The Best Tips for Storing Homemade Candy from Our Test Kitchen Pros (2024)

Keep our Test Kitchen-approved tips and tricks handy when you want to wrap and store homemade candies—so you can indulge in them as long as possible.

and

Katlyn Moncada

The Best Tips for Storing Homemade Candy from Our Test Kitchen Pros (2)

Katlyn Moncada is the associate food editor at BHG.com, sharing food news and tutorials on becoming better home cooks. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience in digital media, photography, and video production.

Updated on August 31, 2020

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If your holiday tables are lined with tins of chewy caramels, fudge, and crunchy peppermint bark every year, it's a good idea to know the best way to store those homemade candies. Unlike storing your favorite cookies that last only a few days, most candies last much longer. In fact, those chocolate truffles, honey nougat, and peanut butter balls (to name just a few) can last weeks when stored properly. Learn the best ways to store every type of homemade candy as well as our Test Kitchen freezing tips to keep your candies fresher longer.

The Best Tips for Storing Homemade Candy from Our Test Kitchen Pros (3)

How to Store Homemade Candy

Most candies will keep 2 to 3 weeks (if not longer) if stored tightly covered in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. It's best to avoid storing different types of candy together in the same container because hard candies will become soft and sticky, and soft candies will dry out. Here are some tips for storing candies:

  • Protect truffles, caramels, and nougats from dampness by wrapping them individually in clear plastic wrap. Chocolate candies will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Caramels can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Store popcorn balls this way, too, but consume within one week for the best quality.
  • To protect brittles and toffees from dampness, layer them in an airtight container ($16, Bed Bath & Beyond) between sheets of waxed paper. Store at room temperature 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Layer fudge pieces or divinity between waxed paper in an airtight container to prevent from quickly drying out. Store at room temperature up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
  • To preserve the glossy finish on chocolate-covered candies, separate chocolates from one another by storing them in mini paper cups.
  • Gumdrops are an exception to storing candies tightly covered. They need to be loosely covered so their surface remains dry. Moisture makes the sugar coating soft and sticky.

Freezing Homemade Candies

Your best bet for keeping your candies tasting fresh is to consume them within the periods we mentioned above at room temperature or in the fridge. If you are trying to get a head start on holiday baking, these peanut butter balls are an easy candy recipe that can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. We also have some freezer-friendly bar cookies and holiday cookies that will be perfect for your holiday planning.

When removing candy from the freezer, allow it to come to room temperature (about 2-3 hours) before opening or removing the wrapping. This will prevent moisture from collecting on the surface of the candy and causing white speckles or gray streaks.

Now that you know how to store your candy properly, follow our tips on how to make delicious fudge and homemade candies at home. Then you should definitely check out our favorite Christmas candy recipes for inspiration on what to include in the holiday spread this year.

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The Best Tips for Storing Homemade Candy from Our Test Kitchen Pros (2024)

FAQs

The Best Tips for Storing Homemade Candy from Our Test Kitchen Pros? ›

Most candies will keep 2 to 3 weeks (if not longer) if stored tightly covered in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. It's best to avoid storing different types of candy together in the same container because hard candies will become soft and sticky, and soft candies will dry out.

How to keep candy fresh longer? ›

Protect Candy in the Pantry.

While different types of candy have different storage requirements, the pantry is generally a safe place to stash sweets. Airtight storage in a cool place will ensure a longer shelf-life. Some treats may also be frozen.

How do you keep candy fresh in a jar? ›

Hard candies can last up to one year if they're stored in a cool, dry place away from humidity and heat. To keep hard candies from absorbing moisture from the air and other nearby treats, sprinkle them with finely ground sugar before stashing them in an airtight glass jar.

How long can you store homemade hard candy? ›

* Hard candy: Lollipops, roll candy and butterscotch candies can last up to a year when stored at room temperature or in cool, dry conditions. * Jellied candies: Upon opening the packaging and storing at room temperature, jellied candies can last six to nine months.

How long does candy stay good in the refrigerator? ›

Do they expire? “Yes, candy does expire, but the good news is that most types of candy are good to eat for six to 12 months,” says registered oncology dietician, Kaitlin Mckenzie.

How do you keep homemade candy fresh? ›

Most candies will keep 2 to 3 weeks (if not longer) if stored tightly covered in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. It's best to avoid storing different types of candy together in the same container because hard candies will become soft and sticky, and soft candies will dry out.

How do you store homemade candy? ›

To keep your homemade candy at its best, opt for room-temperature storage. Room temperature storage eliminates the risk of condensation, allowing your candy to stay as fresh as possible for longer.

How do you keep homemade candy from melting? ›

Double wrap poly bags or wax paper will give you better protection. Kitchens can be hot and humid, therefore, make sure the air conditioning is on, or utilize a fan to blow cooler air over the cooking area. Do not try to cool your candy in the refrigerator. Do not store hard candy in the refrigerator.

How do you preserve homemade sweets? ›

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of Indian sweets: Use airtight containers: Place the sweets in airtight containers to prevent moisture and air from affecting their quality.

How do you keep homemade candy from sticking together? ›

Toss in a small amount of powdered sugar to keep from sticking together. Repeat with the second pan of candy.

What makes candy go bad? ›

Store your candy in a cool – room temp or slightly less – and dry place. If it contains nuts or chocolate, it'll expire faster. If not, the less moisture and fat that type of candy has, the longer it will last. Upper end on lifespan for the most persevering candies is two years, but most are about 6 months.

What candy does not expire? ›

Hard candies essentially have an indefinite shelf life, provided they are stored properly. Items like lollipops, Jolly Ranchers, and other individually wrapped candies do best without exposure to moisture.

Can you eat candy 2 years out of date? ›

So even if your candy is a few months (or even years) past its expiration date, it's still usually safe to eat. Of course, if the candy doesn't look or smell right, it's probably best to not eat it on the side of caution and throw it out.

Can I eat candy from 2 years ago? ›

Hard candy - hard candies can last up to a year when stored at room temperature or in a cool, dry location. Jellied candies - if the packaging has been opened, soft candies should be stored away from heat and light at room temperature of about 70 degrees. Stored in this manner, the candy should last 6-9 months.

How do you know if candy went bad? ›

She and professor of food science Fadi Aramouni suggest that if a candy appears extremely sticky or has a grainy texture, then it has most likely expired due to temperature changes and the crystallization of sugar.

Does freezing candy make it last longer? ›

Hard candy and gummies are similar: Keep them in a cool, dry place and they will last about a year. That could be anything from a cool room-temperature cupboard to a freezer, so freeze them if you want to be sure they can survive the year.

How long does candy stay fresh? ›

Store your candy in a cool – room temp or slightly less – and dry place. If it contains nuts or chocolate, it'll expire faster. If not, the less moisture and fat that type of candy has, the longer it will last. Upper end on lifespan for the most persevering candies is two years, but most are about 6 months.

How long does candy last before going bad? ›

Hard candy - hard candies can last up to a year when stored at room temperature or in a cool, dry location. Jellied candies - if the packaging has been opened, soft candies should be stored away from heat and light at room temperature of about 70 degrees. Stored in this manner, the candy should last 6-9 months.

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