Chocolate Honeycomb Bars
Highlighted under: Modern Collection
I often find myself craving something sweet yet crunchy, and that's where these Chocolate Honeycomb Bars come in. The combination of the rich chocolate coating and the airy, bubbly honeycomb core is irresistible. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors that I simply can’t resist. I love making these bars for gatherings or just as a delightful treat for myself. They are not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed hit with family and friends, making them my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress.
When I first tried making Chocolate Honeycomb Bars, I was amazed at how simple it was to create such a delightful treat at home. I always thought that honeycomb was reserved for candy shops, but now I know the secret! The key is to carefully control the heat when making the honeycomb to ensure it puffs up perfectly.
One particular batch turned out extra special. I added a hint of sea salt to the chocolate coating, and it elevated the flavor to a whole new level. Now, I can't make these bars without that extra touch!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy honeycomb texture
- Easy to make at home, no special tools required
- Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing with loved ones
Mastering the Honeycomb
The key to a successful honeycomb lies in monitoring the sugar mixture as it cooks. After combining the sugar, honey, and water, keep an eye on the color change. Aim for a golden amber hue, which signifies that the sugars have caramelized just enough for a delightful crisp texture. If you notice it getting too dark, remove it from heat immediately to prevent bitterness. Remember that it will continue to cook slightly even off the burner, so timing is essential.
When you add the baking soda, be careful as the mixture will bubble vigorously. This reaction is crucial as it incorporates air into the structure, creating those characteristic holes in the honeycomb. If the bubbling is too mild, it might indicate that your sugar syrup didn’t reach a high enough temperature. Use a candy thermometer for precision; you're looking for a temperature of about 300°F (150°C).
Perfecting the Chocolate Coating
Melting chocolate can be tricky, but patience is key. If using a microwave, stop every 30 seconds to stir, ensuring it melts evenly without seizing up. If you see any lumps that don't melt, a bit of continuous stirring often helps to combine it smoothly. If you're using dark chocolate, aim for one with at least 70% cocoa for a richer flavor, and consider using a chocolate that’s specifically designed for melting, as they often have a better texture.
Adding coconut oil to the melted chocolate can enhance the glossiness of the coating and help it set more firmly. However, if you're looking for a vegan alternative, you might try using a compatible vegetable shortening instead. Whatever you choose, make sure the chocolate is fully cooled before dipping the honeycomb; this can prevent the honeycomb from melting or collapsing a bit during coating.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Chocolate Honeycomb Bars:
Honeycomb Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
Chocolate Coating Ingredients
- 200g dark chocolate (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional for sheen)
Once you have all these ingredients, you're ready to start making your Chocolate Honeycomb Bars!
Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful outcome:
Prepare the Honeycomb
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and bring it to a boil without stirring. Allow it to boil until it reaches a golden amber color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the baking soda. The mixture will bubble up significantly. Pour the honeycomb onto a lined baking tray and let it cool completely.
Melt the Chocolate
While the honeycomb is cooling, melt the dark chocolate in a heat-proof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. For an added sheen, mix in a tablespoon of coconut oil.
Coat the Honeycomb
Once the honeycomb is cool, break it into pieces. Dip each piece into the melted chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated. Place the chocolate-covered honeycomb on a parchment-lined tray and allow to set.
Slice and Serve
Once the chocolate has set, slice the coated honeycomb into bars or squares. Your Chocolate Honeycomb Bars are now ready to enjoy!
Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Honeycomb Bars with family and friends!
Pro Tips
- For an extra twist, try adding crushed nuts or dried fruit into the chocolate coating before it sets.
Storage and Shelf Life
To maintain the crispiness of your Chocolate Honeycomb Bars, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. It's best to eat them within a week. If left exposed to air, the honeycomb can lose its crunch and become chewy. You can also layer them with parchment paper in the container to prevent sticking, which is especially helpful if you’ve made a big batch to share.
If you want to enjoy these bars beyond a week, consider freezing them. Freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be thawed at room temperature, but for the best texture, enjoy them just after taking them out of the freezer, as the contrast between the cold chocolate and the crunchy honeycomb is delightful.
Variations and Additions
For a twist on the classic Chocolate Honeycomb Bars, consider drizzling them with white chocolate or even a sprinkle of sea salt after coating for an added flavor contrast. You can also experiment with flavors by infusing the honey with spices like cinnamon or vanilla before mixing. This subtle addition can elevate the honeycomb’s taste and add complexity to each bite.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding crushed nuts like almonds or pecans into the chocolate coating for extra crunch. Simply mix the chopped nuts into the chocolate right before coating the honeycomb pieces. This is a great way to customize the bars for gatherings or special occasions, ensuring there’s a unique treat for everyone!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Yes, milk chocolate is a delicious alternative if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
→ How do I store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I make honeycomb without honey?
While honey is key to the traditional recipe, you may experiment with corn syrup for a different flavor.
→ What if my honeycomb doesn’t puff up?
Ensure the sugar mixture reaches the right temperature and that you whisk in the baking soda quickly to create bubbles.
Chocolate Honeycomb Bars
I often find myself craving something sweet yet crunchy, and that's where these Chocolate Honeycomb Bars come in. The combination of the rich chocolate coating and the airy, bubbly honeycomb core is irresistible. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors that I simply can’t resist. I love making these bars for gatherings or just as a delightful treat for myself. They are not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed hit with family and friends, making them my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress.
Created by: Lottie Pennington
Recipe Type: Modern Collection
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
Honeycomb Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
Chocolate Coating Ingredients
- 200g dark chocolate (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional for sheen)
How-To Steps
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and bring it to a boil without stirring. Allow it to boil until it reaches a golden amber color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the baking soda. The mixture will bubble up significantly. Pour the honeycomb onto a lined baking tray and let it cool completely.
While the honeycomb is cooling, melt the dark chocolate in a heat-proof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. For an added sheen, mix in a tablespoon of coconut oil.
Once the honeycomb is cool, break it into pieces. Dip each piece into the melted chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated. Place the chocolate-covered honeycomb on a parchment-lined tray and allow to set.
Once the chocolate has set, slice the coated honeycomb into bars or squares. Your Chocolate Honeycomb Bars are now ready to enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra twist, try adding crushed nuts or dried fruit into the chocolate coating before it sets.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 2g