Peppermint Candy Cane Bundt Cake Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (2024)

FAQs

Is candy cane and peppermint the same thing? ›

Candy canes get their distinctive taste from the oil secreted under the leaves of Mentha × piperita, the bright green herbaceous perennial herb known as peppermint. Peppermint, a cross between spearmint and wintermint, is America's most popular mint flavor.

Just a Coincidence? Peppermint and winter may actually just be…a cultural phenomenon. In his research of peppermint candy, Berley found that before AC existed, hard candies could only be successfully made in the winter. Summer heat would ruin the texture of the candy, so hard candies were a wintertime treat.

The peppermint plant is a hybrid species as it is a cross between water mint and spearmint. Most mint farmers are from the pacific northwest side of the country. These mint farmers work hard year round to be sure you can enjoy your tasty candy canes every holiday season.

To give the candy flavor and color, wintergreen or peppermint oils are added. Other natural flavors obtained from fruits, berries, honey, molasses, and maple sugar have also been used in candy cane production. Artificial flavors have also been added to improve taste.

We say "candy cane" only because we don't have this tradition in the UK and so the word is a direct import with no competing word to worry about.

A record of the 1837 exhibition of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, where confections were judged competitively, mentions "stick candy". A recipe for straight peppermint candy sticks, white with colored stripes, was published in The Complete Confectioner, Pastry-Cook, and Baker, in 1844.

Menthol and methyl salicylate, the main ingredients in peppermint, have antispasmodic effects, with calming effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Several studies support the use of peppermint for indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome.

In 1847, he made a candy to symbolize Christ. The cane's "J" shape stands for Jesus; when turned upside-down, it becomes a shepherd's staff. The white color signifies purity; the red represents Christ's blood, shed for the world's sins, and three red stripes symbolize the trinity.

Cane: Is like the staff used by the shepherds in caring for sheep. Jesus is our “Good Shepherd.” The Color Red: Is for God's love that sent Jesus to give his life for us on the cross. The Stripes: Remind us of Jesus' suffering-his crown of thorns, the wounds in his hands and feet; and the cross on which he died.

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A supply chain problem that affected the candy cane industry in 2021 hasn't been completely remedied.

Do candy canes attract ants? ›

All types of sugar and sweets will attract ants that are sure to attract other unwanted pests such as scorpions. Candy in the home can also attract roaches and other pests if not stored properly.

This is what's in the average candy cane... Ingredients: SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, PEPPERMINT OIL, RED 40, RED 40 LAKE.

Candy Cane Reindeers

Use a pair of candy canes to make each of these reindeers, perfect as gifts, favors, or even ornaments. Wrap brown pipe cleaners to join the canes, and add googly eyes plus a small red pompom for a nose. This project is also great fine motor practice for little crafters.

If you are out of peppermint extract and still want the flavoring, you could crush up some peppermint candy canes and add them to your recipe. You could also pulverize them in a mini food processor. You could crush up peppermint leaves and soak them in some good quality vodka or grain alcohol and make your own.

The first mention (at least in the United States) of peppermint flavoured sugar sticks also appeared in the 19th century. A cookbook written in 1844 and titled The Complete Confectioner, Pastry-cook and Baker included instructions on how to make peppermint candy sticks.

Peppermint oil and extracts, primarily the essential oil menthol, are used to flavor candy canes. Menthol is an alcohol known for its waxy, crystalline appearance and is responsible for the cooling sensation of mint.

Peppermint Today

The menthol in peppermint oil lends the cooling sensation desired in cigars and cigarettes, as well as chewing tobacco. Candy canes and other popular holiday candies typically contain peppermint as well.