Sep 16th 2024
Is Sponge Candy A Buffalo Thing?
Is sponge candy a Buffalo thing? Depends on who you ask!
There is no specific time or place that states where sponge candy was first documented, but according to the accepted history of this delicious treat, sponge candy originated in Buffalo, New York sometime in the 1940’s.
We have heard, since then it is made in many other regions around the world, but the affiliation with Buffalo is quite strong and undeniable.
We’ve even heard sponge candy referred to as a number of different names! Depending on where you are in the world it may be called hokey pokey, angel food candy, seafoam candy, cinder toffee, honeycomb, but right here in Buffalo, New York, we call it Sponge Candy.
Regardless of its name or place of origin, the appeal of sponge candy lies in this delightful combination of textures and flavors that create a memorable experience. It can be described as a confectionary that features a unique texture characterized by its light airy, porous structure. It’s all made by combining a few simple ingredients to create a distinct appearance and feeling in your mouth.
The primary ingredients in sponge candy typically include sugar, corn syrup, and baking soda. The result is a confection that's crispy, crunchy, and slightly sticky on the inside, covered with two layers of smooth creamy chocolate on the outside. The name "sponge candy" comes from its resemblance to a natural sea sponge due to its porous and honeycomb-like structure.
You can see the general process of how we make sponge candy by visiting our factory for self-guided tours or grab a sneak peek here:
In addition to where it originated from, we often get the question, what does it taste like? This is the million-dollar question! It’s one of those things that is hard to explain, and you just have to try it.
At Platter’s Chocolate Factory, we describe our award-winning sponge candy as crispy, tender chunks of caramelized spun sugar drenched in our wonderfully creamy chocolate. We offer this in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and orange chocolate. We also offer a peanut butter sponge candy that is first covered in creamy peanut butter and a second coat of milk or dark chocolate. This one is a fan favorite of peanut butter lovers!
So, while the unknown story of the birth of sponge candy will remain, this Queen City confection is no doubt, a Western NY tradition! Some may even call Buffalo, The Sponge Candy Capital of the World!
Heidi J. Urban
Lover of all things chocolate and Buffalo’s biggest fan!
Platter’s Chocolate Factory
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