How to Make Dalgona Candy at Home: 5 Easy Methods

Dalgona candy (also called ppopgi) is a sweet Korean treat that became world-famous after Squid Game. This simple, crispy sugar candy is fun to make and even more fun to eat!

In this complete guide, I’ll teach you everything about making Dalgona candy at home—with and without baking soda, in a pan, like Squid Game, in the microwave, and even without a gas stove.

I’ll also answer all your burning questions (like why it turns bitter, how to shape it perfectly, and how to store it). Let’s dive in!

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What is Dalgona Candy?

Dalgona candy is a traditional Korean street snack made from melted sugar and baking soda. When mixed, it puffs up into a light, crispy, honeycomb-like candy with a slightly caramelized taste.

In Squid Game, players had to carve shapes (like stars or umbrellas) out of the candy without breaking it. That’s why it’s now a popular challenge at home!

Why You Should Try Making It

✔ Only 2 ingredients needed (sugar + baking soda)
✔ No fancy tools required
✔ Fun for kids and adults
✔ Tastes like caramelized sugar with a crispy texture

Do you want to know How to Ripen Bananas Fast?

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Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need

Basic Ingredients

✅ White granulated sugar (best for even melting)
✅ Baking soda (just a pinch – makes it puff up)

Optional Extras

🔹 Brown sugar (for a deeper flavor)
🔹 Vanilla extract (for extra taste)
🔹 Food coloring (if you want colorful candy)

Tools You Can Use

• Metal spoon or ladle (for melting sugar)
• Non-stick pan (if using stove method)
• Silicone mat or parchment paper (to pour candy on)
• Cookie cutters or molds (for shaping)
• Toothpick or needle (for carving shapes)

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6 Different Ways to Make Dalgona Candy

I’ll cover all methods so you can choose the easiest one for you.

1. How to Make Classic Dalgona Candy (With Baking Soda)

(The original method – light and crispy!)

What You Need:

• 2 tbsp sugar
• A pinch of baking soda (about 1/8 tsp)

Steps:

1. Heat a pan on low flame (don’t let it get too hot).
2. Add sugar and stir constantly until it melts into a golden syrup.
3. Quickly add baking soda and stir fast—it will foam up!
4. Pour onto a silicone mat and flatten with a spatula.
5. Press a shape (like a circle or star) before it hardens.
6. Let it cool completely (about 2 minutes), then enjoy!

💡 Pro Tip: Work fast! The candy hardens in seconds.

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2. How to Make Dalgona Candy Without Baking Soda

(For those who don’t like the slight bitter taste.)

What You Need:

• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp water (helps prevent burning)

Steps:

1. Mix sugar + water in a pan on low heat.
2. Stir until melted (should look like clear syrup).
3. Keep heating until golden brown (like caramel).
4. Pour onto parchment paper and flatten.
5. Press a shape and let it cool.

⚠ Note: Without baking soda, the candy is harder and less porous (more like a lollipop).

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3. How to Make Dalgona Candy in a Pan

(Easiest method for beginners.)

What You Need:

• 2 tbsp sugar
• Pinch of baking soda
• Non-stick pan

Steps:

1. Heat pan on low-medium (not too hot!).
2. Add sugar and stir until fully melted.
3. Add baking soda and mix fast (it will puff up).
4. Quickly pour and shape before it hardens.
5. Let cool and enjoy!

🔥 Warning: Sugar gets extremely hot—be careful!

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4. How to Make Dalgona Candy Like Squid Game

(The real challenge – carve shapes without breaking it!)

What You Need:

• 2 tbsp sugar
• Pinch of baking soda
• Metal spoon & candle (or lighter)
• Toothpick (for carving)

Steps:

1. Hold a metal spoon over a candle flame.
2. Add sugar and let it melt slowly.
3. Stir in baking soda (it will foam).
4. Pour onto a flat surface and press a shape (like a star).
5. Let it cool slightly, then use a toothpick to carve the shape (just like in Squid Game!).

🎮 Fun Challenge: Try to remove the center without cracking it!

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5. How to Make Dalgona Candy in the Microwave

(Fastest method – no stove needed!)

What You Need:

• 2 tbsp sugar
• Microwave-safe bowl

Steps:

1. Put sugar in a bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes (watch closely!).
2. Once melted, stir in baking soda (it will puff up).
3. Pour onto parchment paper and shape.
4. Let cool before eating.

⚠ Safety Tip: Bowl will be very hot—use oven mitts!

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6. How to Make Dalgona Candy Without a Gas Stove

(For those with electric stoves or no stove at all.)

Option 1: Electric Stove

• Works just like a gas stove—use low heat.

Option 2: Candle or Lighter

• Melt sugar in a metal spoon over a flame.

Option 3: Induction Cooker

• Works like a regular stove—just melt sugar in a pan.

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Troubleshooting Common Problems

❌ Candy is too bitter? → You used too much baking soda.
❌ Didn’t puff up? → Sugar wasn’t hot enough before adding baking soda.
❌ Sticks to the pan? → Use a non-stick pan or silicone mat.
❌ Too hard to shape? → Work faster—it hardens in seconds!

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Fun Variations to Try

🎨 Colored Dalgona Candy → Add food coloring after melting sugar.
🍯 Honey Flavor → Mix in ½ tsp honey before adding baking soda.
🍫 Chocolate-Dipped → Melt chocolate and dip cooled candy in it.

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How to Store Dalgona Candy

• Best eaten fresh (it gets sticky over time).
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep away from humidity (or it will soften).

Advanced Tips for Perfect Dalgona Candy

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s take your Dalgona candy skills to the next level with these professional tips:

1. The Perfect Sugar Temperature

The secret to perfect Dalgona candy lies in heating your sugar to exactly 150-160°C (300-320°F). At this temperature:

• Sugar melts completely without burning
• Baking soda reacts perfectly for maximum puff
• Candy gets that signature crispy texture

How to check without a thermometer:

• The sugar should be golden amber (not light yellow or dark brown)
• When you drop a bit in cold water, it should form a hard ball

2. Mastering the Baking Soda Ratio

Too little baking soda = dense candy
Too much baking soda = bitter taste

The golden ratio:

• For every 2 tablespoons sugar → 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• For 1/4 cup sugar → 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

3. Professional Shaping Techniques

Want those perfect Squid Game shapes? Try these methods:

For crisp edges:

1. Pour melted candy onto surface
2. Immediately place cookie cutter on top
3. Use a flat object (like a book) to press down firmly
4. Remove cutter after 30 seconds

For intricate designs:

1. Let candy cool for 20 seconds after pouring
2. Use a toothpick to etch designs
3. For holes, press a straw through while still warm

4. The Secret to Non-Stick Success

Stop your candy from sticking with these surface options:

Surface	Pros	Cons
Silicone mat	Reusable, perfect release	Needs cleaning
Parchment paper	Disposable, easy	Can wrinkle
Marble slab	Professional results	Heavy, expensive
Oiled plate	Works in a pinch	Can leave residue

5. Flavor Variations to Try

Take your Dalgona candy beyond basic with these flavor twists:

1. Honey Dalgona

• Replace 1 tsp sugar with honey
• Adds floral notes and extra crispness

2. Matcha Dalgona

• Mix 1/2 tsp matcha powder with sugar
• Beautiful green color with earthy flavor

3. Coffee Dalgona

• Add 1/4 tsp instant coffee to melted sugar
• Perfect for adult versions

4. Fruit-Infused

• Sprinkle freeze-dried fruit powder on top
• Strawberry and mango work great

The Science Behind Dalgona Candy

Understanding the chemistry helps you master the process:

Why baking soda works:
When heated, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) breaks down:

1. Releases carbon dioxide gas → creates bubbles
2. Forms sodium carbonate → gives slight bitterness
3. Causes sugar to foam up → creates honeycomb texture

Why temperature matters:

• Below 150°C: Sugar won’t caramelize properly
• Above 180°C: Sugar burns, becomes bitter
• Perfect range: 150-160°C for ideal texture

Dalgona Candy Through the Years

This simple candy has a fascinating history:

1950s-60s:

• Originated in post-war Korea as cheap street food
• Called “ppopgi” (뽑기) meaning “to pick out”
• Vendors used molds to make shapes

1990s:

• Became popular children’s snack
• Often given as rewards by teachers

2021:

• Squid Game made it globally famous
• Created viral DIY challenge worldwide

Creative Ways to Serve Dalgona Candy

Move beyond basic circles with these fun ideas:

1. Dalgona Coffee Topper

• Make mini circles to float on iced coffee
• Adds sweetness and crunch

2. Candy Kabobs

• Alternate Dalgona pieces with fruit
• Great for parties

3. Edible Decorations

• Make thin sheets to crush over desserts
• Beautiful on ice cream or cakes

4. Gift Boxes

• Package shaped candies in clear boxes
• Perfect homemade presents

Dalgona Candy Around the World

While Korean in origin, similar treats exist globally:

Country	Name	Difference
UK	Honeycomb	Uses golden syrup
India	Chikki	Adds nuts
Mexico	Alegría	Includes seeds
China	Dragon’s Beard	Pulled sugar version

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Dalgona candy without baking soda?

Yes! Just melt sugar alone, but it will be harder (like a lollipop).

2. Why is my Dalgona candy bitter?

Too much baking soda causes bitterness—use just a pinch!

3. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, but the taste and color will be different.

4. How do I prevent the candy from sticking?

Use parchment paper or a silicone mat.

5. Is Dalgona candy gluten-free?

Yes! It’s just sugar and baking soda.

6. How long does Dalgona candy last?

2-3 days if stored in an airtight container.

7. Can I add flavors like vanilla?

Yes! Add a few drops after melting the sugar.

8. Why didn’t my candy puff up?

The sugar wasn’t hot enough before adding baking soda.

9. Can kids make Dalgona candy safely?

Only with adult help—melted sugar causes serious burns!

10. What’s the best shape for Dalgona candy?

Try circles, stars, or hearts—just like in Squid Game!

11. Can I make Dalgona candy with alternative sweeteners?

Stevia or erythritol won’t work – you need real sugar for proper caramelization.

12. Why does my candy have large holes?

You either:

• Stirred too vigorously after adding baking soda
• Used too much baking soda

13. How do I make extra-thick Dalgona candy?

Use 3x the sugar (6 tbsp) in the same size pan for thicker pieces.

14. Can I re-melt failed attempts?

Yes! Scrape it up, reheat, and add a tiny bit more baking soda.

15. Is there a vegan version?

It’s naturally vegan – just ensure your sugar is bone-char free if strict vegan.

16. How do professionals get such smooth surfaces?

They use marble slabs that absorb heat evenly and metal paddles to smooth.

17. Can I add food coloring?

Yes, but add gel colors after melting sugar – liquid colors may cause splattering.

18. What’s the best time to press shapes?

Wait 10-15 seconds after pouring – when it’s slightly set but still malleable.

19. How do I prevent bubbles from collapsing?

Work quickly and don’t disturb the candy after pouring – let it set undisturbed.

20. Can I make this in hot/humid weather?

Avoid humid days – the candy will absorb moisture and become sticky

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Final Thoughts

Now you know how to make Dalgona candy in 6 different ways! Whether you want the classic version, Squid Game challenge, or microwave hack, this guide has you covered.

Which method will you try first? Let me know in the comments!

Happy candy-making! 🍡🔥