How to Make Sugar Glass

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If the wonders of rock candy have lost their charm, this guide will turn that sweet candy confection into a clear pane or stained-glass work of art.

Step 1: Combine ingredients
Combine the water, corn syrup, sugar, and cream of tartar in a large saucepan. Stir to combine them and heat them slowly over low heat.

Tip
If the heat is too high, the sugar mixture will caramelize and turn brown.

Step 2: Heat to hard-crack stage
Use a candy thermometer to bring the mixture up to the hard-crack stage -- around 290 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tip
Carefully mix in a few drops of food coloring to create a stained-glass appearance.

Step 3: Spray sheet pan
Spray a sheet pan liberally with a nonstick cooking spray or use a silicone mold if you have one.

Step 4: Pour the sugar mixture
Pour the mixture into the pan quickly and evenly as it will start to set as soon as it is removed from the heat -- be careful and avoid being burned.

Step 5: Shake the pan or mold
Shake and tip the pan to get even coverage and to level the mixture. Wait an hour for the candy mixture to cool completely.

Tip
Use a pin to pop any bubbles so the glass has a smoother and more convincing texture.

Step 6: Remove glass
Remove the sugar glass from the pan by dragging a hot knife along the edges and then prying it up. A silicone baking mat should fold back and release more easily.

Step 7: Refrigerate until ready
Refrigerate the sugar glass until it's ready to use. Enjoy your prop glass while it lasts.

Did You Know?
The first nuclear bomb test in New Mexico created a crater 800 yards across and melted the desert sand into a gray-green glass shell called trinitite.