8 Best-Selling Confectionary Books Millions Love

Discover best-selling Confectionary Books authored by leading experts, offering proven techniques and recipes loved by candy enthusiasts worldwide.

Updated on June 28, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in the sweet world of confectionary. Millions have turned to expertly crafted guides to master candy making, a craft that blends tradition with creativity. From handmade chocolates to vegetable-based sweets, these books show why confectionary continues to captivate and inspire home cooks and professionals alike.

These 8 best-selling Confectionary books come from authors whose expertise spans decades and continents. Whether it's Adi Endevelt's authentic recipes or Ewald Notter's award-winning chocolate artistry, these works offer insights grounded in deep experience and practical skill. Their influence reaches kitchens worldwide, shaping how confectionary is learned and enjoyed.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Confectionary needs might consider creating a personalized Confectionary book that combines these validated approaches. This allows for a customized journey through candy making that fits your unique background and goals.

Best for authentic homemade chocolates
Adi Endevelt is a specialist in traditional handmade confectionary who develops candy recipes, leads workshops, and consults for candy manufacturers. Her candies are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients using time-honored methods, and her cookbook is widely available in Israel and now in the US. This background gives her a unique voice and practical expertise, making her book a valuable guide for those who want to craft authentic, gluten-free, and kosher chocolates at home.
Handmade Chocolate book cover

by Adi Endevelt··You?

2018·56 pages·Confectionary, Candy Recipes, Chocolate Making, Traditional Methods, Gluten-Free

When Adi Endevelt first discovered the art of handmade candies in a boutique English factory, she was inspired to unlock the craft herself, as the confectioner guarded his secrets closely. In this book, you learn to create a variety of traditional chocolates with unique textures and flavors, all free of gluten, preservatives, and artificial additives. The 25 recipes range from simple to intricate, offering you a chance to experiment and even bring children into the kitchen. This is ideal for anyone eager to explore authentic candy-making without attending workshops or needing specialized equipment.

View on Amazon
Best for mastering classic candy basics
Making Homemade Candy by Glenn Andrews taps into a long-standing fascination with crafting your own sweets at home. Published by Storey Communications, this bulletin delivers clear, accessible guidance on candy making that appeals to both rural and urban enthusiasts alike. Its practical approach reflects Storey’s commitment to empowering readers with country living skills, focusing here on the art of confectionary. Whether you want to master caramel or fudge, this book addresses the common desire for self-reliance in the kitchen, offering a reliable foundation for anyone looking to create homemade candies with ease.
1989·32 pages·Confectionary, Candy Making, Sugar Techniques, Boiling Methods, Flavoring

Glenn Andrews approaches candy making with a straightforward, hands-on style rooted in the enduring appeal of traditional skills. This concise guide offers clear instructions for crafting a variety of homemade candies, focusing on techniques that anyone can master without specialized equipment. You’ll find practical chapters that demystify sugar work, helping you understand the basics of boiling, cooling, and flavoring candies like caramels and fudge. Ideal for anyone eager to reconnect with classic confectionary crafts, this book suits both beginners and those wanting to revisit nostalgic, homemade treats with confidence.

View on Amazon
Best for custom candy techniques
This AI-created book on candy making is tailored to your unique background and skill level. By sharing what you want to focus on and your experience, you receive a book that matches your interests and goals. Unlike one-size-fits-all guides, this personalized confectionary book hones in on the techniques and recipes that matter most to you. It helps you progress efficiently while keeping the joy of candy making alive.
2025·50-300 pages·Confectionary, Confectionary Basics, Candy Chemistry, Sugar Handling, Chocolate Tempering

This tailored confectionary guide explores the art and science of candy making with a unique focus on your individual interests and experience. It reveals expert techniques for crafting a variety of sweets, from classic chocolates to innovative confections. By matching your background and goals, this personalized book navigates essential skills like sugar temperature control, flavor balancing, and texture mastery, all tailored to suit your learning preferences. The approach encourages hands-on discovery and deep understanding of candy chemistry, enabling you to create treats that delight and impress. This book combines widely validated knowledge with a custom path that ensures your confectionary journey is both engaging and rewarding.

Tailored Guide
Candy Chemistry Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for elegant home candy makers
Carole Bloom, CCP, brings decades of pastry and confectionery expertise from Europe and renowned kitchens to this book, reflecting her passion for teaching confectionery arts. Author of seven cookbooks and featured in leading culinary magazines and television, Bloom channels her experience into clear, precise instruction and a wealth of recipes. Her background as a teacher and consultant ensures this volume offers practical guidance that helps you navigate complex candy making with confidence and creativity.
1992·202 pages·Confectionary, Candy Making, Chocolate Techniques, Caramel Recipes, Truffle Crafting

Carole Bloom, with extensive training in European pastry and confectionery arts, invites you into the intricate world of candy making with this richly detailed guide. The book meticulously covers everything from the essentials like ingredients and tools to complex techniques such as tempering chocolate and crafting delicate caramels. You'll find over 180 recipes ranging from traditional nut brittles to inventive truffles, encouraging both beginners and seasoned confectioners to refine their skills and experiment with flavors. For example, the chapters on caramel variations and fudge recipes offer precise instructions that demystify these often-challenging treats. If you’re passionate about creating elegant candies at home and want a resource that balances technical instruction with inspiring variety, this book will be a dependable companion.

View on Amazon
Best for refining candy crafting skills
Ruth A. Kendrick is a renowned expert in confectionery and candy making, known for her extensive knowledge and experience in the field. Along with co-author Pauline H. Atkinson, Kendrick has contributed significantly to the art of candy making, providing readers with valuable insights and techniques. Their collaborative work has been a staple in culinary education, helping both beginners and seasoned professionals refine their skills in creating delicious confections.
Candymaking book cover

by Ruth A. Kendrick, Pauline H. Atkinson··You?

1987·160 pages·Confectionary, Candy Making, Fondants, Truffles, Fudges

The methods Ruth A. Kendrick developed while mastering confectionery techniques come alive in this detailed guide that goes beyond mere recipes. You’ll learn precise skills for crafting everything from fudges and truffles to brittles and molded candies, complete with explanations of texture and temperature control that matter for success. The book’s approachable style benefits both beginners looking to build confidence and experienced cooks seeking to refine their candy-making craft. For example, chapters on fondants and divinity clarify often-misunderstood processes, giving you practical insights into challenging candy types. While it doesn’t promise shortcuts, it delivers a solid foundation in candy artistry you can trust.

View on Amazon
Best for innovative vegetable-based sweets
Candy-Making Revolutionized Confectionery From Vegetables stands out in the confectionary field by offering a unique approach that leverages vegetables as primary ingredients for sweets. This classic reprint captures Mary Elizabeth Hall's vision of transforming ordinary produce into extraordinary candies, a concept that has intrigued and inspired many. Its methodical yet accessible framework appeals to both amateur cooks and manufacturers interested in expanding their confectionary horizons. The book addresses a practical need for innovation in candy-making, making it a noteworthy reference for those eager to explore alternative ingredients and techniques in their culinary pursuits.
2018·192 pages·Confectionary, Candy Making, Vegetable-Based Sweets, Recipe Development, Sustainable Cooking

Mary Elizabeth Hall challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding candy-making by introducing the innovative concept of creating confections from vegetables. Her approach rethinks the ingredients and techniques traditionally used, inviting you to explore a fresh perspective that blends simplicity with creativity. Through detailed explanations and recipes, you gain practical skills in transforming everyday vegetables into delightful sweets, expanding both your culinary repertoire and understanding of confectionary science. This book is especially useful if you're interested in novel confectionary methods or sustainable cooking practices, though it may feel niche to those seeking classic candy recipes.

View on Amazon
Best for daily skill building
This custom AI book on candy making is created after you share your background, skill level, and the specific confectionary topics you want to focus on. By tailoring daily lessons and recipes to your interests and goals, the book provides a clear path to mastering candy techniques quickly and enjoyably. Personalizing your candy-making journey makes learning more relevant and engaging, ensuring you build skills that truly fit your sweet ambitions.
2025·50-300 pages·Confectionary, Confectionary Basics, Sugar Techniques, Chocolate Tempering, Flavor Development

This tailored confectionary guide explores the essentials and nuances of candy making through a personalized 30-day journey designed to fit your background and goals. It covers foundational techniques like sugar boiling, chocolate tempering, and flavor blending, while gradually introducing advanced skills to develop confidence and creativity. By focusing on your specific interests, it matches classic and contemporary candy-making knowledge with your pace and preferences, revealing how to craft a variety of sweets ranging from traditional truffles to innovative vegetable-based confections. The book’s tailored approach ensures that you engage deeply with the art and science of confectionary, refining your skills with daily challenges and recipes that reflect proven practices millions appreciate. This focused experience turns complex processes into achievable milestones, empowering your sweet-making growth with clarity and enthusiasm.

Tailored Guide
Skill Progression
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for approachable chocolate artistry
The Art of Chocolate offers a rare blend of artistry and accessibility that makes the complex world of chocolate confectionary inviting for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Elaine Gonzalez, leveraging decades of teaching experience, designed an innovative approach that demystifies chocolate, allowing you to create dazzling desserts like Chocolate Swan Truffles and Enchanted Forest Torte with ease. This guide not only focuses on recipes but also on the techniques that elevate your creations, making it ideal for anyone eager to explore the rich possibilities in confectionary. Whether you seek to impress guests or refine your baking skills, this book stands as a valuable companion on your culinary journey.
1998·192 pages·Confectionary, Chocolate Cooking, Dessert Techniques, Chocolate Sculpting, Truffle Making

What started as a passion project for Elaine Gonzalez, a seasoned cooking teacher, became a gateway for novices eager to master chocolate artistry. The book breaks down complex chocolate techniques into approachable steps, enabling you to create everything from delicate truffles to elaborate chocolate sculptures without feeling overwhelmed. Chapters like those on Chocolate Swan Truffles and Enchanted Forest Torte illustrate how to blend creativity with precise technique. If you're someone who loves desserts and wants to elevate your confectionery skills, this book gives you the confidence and know-how to transform simple ingredients into visually stunning and delicious creations.

View on Amazon
Best for diverse candy identification
Anita Chu is a graduate of Tante Marie's Professional Pastry program and a former baker at Bittersweet Chocolate Cafe. Her acclaimed first book, Field Guide to Cookies, earned praise from notable outlets including the New York Times and Slate. With this book, she brings her pastry expertise and passion to candy, offering you a richly illustrated, detailed roadmap to making and identifying an extraordinary range of confections. Her background ensures that you’re guided by a professional who understands both technique and flavor, making this guide a trustworthy companion for your candy-making journey.
2009·352 pages·Confectionary, Candy Making, Chocolate Techniques, Sugar Crafting, Recipe Variations

Anita Chu's culinary expertise shines through in this extensive guide that demystifies candy-making with clarity and enthusiasm. You learn not only how to craft over 100 varieties ranging from classic caramel apples to intricate French pralines but also gain insights into each candy’s history and ideal serving suggestions. Detailed photography and baking notes make the techniques accessible whether you’re experimenting with peanut-butter cups or Turkish delight. This book is tailored for both novices eager to try candy-making and experienced pastry chefs seeking inspiration beyond the usual sweets. Its approachable style allows you to build confidence and explore confectionary art with precision and joy.

View on Amazon
Best for advanced chocolate showpieces
Ewald Notter brings over thirty-five years of expertise as a pastry master and founder of the Notter School of Pastry Arts. Having earned distinctions like Pastry Chef of the Year and gold medals in international competitions, his deep experience informs this guide. His role as the first pastry professional inducted into the Pastry Art and Design Hall of Fame underscores the authority behind the book. Driven to share his refined skills and competition insights, Notter offers you a comprehensive resource to elevate your chocolate work, from basics to stunning showpieces.
2011·416 pages·Confectionary, Chocolate Making, Pastry Techniques, Showpiece Design, Ganache Preparation

Ewald Notter's decades of pastry mastery led to this detailed exploration of chocolate artistry, blending fundamental techniques with high-level showpiece creation. You'll learn the intricacies of tempering, ganache, and mold usage alongside competition-level design principles, such as crafting large-scale chocolate sculptures. The book suits pastry students eager to refine their skills, working professionals seeking advanced knowledge, and dedicated home confectioners ready to elevate their craft. With clear, step-by-step photos and chapters like "Creating a Competition Piece," it offers both inspiration and technical depth without fluff or oversell.

View on Amazon

Popular Confectionary Methods, Personalized

Get proven candy-making techniques tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Proven candy strategies
Customized recipe plans
Efficient learning path

Loved by thousands of confectionary enthusiasts worldwide

Confectionary Mastery Blueprint
30-Day Sweet Success System
Confectionary Foundations Code
Sweet Creation Secrets

Conclusion

Across these 8 best-selling confectionary books, several themes shine through: a respect for tradition, a passion for precise technique, and a willingness to explore new flavors and methods. Whether you prefer classic recipes or inventive twists, these works provide a solid foundation and inspiration.

If you prefer proven methods, start with "Making Homemade Candy" and "Handmade Chocolate" for foundational skills. For validated approaches that push boundaries, combine "Candy-Making Revolutionized Confectionery From Vegetables" with "The Art of the Chocolatier" to elevate your craft.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Confectionary book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in mastering the delicious art of confectionary.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Making Homemade Candy" for straightforward candy basics, or "Handmade Chocolate" if you're drawn to authentic chocolate crafting. Both offer clear instructions that build confidence for beginners.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Confectionary?

No, many, like Glenn Andrews' and Adi Endevelt's books, are beginner-friendly. They focus on foundational skills and step-by-step guidance, perfect for newcomers eager to learn.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides such as "Making Homemade Candy" and "Handmade Chocolate," then explore more specialized books like "Truffles, Candies, and Confections" and "The Art of the Chocolatier" as skills grow.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick one that matches your interests; for example, choose "The Art of Chocolate" for chocolate-focused recipes or "Field Guide to Candy" for variety. Each book offers valuable but distinct perspectives.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"The Art of the Chocolatier" leans toward advanced techniques and theory behind showpieces, while "Making Homemade Candy" emphasizes practical, hands-on candy making for everyday cooks.

Can I get tailored confectionary guidance instead of reading multiple books?

Yes! While these expert books offer great insights, you can create a personalized Confectionary book that combines popular methods with your unique goals for a focused, efficient learning experience.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!