Get ready to experience a nostalgic blast from the past with a fresh twist: Pop Rocks Bubble Gum! This playful homemade candy explodes with sweet, fruity flavor and that iconic, crackling pop, making it the ultimate treat to surprise your friends, delight your kids, or simply indulge in some pure, fizzy fun. Whether you love the science of kitchen experiments or just want to relive a bit of your childhood, making Pop Rocks Bubble Gum is mouthwatering, hands-on entertainment—one bite, and you’ll see why this recipe is as magical as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Sugar Mixture:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon citric acid
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon powdered gum base
- 1/2 teaspoon flavoring extract (like watermelon or strawberry)
- 1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons Pop Rocks (any flavor)
- Food coloring (optional)
How to Make Pop Rocks Bubble Gum
Step 1: Make the Candy Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat. Stir patiently until all the sugar dissolves, then set down your spoon and let the mixture come to a boil undisturbed. It’s important to resist the urge to stir now so the syrup can heat evenly and achieve just the right texture.
Step 2: Reach the Soft Crack Stage
Clip a candy thermometer to the saucepan and carefully watch the temperature climb. Your magic number is 280°F—this is the soft crack stage, where the syrup is just firm enough to create that signature gum base but won’t harden like brittle. Patience pays off here!
Step 3: Add Acids and Bases for Fizz
Remove the pan from heat as soon as it hits 280°F. Immediately stir in the citric acid and baking soda: swoosh! The mixture will puff and foam beautifully, a little edible science experiment happening right before your eyes. This step builds an airy, light bite and adds subtle tang.
Step 4: Build Your Gum Base
Now, work quickly! Stir in the powdered gum base and your chosen flavoring extract. If you want playful color, add a few drops of food coloring. Everything should blend into a sticky, stretchy mass. Let it cool for a couple of minutes until it’s still pliable but no longer scorching hot.
Step 5: Knead and Incorporate Pop Rocks
Dust a clean surface with powdered sugar and carefully turn the mixture out. Dust your hands, too! Gently knead until the mixture is smooth and supple. Flatten it out, then sprinkle those joyful Pop Rocks across the surface—fold and knead just a few times to trap plenty of pops inside without crushing them completely. Cut the slab into bite-sized pieces and let them cool completely. Voila: Pop Rocks Bubble Gum is ready to delight!
How to Serve Pop Rocks Bubble Gum
Garnishes
For a playful finish, roll each gum piece in a little extra powdered sugar or sprinkle with a few more Pop Rocks right before serving. This adds sparkle and guarantees even more popping delight with every bite!
Side Dishes
Pop Rocks Bubble Gum is the star, but it also pairs adorably with mini fruit skewers, tangy lemonade, or even a simple bowl of fresh strawberries. Put together a candy-themed snack plate for maximum smiles at kids’ parties or family get-togethers.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap each piece in colorful wax paper, or tuck them into tiny boxes or clear bags for gift favors. For a birthday party, scatter gum pieces atop cupcakes or arrange them in a candy jar—the vivid color and fizzy surprise make Pop Rocks Bubble Gum a conversation-starting centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop Rocks Bubble Gum keeps best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure the pieces are cooled and separated by parchment paper if you’re stacking them, so they don’t stick together. The popping effect will last longest if you keep them away from humidity!
Freezing
While it’s technically possible to freeze Pop Rocks Bubble Gum, it’s not recommended. The cold can mess with the popping magic in the candy and might make the texture a bit too hard when you thaw it. To experience the best bubbly fun, stick to storing at room temperature.
Reheating
This isn’t a recipe that benefits from reheating, since warmth can melt the gum and cause the Pop Rocks to lose their fizziness. If your gum pieces get a little firm, you can massage them gently with your fingers to soften them just before chewing.
FAQs
Can I use any flavor of Pop Rocks for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pick your favorite Pop Rocks flavor, whether it’s classic strawberry, watermelon, or something wild like blue raspberry. Each one brings a different personality (and color pop) to your homemade Pop Rocks Bubble Gum.
Is it safe for kids to make Pop Rocks Bubble Gum?
Kids can definitely help with kneading and sprinkling Pop Rocks, but the hot syrup stage should always be handled by an adult. The sugar mixture gets extremely hot, so a careful approach keeps everyone safe and happy!
What’s the best way to keep the Pop Rocks from melting during mixing?
Make sure the gum base is just cool enough to handle but still pliable—adding Pop Rocks too soon can dissolve them, losing the popping fun. Fold them in quickly and don’t overwork the dough to preserve maximum fizz.
Can I double the recipe?
You can double the batch, but make sure you have enough hands to knead everything quickly! Larger batches cool rapidly, so enlist a helper if needed and work in smaller portions for the best results.
How long does Pop Rocks Bubble Gum stay fresh?
Stored airtight at room temperature, your homemade bubble gum should stay chewy and popping for about a week. If humidity is high, try eating it sooner to catch the best snap and sizzle.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about Pop Rocks Bubble Gum—the way it pops, fizzes, and puts a huge, silly grin on everyone’s face. If you’ve never tried making your own gum before, trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again. Dive in and enjoy the playful magic—your kitchen is about to become everyone’s favorite candy shop!
Print
Pop Rocks Bubble Gum Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 20 small pieces
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the nostalgic fun of Pop Rocks in a homemade bubble gum form with this easy recipe. A sweet and popping treat that will delight both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
Sugar Mixture:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon citric acid
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon powdered gum base
- 1/2 teaspoon flavoring extract (like watermelon or strawberry)
- 1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons Pop Rocks (any flavor)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Sugar Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat until sugar dissolves, then bring to 280°F. Remove from heat.
- Final Steps: Add citric acid, baking soda, gum base, flavoring extract, and coloring. Cool slightly, knead on powdered surface, add Pop Rocks, fold, cut, and cool.
Notes
- Handle the hot sugar mixture with care.
- Avoid overmixing after adding Pop Rocks.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
