Cooking with Starburst candies offers a unique twist on traditional fruit glazes. These chewy, fruity treats can be melted down to create vibrant and flavorful toppings for desserts. Starburst glazes add a burst of color and sweetness to cakes, pastries, and fruit dishes.
The process of making a Starburst glaze is straightforward. By heating the candies with a small amount of water or cream, they transform into a smooth, pourable consistency. This glaze can be customized by mixing different Starburst flavors or adding complementary ingredients like lemon juice or vanilla extract.
Starburst glazes work particularly well with fruit-based desserts. They can be drizzled over fruit tarts, used to coat fresh berries, or brushed onto fruit pizza. The result is a glossy finish that enhances both the appearance and taste of the dish.
Understanding Starburst
Starburst candies are chewy fruit-flavored treats known for their vibrant colors and intense fruit flavors. These popular sweets have a distinct texture and taste profile that makes them a versatile ingredient in cooking and baking.
Ingredients Profile
Starburst candies contain a blend of sugars, corn syrup, and palm oil as their primary ingredients. These components contribute to the candy’s chewy texture and sweet flavor. Fruit juice concentrates and natural and artificial flavors provide the characteristic fruity taste. Citric acid adds tartness, while food coloring gives each piece its bright hue.
The exact ingredient ratios vary slightly between flavors. Original Starburst flavors include strawberry, orange, lemon, and cherry. Additional varieties have expanded the flavor range to include tropical and sour options.
Nutritional Value
Starburst candies are primarily a source of carbohydrates and sugars. A standard serving of about 8 pieces (40g) contains:
- Calories: 140-150
- Total Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 0g
These candies provide quick energy due to their high sugar content. They contain negligible amounts of vitamins and minerals. Starburst are not a significant source of fiber or protein.
While Starburst can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Their high sugar content and lack of nutritional density make them best suited for small portions or as flavor enhancers in recipes.
Preparation Basics
Creating fruity glazes with Starburst candies requires melting the candies and combining them with other ingredients. The process involves making a simple syrup, melting the candies, and adjusting the consistency for the perfect glaze texture.
Creating a Simple Syrup
To create a simple syrup, combine equal parts water and granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
For a richer syrup, add a small amount of light corn syrup. This helps prevent crystallization and creates a smoother texture.
Allow the syrup to cool slightly before use. This basic syrup serves as the foundation for your Starburst glaze.
Melting Starburst for Glaze
Unwrap the desired Starburst candies and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the candies in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even melting.
Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the candy to burn. The melted Starburst should be smooth and free of lumps.
Alternatively, use a double boiler method for more controlled melting. Place the candies in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until fully melted.
Adjusting Consistency
Combine the melted Starburst with the prepared simple syrup to create the glaze. Start with a small amount of syrup and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency.
For a thinner glaze, add more syrup or a small amount of water. To thicken the glaze, allow it to cool slightly or add a touch more melted Starburst.
Test the consistency by drizzling a small amount on a plate. The glaze should coat evenly and not be too runny or too thick.
Starburst Glazes and Jams
Starburst candies can be transformed into vibrant glazes and jams for use in baking and cooking. These fruity confections add bold flavors and colors to pastries and desserts.
Making Starburst Jam
To create Starburst jam, start by unwrapping and sorting the candies by flavor. Melt the candies in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add water or fruit juice to thin the mixture to a jam-like consistency.
For a chunkier texture, incorporate fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries. Simmer the mixture until it reaches the desired thickness. Allow the jam to cool before transferring to sterilized jars for storage.
Starburst jam works well as a filling for pastries or as a spread on toast. The intense fruit flavors complement a variety of baked goods.
Glazing Techniques
Starburst glazes can be applied to pastries and desserts using several methods. For a thin, shiny coating, brush the melted candy mixture onto cooled baked goods. This technique works well for donuts, fruit tarts, and cookies.
To create a poured glaze, thin the melted Starburst with cream or milk. Heat the mixture until smooth, then pour over cakes or pastries. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
For a drizzled effect, use a spoon or piping bag to apply thin lines of glaze across the surface of desserts. This adds visual interest and pops of color to plain baked goods.
Application on Pastries
Starburst glazes enhance the appearance and flavor of various pastries. On fruit tarts, brush a thin layer of glaze over fresh berries to create a glossy finish and seal in moisture.
For danish pastries, apply the glaze after baking and cooling. The sweet, fruity coating complements flaky dough and creamy fillings. On eclairs or cream puffs, dip the tops in Starburst glaze for a colorful twist on classic pastries.
Use contrasting Starburst flavors to create marbled effects on cakes or cupcakes. Drizzle multiple colors of glaze for a festive appearance on special occasion desserts.
Innovative Starburst Cocktails
Starburst candies can add a burst of fruity flavor to cocktails. These sweet treats inspire creative drink recipes that blend nostalgia with adult beverages.
Starburst-Inspired Drinks
Starburst-infused vodka forms the base of many candy-inspired cocktails. To create this flavored spirit, combine unwrapped Starbursts with vodka in a sealed jar. Shake daily and let infuse for 3 days. Strain out any candy pieces before using.
A popular Starburst shot mimics the pink candy’s flavor. Mix strawberry jello, boiling water, and vodka. Pour into small cups and chill until set. Garnish with a lemon slice and yellow Starburst on top.
For a fruity martini, shake Starburst-infused vodka with strawberry lemonade and ice. Strain into a martini glass and add a lime wedge for a tart contrast to the sweet drink.
Mixing Sweet and Sour
Balancing sweet Starburst flavors with sour elements creates complex cocktails. Try a Pink Starburst Drink by combining candy-infused alcohol with orange juice, strawberry-kiwi juice, and lemon-lime soda. A drop of red food coloring enhances the pink hue.
For a twist on a classic, make Starburst Sour Mix. Dissolve Starbursts in hot water, then blend with lemon and lime juice. Use this fruity sour mix in margaritas or whiskey sours for a candy-inspired kick.
A Starburst Lemonade blends infused vodka with tart lemonade. Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with a Starburst candy for a playful touch.
Unique Starburst Creations
Starburst candies can be transformed into fun, colorful cocktails and shots. These fruity creations offer a playful twist on traditional mixed drinks, perfect for parties or special occasions.
Starburst Jello Shots
Starburst Jello shots bring the candy’s vibrant flavors to life in a jiggly, boozy form. Start by boiling 1 1/2 cups of water and dissolving a box of Starburst-flavored Jello in it. Add 1 1/2 cups of vodka and stir well. Pour the mixture into small plastic shot cups or syringes for a unique presentation.
Refrigerate until set. For extra flair, garnish with a slice of lemon or a piece of Starburst candy on top. These shots can be customized with different Starburst Jello flavors, creating a rainbow of options for your guests.
Pink Starburst Shooter Recipe
The Pink Starburst shooter replicates the popular candy’s flavor in liquid form. Rim a shot glass with corn syrup and pink sugar for a sweet, sparkly touch. In a shaker with ice, combine:
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz watermelon schnapps
- 1 oz sweet and sour mix
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Strain the mixture into the prepared shot glass. For a finishing touch, garnish with a small pink Starburst candy on the rim.
This shooter balances the sweetness of vanilla vodka and watermelon schnapps with the tartness of sweet and sour mix, mimicking the beloved pink Starburst flavor.
Finishing Touches and Presentation
Perfecting the final details of your Starburst glaze can elevate your dish from good to exceptional. Proper straining and creative decorative elements make all the difference in achieving a professional-looking result.
Straining and Smoothing
To achieve a silky-smooth Starburst glaze, strain it through a fine mesh sieve. This removes any undissolved candy pieces or lumps. Place the sieve over a bowl and pour the warm glaze through, using a spoon to gently push it if needed.
For an extra-glossy finish, brush the strained glaze onto your dessert or dish with a pastry brush. This ensures even coverage and a beautiful sheen. Apply multiple thin layers rather than one thick coat for best results.
Decorative Ideas
Enhance the visual appeal of your Starburst-glazed creations with complementary garnishes. Toss fresh fruit slices in the glaze for a coordinated look – apple or grape chunks work well with many Starburst flavors.
Create colorful swirls by drizzling contrasting Starburst glazes over your dish. Use a toothpick to gently marble the colors together. For a playful touch, sprinkle crushed Starburst candies on top of the glaze before it sets.
Consider serving your glazed desserts on brightly colored plates that match or contrast with the Starburst hues. This enhances the overall presentation and makes the colors pop.