Homemade Betty Crocker Parlor Perfect Topping Oz Rainbow Nonpareils Recipe: Natural, Colorful, and Customizable

Introduction

Rainbow nonpareils, those tiny, shimmering sprinkles that add joy to ice cream, cakes, and desserts, have long been a favorite of both kids and adults. Betty Crocker's Parlor Perfect Topping brings these colorful decorations to home bakers and dessert enthusiasts. However, many of us are looking for a healthier, more customizable alternative that still captures the magic of these sprinkles. This homemade version uses natural ingredients to replicate the vibrant colors and sweet crunch of the original, allowing you to control the sugar content and avoid artificial additives.

Why Make It at Home?

Making your own rainbow nonpareils at home offers several advantages. First, you can reduce the sugar content or use alternative sweeteners to make it healthier. Second, you can customize the colors using natural food dyes, avoiding artificial additives. Third, homemade nonpareils are cost-effective and fun to make, allowing you to create unique color combinations for special occasions.

Personal Anecdote

I remember the excitement of sprinkling rainbow nonpareils on my ice cream as a child, watching as they added a burst of color and sweetness to each bite. When I decided to make my own version at home, I was determined to keep that magic alive while making it healthier. After some trial and error, I discovered that using natural ingredients like beet juice for pink and turmeric for yellow could create vibrant colors without artificial dyes. The result was not only healthier but also more customizable, allowing me to match the colors to any theme or occasion.

Recipe Details

• **Prep Time:15 minutes
• **Cook Time:10 minutes
• **Total Time:25 minutes
• **Yield:1 cup (approximately 200g)

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp (1.25g) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 tbsp (15ml) glycerin (optional, for shine)
• Natural food colorings (e.g., beet juice, turmeric, spirulina, matcha powder)
• 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)

Instructions

• Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture: In a small saucepan, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and forms a gel-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes.

• Add Sugar and Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract if using. Let the mixture cool slightly.

• Add Color: Divide the mixture into 3-4 portions, depending on how many colors you want. Add a few drops of natural food coloring to each portion and mix well until the color is evenly distributed.

• Spread and Dry: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread each colored portion thinly onto the parchment paper. Allow the mixture to air dry completely, which may take several hours or overnight. If using a dehydrator, dry at 135°F (57°C) for about 2 hours.

• Crumb and Sift: Once dry, break the mixture into small pieces and pulse them in a food processor or spice grinder until they form small, round nonpareils. Sift through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any dust or fine particles.

• Store: Transfer the rainbow nonpareils to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 months.

Variations

• Low-Sugar Version: Use less powdered sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
• Flavored Nonpareils: Add different extracts (e.g., almond, lemon, or peppermint) for unique flavors.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free: This recipe is already vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Special Equipment

• Saucepan
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Food processor or spice grinder
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Dehydrator (optional)

Pro Tips

• Even Drying: Ensure the mixture is spread very thinly to dry evenly and prevent clumping.
• Natural Colors: Experiment with different natural colorings to achieve unique shades. For example, use a combination of beet juice and turmeric for a vibrant orange.
• Texture: For a finer texture, grind the dried mixture in short pulses to avoid overheating the food processor.

Nutritional Comparison

FAQ

• Can I use fresh ingredients instead of processed ones? Yes, natural food colorings and alternative sweeteners can be used for a healthier version.
• What if the mixture is too sticky? Ensure the cornstarch mixture is fully cooked and thickened before proceeding. If still sticky, add a little more cornstarch.
• How long do homemade nonpareils last? They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months.
• Can I make them ahead of time? Yes, homemade nonpareils are best made ahead and stored for later use.
• Are they suitable for all desserts? They work well on ice cream, cakes, cookies, and hot chocolate. Experiment with different applications!

Serving Suggestions

• Ice Cream Topping: Sprinkle over your favorite ice cream for a colorful treat.
• Cake Decorations: Use as a topping for frosted cakes, cupcakes, or muffins.
• Cookie Decorations: Add to cookies before baking for a festive touch.
• Hot Chocolate: Sprinkle on whipped cream for a fun and colorful drink topping.

Conclusion

Making rainbow nonpareils at home is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the same vibrant, sweet decorations with the added benefits of natural ingredients and customization. Whether you're looking to reduce sugar, avoid artificial additives, or simply create unique color combinations, this homemade version delivers. So next time you're baking or preparing a special treat, consider making your own rainbow nonpareils for a healthier, more personalized touch.