Description

This Homemade Pop Rocks recipe teaches you how to create your own popping candy at home with simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and baking soda. The candy syrup is boiled to the hard-crack stage, then combined with citric acid to create the signature fizz and popping sensation. Flavor extracts and food coloring can be added for a fun twist. Perfect for candy lovers, this treat is a fun kitchen experiment that delivers nostalgic, crackling excitement with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Candy Base

2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water

Fizz and Flavor

1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp citric acid (for the pop)
Flavoring extracts (optional, like strawberry or raspberry)
Food coloring (optional)

For Preparation

Cornstarch (for dusting)

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Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust it with cornstarch to prevent sticking and to help the candy cool properly.
Make the Candy Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves to ensure a smooth syrup.
Boil the Mixture: Attach a candy thermometer and stop stirring once the mixture starts to boil. Continue boiling until the temperature reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage), which is essential for the candy to harden correctly and develop the right texture.
Add Baking Soda and Citric Acid: Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in baking soda and citric acid. The mixture will bubble and foam vigorously, creating air pockets that give the candy its characteristic popping effect.
Add Flavor and Color: Stir in a few drops of your preferred flavor extract and food coloring, if using, to customize the taste and appearance of your Pop Rocks.
Pour and Cool: Pour the bubbling candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly. Let it cool completely and harden for about 30 minutes.
Break It Up: Once cooled, break the hardened candy into small, bite-sized pieces with a mallet or rolling pin, ready for popping fun.
Store and Enjoy: Store your homemade Pop Rocks in an airtight container to preserve the fizz. Enjoy the crackling sensation anytime!

Notes

Be very careful when working with hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.
Make sure to add baking soda and citric acid quickly after removing from heat to capture the fizz.
Using a candy thermometer ensures you hit the perfect hard-crack stage for the best texture.
Store Pop Rocks in a completely airtight container to maintain their popping effect.
You can experiment with different flavor extracts for unique taste variations.