Description

Want a dessert that’s as fun as a 4th of July firecracker and super easy to make? These Firecracker Strawberry Pops are the perfect treat! With juicy strawberries, sweet red and white candy coatings, and a pop of blue sprinkles, they’re a no-bake snack that looks like a mini firework.

Ingredients

Scale

A batch of Firecracker Strawberry Pops needs just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for 12 pops:

Fruit Base:
- 12 fresh strawberries, stems and leaves removed
- Why it matters: Strawberries provide a juicy, red base that’s naturally sweet and healthy.
- Substitutions: Use large raspberries or grapes for a different fruit base, though strawberries give the best shape for pops.
Coatings:
- 1 bag (12 oz.) red candy melts
- 1 bag (12 oz.) white candy melts
- Why it matters: Red candy melts create a vibrant base layer, and white candy melts add a creamy contrast.
- Substitutions: Use red and white chocolate chips (add a tsp of vegetable oil for smooth melting). Dairy-free candy melts work for vegan options.
Topping:
- Blue sugar sprinkles
- Why it matters: Blue sprinkles add a sparkling, patriotic finish to mimic a firecracker’s burst.
- Substitutions: Use blue sanding sugar, edible glitter, or small blue candies like M&M’s.
Equipment:
- Cake pop sticks (or lollipop sticks)
- Why it matters: Sticks make the pops easy to dip and eat.
- Substitutions: Use wooden skewers or sturdy straws, cut to size.

Tip: Choose large, firm strawberries for easy dipping and a sturdy base. Ensure candy melts are fresh for smooth melting.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Strawberries

Wash 12 fresh strawberries and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Remove stems and leaves with a small knife.
Carefully press a cake pop stick into the wide end of each strawberry, pushing halfway through to secure.
- Tip: Dry strawberries completely to help candy stick. Insert sticks gently to avoid splitting the fruit.

Step 2: Melt the Red Candy

Place 1 bag of red candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until fully melted and smooth (about 1-2 minutes total).
- Tip: Stir well to avoid burning. Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil if the candy is too thick.

Step 3: Dip in Red Candy

Dip each strawberry into the melted red candy melts, covering it fully down to the stick to help secure it.
Let excess candy drip off, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Allow the red candy to set at room temperature or in the fridge for 5-10 minutes.
- Tip: Twirl strawberries gently while dipping for even coverage. Work quickly to keep candy smooth.

Step 4: Melt and Dip in White Candy

Place 1 bag of white candy melts in a clean microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted and smooth.
Dip each red-coated strawberry into the white candy melts, covering a little more than halfway down from the tip.
Let excess drip off and place back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Tip: Ensure red candy is fully set before dipping in white to avoid mixing colors. Keep white candy warm for easy dipping.

Step 5: Add Blue Sprinkles

Allow the white candy to cool slightly but remain tacky (still soft but not runny).
Dip the tip of each strawberry into a bowl of blue sugar sprinkles to coat the white candy end.
Place back on the parchment and let set fully at room temperature or in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
- Tip: Dip in sprinkles quickly before the white candy hardens. Use a shallow bowl for easy dipping.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Serve the pops once fully set, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
- Tip: Arrange upright in a foam block or lay flat on a platter for a festive display.