Working with isomalt is easy with our microwave method!
You might be wondering, what is isomalt? Isomalt is a sugar derived from beets that is used to make hard candy that is clear in color, like glass. Making hard candy with regular granulated sugar will result in hard candy that has a yellow tint to it.
Isomalt is ideal for making elaborate glass like cake decor such as isomalt sails, ice shards, crystals, and more!
Isomalt microwave method
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Skill Level
Intermediate
Easy to make microwave isomalt recipe
Ingredients
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1 Cup Isomalt Crystals
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Food Coloring: Gel, Paste or Powder
2 Cup Pyrex Measuring Cup
Plastic Wrap
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Silicone spoon spatula (wood will contaminate the isomalt)
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Hard candy thermometer
Tools
Directions
Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (after the isomalt is melted in the microwave, you'll put the melted isomalt in the oven to help release air bubbles).
To begin melting isomalt: Place one cup of isomalt crystals in a 2 cup oven-safe measuring cup, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 3 minutes at full power.
Remove from microwave. Using an oven mitt, remove the plastic wrap (be very careful as steam will escape and can burn you).
Swirl the melted isomalt to cover the granules that are not yet melted.
Cover with a new piece of plastic wrap and microwave for 1 minute, again remove the plastic wrap carefully using an oven mitt and swirl the melted isomalt until all the crystals are dissolved.
Place back in the microwave uncovered for 30 seconds. At this point, all crystals should be melted. Using a thermometer check the temperature it should read 335 – 338 degrees F, if not return to microwave for an additional 30 seconds.
If adding color and flavoring wait until the isomalt temperature lowers to 310 degrees.
Add food coloring (the mixture will start to bubble), stir slowly keeping the food coloring at the top of the isomalt mixture to allow the water in the food coloring to evaporate. Once the food coloring and isomalt stop bubbling you can then stir to incorporate the food coloring throughout the mixture.
Place in preheated oven (275 degrees) for 15 minutes to rest, this will help to clear all bubbles.
Recipe Note
Melted isomalt is very hot and can cause severe burns please be very careful when working with it. Have oven mitts and potholders handy to remove from the microwave and for when you pour the hot liquid. You may also want a bowl of ice and water near your work area so if you do receive a burn you can immerse the area in it to stop the sugar from burning.
Cooking times will depend on the wattage of the microwave you use. This recipe was developed with a 1000 watt microwave on full power. If using a smaller or larger microwave, increase or decrease the times in the second half of cooking. Also, the size of the measuring cup will also determine the cooking time, a larger measuring cup will spread the isomalt out and increase the cooking time.
You can make a larger batch using this recipe but the cooking times will increase.