Description
This Pop Rocks Bubble Gum recipe combines the fun texture of popping candy with chewy homemade gum for a playful, nostalgic treat. Made from a sugary syrup blended with gum base and flavored with your choice of extract, this candy is perfect for kids and candy lovers alike. Incorporating Pop Rocks into the gum adds a unique popping sensation, making it an exciting DIY confectionery project.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon citric acid
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon powdered gum base
- 1/2 teaspoon flavoring extract (like watermelon or strawberry)
- food coloring (optional)
For Finishing
- 1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons Pop Rocks (any flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare Sugar Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves. Stop stirring once dissolved and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Heat to Soft Crack Stage: Attach a candy thermometer and heat the syrup until it reaches 280°F (soft crack stage). Be careful to maintain the temperature without burning the syrup.
- Add Acid and Leavening: Remove the pan from heat immediately. Stir in citric acid and baking soda quickly; the mixture will foam vigorously due to the reaction.
- Incorporate Gum Base and Flavoring: Quickly mix in powdered gum base and your chosen flavoring extract. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to customize the gum’s appearance.
- Cool the Mixture: Allow the hot mixture to cool on the stove for about 2 minutes until it’s cool enough to handle but remains pliable.
- Knead the Gum: Lightly dust a clean surface with powdered sugar. Turn the gum mixture onto this surface and carefully knead until smooth and elastic.
- Add Pop Rocks: Flatten the gum into a thin layer, sprinkle Pop Rocks evenly on top, and gently fold and knead a few times to incorporate the candy without crushing all the popping candy.
- Shape and Set: Cut the gum into bite-sized pieces. Let them cool completely at room temperature before wrapping or serving to preserve the popping texture.
Notes
- Work quickly when handling the hot sugar syrup to prevent burns and ensure texture integrity.
- Avoid overmixing after adding Pop Rocks to maintain their popping effect.
- Store the finished gum in an airtight container to keep it fresh and maintain popping sensation.
- Use powdered sugar to prevent sticking during kneading and shaping.
- Experiment with different flavor extracts and Pop Rocks flavors for unique variations.
