Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Popcorn Bombs

Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Popcorn Bombs are a fun, spooky treat perfect for Halloween parties, sleepovers, or any glow-themed event. Here’s how to make them step by step!

🎇 Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Popcorn Bombs Recipe

🧪 What Makes Them Glow?

The secret is tonic water (contains quinine, which glows under black light) and edible glow-in-the-dark food coloring (or neon/UV-reactive colors).

🍿 Ingredients

• 10 cups plain popped popcorn (air-popped or lightly salted, no butter)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup light corn syrup

• ¼ cup tonic water (for glow effect)

• 1 tsp vinegar

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Neon food coloring (green, blue, or pink UV-reactive)

• Edible glitter or glow-in-the-dark sprinkles (optional)

• 2 tbsp butter (for coating hands or molds)

🛠️ Equipment

• Saucepan

• Candy thermometer

• Large mixing bowl

• Black light (for the glow effect!)

• Wax paper or silicone mat

• Gloves (optional for forming balls)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Pop the Popcorn:

   • Pop your popcorn and place it in a large mixing bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.

2. Make the Candy Coating:

   • In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, tonic water, vinegar, and salt.

   • Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.

   • Bring to a boil without stirring. Heat to 250°F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer.

3. Add Flavor and Color:

   • Remove from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and neon food coloring.

   • Optional: Add a few drops of edible glow-in-the-dark gel coloring or glitter.

4. Coat the Popcorn:

   • Immediately pour the hot syrup over the popcorn.

   • Use a spatula to mix and coat evenly.

5. Form the Bombs:

   • Let it cool slightly until it’s safe to touch but still pliable.

   • Grease your hands with butter and shape the popcorn into golf-ball to baseball-sized spheres.

   • Place on wax paper to set.

6. Set & Store:

   • Let popcorn bombs cool completely.

   • Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.

7. GLOW TIME!

   • Serve under a black light to make them glow like magic!

🌈 Tips & Variations

• Add mini marshmallows or crushed candy for texture.

• Use edible candy eyes for Halloween monster versions.

• Drizzle with neon-colored candy melts for extra pop.