Posted by Tastefully Simple on October 25, 2021
How do you feel about … candy corn? The iconic autumnal confection tends to evoke strong emotional responses: either you LOVE ’em, or you HATE ’em. Whichever side of the candy corn debate you stand on, it must be conceded that those little, tri-colored triangles of pure sugar are a sure sign of fall.
Candy corn has some major staying power (and I don’t just mean its shelf life of up to a year). Candy corn was invented in the 1880s, marketed primarily to farm families and originally named “Chicken Feed.” Its instant popularity was due less to its taste than for the novelty of its three-tone appearance. In an era before mechanization of food production, layering three colors was a labor-intensive, manual process.
So while traditional candy corn doesn’t correspond to any known real corn variety, and is shaped like a corn kernel only in a general sort of way, the bright, autumnal colors quickly made it an instant hit and cemented candy corn, for better or worse, as a familiar sight around this time of year more than a century later.
Since it’s really the color scheme that’s so iconic, more than the candy itself, even people who wouldn’t put a corn-syrupy kernel in their mouths can enjoy the spirit of candy corn.
Here are three recipes that have a candy corny vibe:
1. Candy Corn Mini Donuts. Tastefully Simple’s new Donut Bites Kits (available in large and mini versions) include churro-flavored quick mixes and an adorable li’l mini donut microwave pan. You can bake up a half dozen mini donuts in just one minute in the microwave. Give them a candy corn color theme with decorator sugars or colored glaze.
2. Candy Corn Caramel Crunch. Creamy Caramel Sauce is the sweet secret to this mix, which combines popcorn, pretzels, nuts and crispy cereal – plus candy corn – in an irresistible snack.
3. Candy Corn Cookie Bars. Ah, Sugar Sugar!™ Cookie Mix, tinted in the familiar orange and yellow colors topped with creamy, white frosting, make these cookie bars easy and pretty for any Halloween or fall gathering. Hint: Cut the bars into triangle shapes for even more candy corn vibe.
Still can’t get enough candy corn goodness? Check out recipes for Candy Corn Dessert Pizza and Candy Corn Brownies.