4th of July desserts definitely need some firecracker pow! And thus, Pop Rocks marshmallows are the perfect 4th of July dessert.
An easy, last minute treat for your 4th of July that will add a bit o’ fireworks to your dessert table… Pop Rocks marshmallows!
Pop Rocks marshmallows
And in case there are any safety concerns, that story about Mikey from the Life commercials meeting his fateful end with a combination of Pop Rocks and soda, it’s an urban legend.
(Oh, you weren’t born in 1972 and have no idea what I’m talking about? Google “Mikey + Life cereal + Pop Rocks.”)
marshmallows and sprinkles
While I usually add my sparkle to marshmallows by dipping in water first (see these Skittles marshmallows or these sprinkled marshmallows for New Year’s or these rainbow marshmallows), that didn’t work with Pop Rocks, because the water made the candy a bit of a melted mess.
So instead, I made the marshmallows sticky with a thin smear of light corn syrup.
And if you want to tell you’re guests these are sprinkles and let them be surprised by the explosions, I won’t judge.
For more Pop Rocks 4th of July dessert ideas, check out the shooters and star cookies.
how to make Pop Rocks 4th of July marshmallow pops
you will need:*
- marshmallows
- straws or lollipop sticks
- light corn syrup
- paint brush
- Pop Rocks
- Styrofoam block or wax paper
*I found the paper straws in a super cool shop by me, and you may find them in super cool shops near you. If you can’t find them before the 4th, just use lollipop sticks from the craft store. My supermarket didn’t have Pop Rocks (?), but I got some at the craft store. I just ordered more Pop Rocks in bulk from Oriental Trading, since a little pack is kind of pricey.
what to do:
Skewer a marshmallow with a straw or stick.
Paint a thin layer of light corn syrup around the outside of the marshmallow.
Sprinkle Pop Rocks over the painted area (I sprinkled over a bowl so I could save the excess, and because Pop Rocks are costlier than sprinkles, I wasn’t too generous with the sprinkling).
Prop in a Styrofoam block to dry or prop upside down on a piece of wax paper.
Karen @ Sugartown Sweets says
Super Duper Super Cool!! I really can’t wait to make these with/for my grandkids! Awesome idea. 🙂
Nikki says
Super cute! i’ll have to give this a try. Thanks for sharing!
Amy says
I want to try making these, but other places have said that the pop rocks don’t last long. I live in Missouri, so it can be humid. What is your experience with the longevity of the pop rocks?
meaghanmountford says
They’re right… they don’t last long. I use corn syrup on these instead of water for the sticking part, just to prolong it a bit, but the fizz doesn’t last forever against other moisture. Not sure how the humidity would affect things, but I would definitely make and serve within a few hours. If you try these the night before, by morning, the candy loses it’s fizz and shape.
Erica says
Look so cute! Gonna have to try this!
Batmare says
How long should I let them dry before I can serve them?
meaghanmountford says
The sooner you serve them the better! The pop rocks can start to dissolve the more they sit.
Tavette says
It seems everyone knows about Pop Rocks except me so I sauntered over to JoAnn Fabrics. Small envelopes (they had 2 flavors) were $1 so it was worth trying. Then – if you like them, you can search for stores with larger packages.
Here in hot, HUMID, S. Fla. the pop rocks probably wouldn’t work, but then use red colored sugar and some in blue. Very festive, cute and inexpensive marshmallow treats.
Tavette – S. Fla.
meaghanmountford says
Thanks Tavette! My dad lives in S. Fla so I know EXACTLY what you mean!! Also, I had no idea JoAnns sold Pop Rocks! Go them.
These are a great alternative and you can use water, not corn syrup, to get the sprinkles to stick: https://thedecoratedcookie.com/2014/05/red-white-and-blue-marshmallow-pops-and-the-2014-springsummer-issue-of-birds-magazine/
techlazy.com says
I just discovered this post because Foodie Crush tweeted it. I am so inspired and can hardly wait to try so many of your recipes!
meaghanmountford says
Thank you!! And thanks for letting me know about Foodie Crush. I’ll have to go check it out!
freedomapkhere.com says
Super cute! Thanks for sharing!