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Homemade Dandelion Honey Candy

Category: Sweet Treats for Any Occasion

This delightful dandelion candy combines the subtle floral notes of fresh dandelion blossoms with honey, raw sugar, and warming spices. The process begins by brewing a strong dandelion tea from foraged blossoms, then combining it with honey, sugar, and aromatics like ginger, turmeric, and lemon. The mixture is carefully simmered to the soft-ball stage, then poured and cooled before being cut into delicate squares. This traditional wildflower treat offers a unique way to transform common backyard plants into a special sweet indulgence with subtle herbal undertones and a smooth, honeyed finish.

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Updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 16:26:12 GMT
A stack of yellow lemon squares. Save
A stack of yellow lemon squares. | recipesbylena.com

This vibrant dandelion candy transforms a common yard weed into a gourmet treat with hints of spice and citrus. The golden squares beautifully showcase the sunny essence of dandelion while providing subtle herbal benefits in a delightful sweet package.

I first made this candy during spring foraging season when my yard was blanketed in dandelions. Rather than fighting these persistent flowers, I decided to embrace them. Now my family eagerly awaits dandelion season each year just for these special treats.

Ingredients

  • Fresh dandelion blossoms: Carefully gathered from pesticide free areas provide the distinctive herbal foundation
  • Raw sugar: Offers a complex sweetness that refined sugar cannot match
  • Honey: Adds both sweetness and helps achieve the perfect candy texture
  • Powdered ginger: Brings a warming spice note that complements the dandelion flavor
  • Turmeric: Contributes beautiful golden color and subtle earthy notes
  • Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the candy with essential acidity
  • Powdered sugar: Creates the professional dusting that prevents sticking
  • Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brew the Dandelion Tea:
Select young fresh blossoms without any green parts for the mildest flavor. Steep them in water that has just reached a rolling boil for exactly 15 minutes. Press the blossoms gently against the strainer to extract maximum flavor without bitterness. The resulting liquid should have a delicate yellow color and subtle floral aroma.
Create the Candy Base:
Combine all liquid and dry ingredients in a heavy bottomed pot. Use a wooden spoon to stir continuously while the sugar dissolves completely. The mixture will initially appear cloudy but will become more translucent as it heats. This careful combining ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the candy.
Achieve Proper Consistency:
Maintain a steady medium heat while stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Watch for the mixture to darken slightly to a rich amber tone. The bubbling pattern will change from rapid small bubbles to slower larger ones as it thickens. Test frequently using the ice water method to catch the exact soft ball stage for perfect texture.
Set and Finish:
Pour the hot mixture in one smooth motion onto the parchment to ensure even thickness. Allow to cool completely undisturbed in a draft free area. When cutting use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut for professional looking edges. The final dusting of powdered sugar should be applied using a fine mesh sieve for the most even coating.
A stack of yellow cubes on a plate. Save
A stack of yellow cubes on a plate. | recipesbylena.com

Dandelion flowers have been used in folk medicine for centuries to support digestion and as a gentle detoxifier. I particularly love the transformation that happens in this recipe as bitter flowers become something so delightfully sweet. My grandmother actually taught me to appreciate dandelions rather than view them as weeds.

Seasonal Foraging Notes

Dandelion blossoms are at their peak in early spring when the flowers are most abundant and tender. For the mildest flavor collect blossoms in the morning after the dew has dried but before the full heat of the day. Young flowers that have just opened will have less bitterness than mature ones. Always harvest from areas you know are free from pesticides lawn treatments or roadside pollution.

Herbal Benefits

Dandelions offer more than just flavor. These common plants contain vitamins A C and K along with minerals like iron calcium and potassium. Traditionally they have been used to support liver function aid digestion and reduce inflammation. While this candy should be enjoyed primarily as a treat it does retain some of these beneficial properties. The addition of ginger and turmeric enhances these wellness aspects with their own anti inflammatory properties.

Gift Presentation Ideas

These unique candies make wonderful homemade gifts. Package squares in small tins lined with parchment paper for a rustic presentation. For special occasions wrap individual pieces in waxed paper and place in decorative boxes tied with raffia or natural twine. Include a small card explaining the dandelion connection which always sparks conversation. These make particularly thoughtful hostess gifts in spring when dandelions are abundant.

Recipe FAQs

→ What do dandelion candies taste like?

Dandelion candies have a subtle floral sweetness with honey undertones. The dandelion provides a gentle herbaceous note, while the ginger, turmeric, and lemon add complexity and brightness. The overall flavor is reminiscent of honey candies with a unique wildflower essence.

→ How do I know when my candy has reached the soft-ball stage?

The soft-ball stage occurs at 235-240°F on a candy thermometer. Without a thermometer, drop a small amount of the cooking mixture into ice water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball that flattens when removed from the water, it has reached the soft-ball stage. This typically takes 30-40 minutes of simmering.

→ Can I use store-bought dandelion tea instead of fresh dandelions?

While fresh dandelion blossoms provide the best flavor, you can substitute with store-bought dandelion tea bags. Use 4-6 tea bags steeped in 2 cups of hot water for 15 minutes. The flavor may be milder, so consider adding 1-2 teaspoons of dried dandelion root for more intensity.

→ How long does dandelion candy stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, dandelion candy will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, place layers of candy between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

→ What parts of the dandelion should I use for making candy?

Use only the yellow flower heads (blossoms) of the dandelion for this candy. Remove as much of the green parts as possible, as they can add bitterness. Ensure you harvest from areas that haven't been treated with pesticides or herbicides, and always wash the blossoms thoroughly before use.

→ Can I add other flavors to the dandelion candy?

Absolutely! Dandelion candy pairs well with many complementary flavors. Try adding orange zest instead of lemon, a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cardamom, or even a tablespoon of lavender buds steeped with the dandelions for a floral variation. Just strain any solid additions before the candy sets.

Dandelion Candy

Foraged dandelion blossoms transformed into sweet, honey-infused candy squares with warming spices and bright lemon notes.

Prep Time
20 min
Cooking Time
40 min
Total Time
60 min
By: Lena

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine Type: American

Yield: Approximately 20-30 small candy squares

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups brewed and strained dandelion tea
02 2 cups raw sugar
03 1 cup honey
04 ½ teaspoon powdered ginger
05 ½ teaspoon turmeric
06 Juice of 1 lemon, strained
07 ½ cup powdered sugar for dusting after cooling
08 Pinch of salt

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Gather young dandelion blossoms (avoid those near roadsides or treated areas). Rinse thoroughly. Steep 2 cups of blossoms in 4 cups of boiling water for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing gently to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the blossoms. You should have approximately 2 cups of tea.

Step 02

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the strained dandelion tea, raw sugar, honey, ginger, turmeric, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.

Step 03

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Continue to boil, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (235-240°F on a candy thermometer). This will take approximately 30-40 minutes. Be patient and keep a close eye on it, as it can burn easily.

Step 04

If you don't have a candy thermometer, test for the soft-ball stage by dropping a small amount of the mixture into a glass of ice water. It should form a soft ball that flattens slightly when removed.

Step 05

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly, about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 06

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly to about ½ inch thickness.

Step 07

Once the candy has cooled completely and is firm (this may take a couple of hours), dust the top with powdered sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut the candy into small squares or desired shapes.

Step 08

Store the dandelion candy in an airtight container at room temperature.

Additional Notes

  1. The intensity of the dandelion flavor will depend on the type of dandelion and how long it's brewed. Adjust brewing time to your preference.
  2. You can adjust the amount of spices to your liking.
  3. For a smoother candy, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking and before pouring onto the baking sheet.
  4. If the mixture becomes too thick while cooking, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Tools You'll Need

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Candy thermometer
  • Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Airtight container

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for general reference only and don't replace expert medical advice.
  • Calories: 120.5
  • Fats: 0.1 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 30.2 grams
  • Proteins: 0.3 grams