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Homemade Pop Rocks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Candy
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Homemade Pop Rocks recipe lets you create your own fizzy, crackling candy right in your kitchen. Combining basic candy-making techniques with the addition of baking soda and citric acid, this treat mimics the signature popping sensation of commercial Pop Rocks. Customize with your favorite flavors and colors for a fun, nostalgic snack that’s perfect for parties or a unique candy experiment.

Ingredients

Pop Rocks Candy Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp citric acid (for the pop)
  • Flavoring extracts (optional, such as strawberry or raspberry)
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Cornstarch (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Workspace: Clear your working area to have enough space for candy making and cooling. This will help maintain safety and organization during the process.
  2. Line Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust it with cornstarch. This prevents the candy from sticking as it cools and hardens.
  3. Make the Candy Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently just until the sugar dissolves completely. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan, and stop stirring once the mixture begins to boil to avoid crystallization.
  4. Boil the Mixture: Allow the mixture to boil undisturbed until it reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage) on the candy thermometer. This temperature ensures the candy will harden properly to create the crunchy texture.
  5. Add Baking Soda and Citric Acid: Remove the syrup from heat and rapidly stir in the baking soda and citric acid. The mixture will bubble and foam vigorously, which is essential for creating the characteristic popping bubbles inside the candy.
  6. Add Flavor and Color: Quickly mix in a few drops of your preferred flavor extract and food coloring if desired, distributing them evenly before the mixture sets.
  7. Pour and Cool: Immediately pour the hot bubbling mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Leave it untouched for about 30 minutes to cool completely and harden into solid candy.
  8. Break It Up: Once cooled, use a mallet or rolling pin to gently break the hardened candy into small pieces. These are your homemade Pop Rocks with their signature crackling effect.
  9. Store and Enjoy: Store the Pop Rocks in an airtight container to preserve their fizz and popping sensation. Enjoy this unique homemade treat whenever you like!

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to achieve the perfect hard-crack stage.
  • Adding baking soda and citric acid creates carbon dioxide bubbles that cause the popping sensation.
  • Work quickly after adding baking soda and citric acid as the reaction starts immediately and sets fast.
  • Store Pop Rocks in airtight containers to maintain their popping quality; moisture can ruin the fizz.
  • Experiment with different natural flavor extracts and food coloring to customize your candy.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/homemade-pop-rocks-recipe/