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This Easter Puff Corn transforms ordinary puff corn into a delightful spring treat with just a handful of ingredients. It's become my favorite way to celebrate the season with a sweet snack that brings colorful joy to any Easter gathering.
I first made this recipe when I needed a quick treat for my daughter's school party. The bright colors and crunchy sweetness were such a hit that it's now our official Easter tradition every spring.
Ingredients
- Candy melts: 12 oz in your favorite Easter colors these melt smoothly and set with a perfect shine
- Butter flavored shortening: 2 tsp helps thin the candy melts for better coating
- Puff corn: 4 oz bag the perfect light base that holds coating well
- Easter sprinkles: Adds festive flair and extra texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- Place your puff corn in a large mixing bowl making sure it has plenty of room for tossing and coating. The bowl should be at least twice the size of your puff corn amount to allow for easy mixing without spills.
- Melt the Candy Coating:
- Combine your candy melts and shortening in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second increments stirring thoroughly between each session until completely smooth. This usually takes about 90 seconds total but microwaves vary so watch carefully to prevent scorching.
- Coat the Puff Corn:
- Pour your melted candy mixture over the puff corn in the bowl. If using multiple colors pour one color at a time. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold the mixture ensuring every piece gets evenly coated. Alternatively cover the bowl with its lid and give it several good shakes for an even distribution.
- Set and Decorate:
- Spread the coated puff corn onto a wax paper lined surface in a single layer. Immediately sprinkle with Easter sprinkles before the coating sets. Allow to rest undisturbed for about 30 minutes until completely firm and no longer sticky to the touch.
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The butter flavored shortening is my secret ingredient that makes all the difference. It helps the candy coating become silky smooth and creates the perfect thickness that clings to the puff corn without becoming too thick or brittle when set.
Color Customization
The beauty of this Easter Puff Corn lies in its versatility with colors. For the prettiest pastels mix white candy melts with brighter colors to create custom shades. Start with a 3 to 1 ratio of white to colored melts and adjust until you achieve your desired pastel tone. This technique works wonderfully for creating a rainbow of spring colors that coordinate perfectly with your Easter decor or theme.
Storage Solutions
Your finished Easter Puff Corn will stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight or heat sources. If you live in a particularly humid climate consider adding a food safe desiccant packet to the storage container to keep the treats perfectly crisp. Avoid refrigeration as this can cause the candy coating to become sticky or develop condensation.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this simple treat into a stunning centerpiece by filling clear glass apothecary jars with the colorful puff corn. Arrange several jars of different heights for a beautiful Easter dessert table display. You can also package individual portions in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for easy grab and go treats or Easter basket stuffers. For a delightful contrast serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or green grapes to balance the sweetness.
Common Queries
- → Can I use different colored candy melts?
Yes, you can mix and match colors or combine white candy melts with others to create pastel hues.
- → How do I store Easter puff corn?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crispy.
- → Can I use regular popcorn instead of puff corn?
Puff corn is recommended for its light texture, but you can experiment with popcorn for a crunchier option.
- → What type of sprinkles should I use?
Easter-themed or pastel-colored sprinkles work best to complement the theme, but any sprinkles will do.
- → How long does it take for the candy melts to set?
The candy melts usually set in about 30 minutes once spread on wax paper.