as well.
- Don’t rush the process: It’s tempting to check on the candy, but resist the urge to open the freezer too frequently. Allowing the candy to freeze-dry without interruption is key to achieving the perfect texture.
- Use a desiccant pack: If you live in a humid area, consider adding a desiccant pack (like those small silica gel packs) into your storage container to keep your candy dry.
Conclusion
Freeze-drying candy at home without a machine is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to enjoy unique, crispy treats with an intensified flavor. While it takes a little patience and preparation, the results are definitely worth it. Whether you’re making freeze-dried gummies, marshmallows, or chocolates, this homemade technique is a great way to enjoy a fun and crispy candy experience right from the comfort of your kitchen. Just follow the steps, get creative with your candy choices, and enjoy the process!