Go Back Email Link
image of caramelized sugar shards made using just water and granulated sugar
Print Recipe
5 from 3 ratings

Caramel Shards

These caramel shards are made using just water and granulated sugar and is the perfect way to elevate any dessert!
Cook Time5 minutes
Additional Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Specialty Desserts
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 145kcal
Author: Chelsey White

Ingredients

Caramel Shards

  • 2 Tbsp water 30 grams
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar 150 grams

Instructions

Caramel Shards

  • Place a sheet of parchment paper on top of a heat proof surface.
  • Add 2 Tbsp of water and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar into a medium sized pot. Heat on medium-low without stirring (it causes crystallization and makes the sugar stick to the side of the pot)! Let the mixture sit until the sugar starts to dissolve.
  • As the sugar dissolves, increase the heat to medium-high until the sugar becomes an amber / golden brown color.
  • Pour the mixture onto the sheet of parchment paper in a thin and even layer. Let it cool for about 30 minutes or until it is set, then use a sharp knife to cut it into small shards. The caramelized sugar will be very hard once it's set, so be careful as you cut it!
  • If you want to make these in advance, store in a Ziploc bag at room temperature. Do NOT store it in the fridge!! The fridge will cause the shards to soften and melt together.

Video

Notes

Tips for Making the Best Sugar Shards

  • Use a deep, heavy bottomed pot with a handle to heat and melt your sugar. It will help you evenly heat the mixture and allow you to easily pour the mixture out to cool.
  • Pour the hot sugar mixture onto a piece of parchment paper laid on a heat proof surface or a flat pan for thinner shards, or into a greased loaf pan for thicker pieces.
  • The sugar needs to reach "hard crack stage" which is around 290 - 300 F / 145 to 150 C. If you have a candy thermometer you can monitor the temperature to make sure it gets hot enough.
  • Feel free to flavor or color your sugar shards! Stir 1 tsp of your favorite flavoring (extract or emulsion) and / or 1 tsp liquid food coloring into the mixture once you've removed it from heat, before you pour it out to cool.
  • Use any small leftover fragments from cutting the sugar shards like sprinkles! They glisten and look gorgeous on cupcakes, cakes and even cookies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Sodium: 1mg | Sugar: 37g