Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy

kohakutou candy cut into crystal shapes on a white background

Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy

Kohakutou is a Japanese candy made from Agar Agar. It is made by pouring flavored jelly into a dish and allowing it to set before cutting or tearing into crystal shapes. The candy develops a crunchy outer crust after a few days but remains delightfully chewy inside.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Japanese

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 6

chilling 2

Servings crystals

Calories 53kcal

Author Elizabeth Marek

Equipment

Saucepan
Container

Ingredients

12 grams agar agar (telephone brand)
14 ounces cool water
24 ounces sugar
¼ teaspoon candy flavoring
⅛ teaspoon citric acid optional - adds a tart flavor
3 drops liquid food coloring I used Americolor airbrush color

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Place cool water into a medium-sized saucepan
Sprinkle agar agar powder over the water and let it absorb for 5 minutes
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes stirring constantly with a spatula
Sprinkle in your sugar and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes
Remove from the heat and add in candy flavoring and citric acid
Pour the mixture into a heatproof, glass dish that has been lightly oiled to prevent sticking
Add a few drops of liquid food coloring on top and swirl with a toothpick. You can blend fully or leave it streaked
Place the container into the fridge for 2-3 hours until set
Remove the set gummy from the container and cut into crystal shapes using a sharp knife
Place the crystal gummies onto a parchment covered cookie sheet and let dry at room temperature for 2-3 days until a hard crust forms on the outside

Video

Notes

The recommended brand of Agar Agar is "telephone" brand. If you use a different brand of Agar Agar your results may not be the same.

For the best possible results, read through the blog post and recipe to avoid common mistakes.

Use a scale to weigh your ingredients (including liquids) unless otherwise instructed (Tablespoons, teaspoons, pinch etc). Metric measurements are available in the recipe card. Scaled ingredients are much more accurate than using cups and help ensure the success of your recipe.

Metric measurements (grams) are available by clicking the small box under the ingredients in the recipe card labeled “metric”

Practice Mise en Place (everything in it's place). Measure out your ingredients ahead of time and have them ready before you start mixing to reduce the chances of accidentally leaving something out.

Try to use the same ingredients as the recipe calls for. If you must make a substitution, be aware that the recipe may not come out the same. I try to list substitutions where possible.

Nutrition