Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Popcorn Bombs – A Magical & Fun Treat!

If you’re looking for a show-stopping party snack, these Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Popcorn Bombs are it! Crunchy, sweet, and coated in vibrant neon candy, these popcorn treats glow under black light, making them perfect for Halloween, glow parties, or movie nights with a twist.

this RECIPE FOR LATER

The secret to their glowing effect? A little tonic water or vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which naturally fluoresces under UV light. Not only do these popcorn bombs look incredible, but they’re also easy to make and super fun to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique & Fun! – The glowing effect makes these popcorn bombs a party favorite.
• Crunchy & Sweet – A delicious mix of buttery, candy-coated popcorn.
• Easy to Customize – Use different neon food colors to match your party theme!
• Great for Parties – Perfect for Halloween, birthdays, or glow-in-the-dark events.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 cups popped popcorn
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon tonic water (for glow effect)
• Neon food coloring (yellow, green, blue, or pink)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

How to Make Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Popcorn Bombs

Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn

1. Pop the popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels.
2. Place in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

💡 Tip: Use plain, air-popped popcorn for the best results. Buttered popcorn may prevent the candy coating from sticking properly.

Step 2: Make the Candy Coatin

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine corn syrup, sugar, butter, and salt. Stir continuously.
2. Bring to a gentle boil and let cook for about 3 minutes, until the mixture reaches 230°F (soft-ball stage).
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, tonic water (for the glow), and baking soda.
4. Quickly divide the mixture into separate bowls and add neon food coloring to each.

💡 Tip: Tonic water gives a blue glow, but for other colors, add neon food dyes for a more vibrant effect.

Step 3: Coat the Popcorn

1. Pour the colored candy mixture over the popcorn and stir quickly to coat evenly.
2. Shape into popcorn bombs by pressing small handfuls into balls while still warm.
3. Place on parchment paper to cool completely.

💡 Tip: Lightly grease your hands with butter or oil to prevent sticking when forming the popcorn balls.

Step 4: Serve & Watch It Glow!

• Arrange the popcorn bombs on a tray.
• Turn on a black light and watch them glow!
• Serve and enjoy the magical, glowing treat!

Helpful Tips for the Best Glow-in-the-Dark Popcorn Bomb

✔️ Use a candy thermometer – This ensures the sugar mixture reaches the right temperature for a crunchy coating.

✔️ Work fast! – Once the candy coating is ready, you need to mix and shape the popcorn balls quickly before it hardens.

✔️ For extra glow, use vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – Mixing crushed vitamin B2 tablets into the sugar syrup enhances the glow under black light.

✔️ Customize the colors – Use different neon food dyes to match party themes!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 popcorn bombs
• Category: Snack / Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Notes

• Tonic water contains quinine, which makes the popcorn glow under black light. Use just a little to avoid affecting the taste.
• For extra glow, crush and mix in vitamin B2 (riboflavin) tablets with the sugar syrup.
• Work quickly when coating the popcorn—the candy hardens fast.
• Use plain, air-popped popcorn for the best coating; buttered popcorn may not hold the candy well.
• Lightly grease your hands when shaping popcorn balls to prevent sticking.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storage:

• Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Avoid humidity, as it can make the popcorn sticky.

💡 Tip: For longer storage, individually wrap the popcorn balls in plastic wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the popcorn glow?

The tonic water (quinine) and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) naturally fluoresce under black light, creating the glow effect!

Does it taste different because of the tonic water?

No, the tonic water amount is very small and doesn’t affect the flavor.

Can I use microwave popcorn?

Yes, but plain, air-popped popcorn works best for even coating.

Can I make this without forming popcorn balls?

Absolutely! Simply spread the coated popcorn on a baking sheet and let it cool into clusters instead of balls.

Related Recipes

If you love fun, unique treats, try these next:

• Unicorn Popcorn – A Colorful, Sweet Treat
• Cotton Candy Popcorn – A Whimsical Dessert
• Caramel Popcorn Balls – A Classic Favorite

Final Thoughts

These Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Popcorn Bombs are the ultimate fun party snack! Whether you’re throwing a Halloween bash, glow party, or movie night, this unique treat is sure to impress. Try it out, turn on the black light, and enjoy the magical glow!

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