Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Popcorn Bombs Recipe

These Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Popcorn Bombs are a fun and spooky treat, perfect for Halloween or any glowing-themed party. The popcorn is coated in a sweet candy glaze that glows in the dark under UV light, making it an exciting snack for both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients

For the Popcorn:

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (to make about 6-8 cups of popped popcorn)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for popping)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

For the Candy Coating:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (helps brighten the glow)
• 1 tablespoon tonic water (glow-in-the-dark effect)
• 1/4 teaspoon green food coloring (for the glow color, optional)

For the Bombs:

• 1/4 cup candy melts (bright colors like green or neon)
• 1/4 cup edible glitter (optional for extra sparkle)
• 6-8 silicone molds (or muffin tins)

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Instructions

Step 1: Pop the Popcorn

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels to the pot.
2. Cover the pot and shake gently to ensure the kernels are evenly coated in the oil.
3. Let the popcorn pop, shaking the pot occasionally to prevent burning. Once the popping slows down, remove the pot from heat.
4. Pour the popped popcorn into a large bowl and lightly sprinkle with salt if desired. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Candy Coating

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the granulated sugar and corn syrup, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract, baking soda, lemon juice, and tonic water. Be careful, as it will bubble up.
5. Stir in the green food coloring if you want a glowing green color (optional).
6. Let the candy mixture cool for about 2 minutes before pouring it over the popcorn.

Step 3: Coat the Popcorn

1. Pour the warm candy mixture over the popcorn, making sure to coat all the kernels evenly. Use a spatula or spoon to gently toss the popcorn until fully coated.
2. Once the popcorn is coated, allow it to cool slightly before forming the bombs.

Step 4: Shape the Popcorn Bombs

1. Lightly spray the inside of silicone molds or muffin tins with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Spoon the candy-coated popcorn into each mold, pressing down gently to compact the popcorn into tight "bomb" shapes.
3. Let the popcorn bombs sit at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until they harden and hold their shape.

Step 5: Decorate the Bombs

1. Melt the candy melts in the microwave according to the package instructions. Dip a spoon or drizzle the melted candy over each popcorn bomb for a colorful and glossy finish.
2. Optionally, sprinkle the popcorn bombs with edible glitter to give them a magical, sparkly effect.

Step 6: Activate the Glow

1. To see the glow, place the popcorn bombs under UV light (blacklight). The tonic water in the candy coating will cause the popcorn bombs to glow in the dark, making them perfect for spooky parties or a glow-in-the-dark movie night.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the bombs are set, serve them as fun and glowing treats at your next event. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

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Tips for the Best Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Popcorn Bombs

• Use UV light: To get the full glowing effect, make sure you have access to UV or blacklight at your event. The tonic water reacts under UV light, causing the popcorn to glow.
• Tonic water glow: If you want to make a brighter glow, use more tonic water in the candy coating (but be cautious as too much liquid could affect the texture of the coating).
• Glittery fun: Adding edible glitter makes these popcorn bombs even more festive and fun, especially for special occasions.

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Storage

• Room temperature: Store your popcorn bombs in an airtight container for up to 1 week to keep them fresh.
• Avoid humidity: To prevent the candy coating from becoming sticky, keep the popcorn bombs in a cool, dry place.

Enjoy your Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Popcorn Bombs – a sweet and spooky treat that’s sure to impress at your next event! 🎃🍿💡