Sweet and Fun! Squid Game-Inspired Dalgona Coffee Candy

Squid Game-Inspired Dalgon Coffe Candy

If you were hooked by the thrilling drama of Squid Game, you probably remember the tense and iconic dalgona candy challenge. Now, you can bring a piece of the show to your own kitchen with this simple recipe! This caramelized treat is easy to make, requires just three ingredients, and can double as a fun activity. Whether you want to test your skills with the shapes or just enjoy a nostalgic Korean street snack, this recipe is a great way to dive into the world of dalgona. 

What makes dalgona candy special is its light and airy texture, achieved by the magic of bicarbonate soda. When the sugar melts and turns golden, just a pinch of baking soda transforms it into a foamy, caramel-like delight that cools into crisp perfection. The key to success is timing—too little, and it won’t harden properly; too much, and it risks burning. But don’t worry! With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have sweet, golden discs of candy in no time. 

Not only is this dalgona candy a tasty treat, but it also makes for a fun DIY project. You can use cookie cutters to imprint shapes, just like in the show, and challenge friends or family to see who can break out their shape without cracking the candy. And if things don’t go as planned, don’t toss your caramel mishap! Add a little water and cook it down with diced apples for a quick, creative fix. Enjoy the sweetness, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Dalgona Coffee Candy

Prep Time: 1 minute| Cook Time: 7 minute | Total Time: 7 minute| Yield: 6pcs

Squid Game-Inspired Dalgona

Whether you want to test your skills with the shapes or just enjoy a nostalgic Korean street snack, this recipe is a great way to dive into the world of dalgona.

Ingredients:

1. 1/4 cup (55g/2oz) caster or superfine sugar
2. 2 pinches bicarbonate soda
3. Oil spray

Instructions:

1. Lightly spray a baking tray with oil spray. For easier candy shaping, use the tray upside down.
2. Prep your spatula, saucepan, and imprint cutters by spraying them lightly with oil too. This ensures the candy won’t stick.
3. Add sugar to a small heavy-based saucepan and set your heat to medium (around 6 out of 10).
4. Watch carefully as the edges of the sugar start to melt and caramelize.
5. Once this begins, reduce the heat to low (about 4 out of 10) and gently stir to ensure all the sugar melts evenly. This process takes about 3 minutes, and the sugar will reach approximately 160°C/320°F.
6. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately lower the stove to the lowest heat setting (around 2).
7. Stir in two pinches of baking soda until combined.
8. Place the pan back on the heat briefly to keep the mixture warm and easier to pour.
9. Pour the sugar mixture onto the prepped baking tray, creating 2-3 discs.
10. Wait about 5 seconds. Test readiness by gently tapping the surface with a spatula—if it sticks, wait a little longer. If not, it’s ready to shape!
11. Press down the discs with the oiled spatula, then use imprint cutters to make shapes. Don’t press all the way through—just enough to leave an imprint.
12. Let the candy cool completely before removing it.
13. Store the dalgona candy between parchment sheets in the fridge or freezer to keep it fresh.

Pro Tip for Cleanup Cleaning sticky pans and utensils can be a hassle. Save time by soaking them in hot water for a few minutes—it’ll loosen up any hardened sugar.

Bonus Idea
If your dalgona candy doesn’t turn out but isn’t burnt, don’t throw it away! Add a splash of water, toss in some diced apples, and cook for a quick caramel apple treat.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your Squid Game dalgona candy—whether it’s to play along with friends or just savor a sweet, crunchy treat. Enjoy!