How to Create Oobleck with Only 2 Ingredients! (Simple Oobleck Recipe)

If you’ve ever desired to learn the art of making Oobleck at home, just like in Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss, this step-by-step oobleck recipe guide is perfect for you! Not only is it cost-effective, but it also serves as an entertaining kitchen science experiment.

Crafting Oobleck

Although our spring break is still a few weeks away, my children have the day off school today due to a teacher inservice day. After an excessive number of snow days this year, I’ve learned my lesson and wanted to keep them engaged while educating them at the same time.

Initially, I thought about making the tried-and-true salt dough, but my kids craved something unique and exciting. So, I decided to teach them how to make oobleck! Yes, it was a messy endeavor, but it was an absolute blast!

All five of my children, ranging from 6 to almost 12 years old, eagerly took turns playing with this intriguing substance.

For those on a budget, you’ll be delighted to know that this oobleck recipe only requires a few basic ingredients. In fact, you probably have everything you need in your pantry already!

What Exactly is Oobleck?

While most avid Dr. Seuss readers are familiar with oobleck, those who are not should definitely get their hands on a copy of “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.” This lighthearted and fun read carries a valuable moral lesson.

In the story, an old king becomes tired of the same old things falling from the sky, so he summons his royal magicians. They create “oobleck” – a green substance that descends upon the kingdom, causing a sticky, gooey, and messy situation for everyone involved.

Throughout the story, readers learn the importance of being cautious about their wishes. Fortunately, Bartholomew, the young pageboy, manages to save the day by reciting a simple set of magic words.

If you plan on teaching your kids how to make oobleck, having a copy of the book as a complement to the project is highly recommended!

Oobleck Ingredients & Equipment

Interestingly, you only need two ingredients to create this fantastic oobleck recipe – cornstarch and water! The simplest mixture involves combining 1 1/2 cups of cornstarch with 1 cup of water.

If you desire to add some color, I suggest using tempera paint instead of food coloring to avoid any staining issues.

As for equipment, all you need is a large mixing bowl. No spoon required! It might be a good idea to cover your workspace with an inexpensive plastic tablecloth though, as things are about to get a little messy.

How Do You Create Oobleck?

Let me warn you upfront, things are about to get chaotic. Both you and your children will likely be covered in goo before this oobleck experiment is over, but trust me, it’s the kind of mess that is worth it.

It’s an incredibly enjoyable experience that is surprisingly easy to clean up. Plus, it leaves no trace on clothes!

So, how do you create oobleck? Well, forget about trying to mix it with a spoon. You’ll have to roll up your sleeves and use your hands to achieve the perfect consistency. But believe me, you’ll have just as much fun as the kids!

An Easy and Fascinating Oobleck Recipe

The most amazing thing about oobleck is that it exists in the realm between liquid and solid. It is a suspension known as a non-Newtonian fluid, meaning it behaves like both depending on the pressure applied.

When squeezed in the palm of your hand, it feels like a solid ball. However, when you open your hand, it flows over and between your fingers just like a liquid.

The sensation is genuinely bizarre – you’ll find yourself playing with this oobleck slime for hours!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions that haven’t been addressed, simply leave a comment below, and I’ll respond as soon as possible!

How can you create oobleck without cornstarch?

Sadly, regular wheat flour cannot be used to make oobleck. However, if you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can substitute it with other starchy flours like corn flour, arrowroot flour, or potato starch.

Corn flour and arrowroot flour can be used as a 1:1 replacement for cornstarch. But for the correct consistency, you might need to add additional potato flour.

How should you store oobleck?

Oobleck can be stored in an airtight container for approximately 24 hours. Beyond this timeframe, mold may start to develop.

The cornstarch and water might separate as time goes by, so simply stir them back together and add more cornstarch or water, as needed.

For long-term storage, allow the oobleck to dry out in an open container for 2-3 days. When you’re ready to play with it again, add water to restore it to its original consistency.

How should you dispose of oobleck?

Do not dispose of oobleck in the sink. Instead, seal the mixture in a ziplock or grocery bag and throw it away in the trash.

Alternatively, you can wait for the mixture to separate, pour off the excess water in the sink, and then dispose of the remaining sludge in the trash.

4-Ingredient Rainbow Glitter Slime Recipe

If your kids enjoyed this oobleck recipe, they will surely love this simple glitter slime recipe. It only requires four basic ingredients and does not involve the use of borax!

You can even package it in a plastic container for a fantastic DIY gift idea that will provide hours of entertainment.

I would love to see how your oobleck turns out! Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!

Don’t forget to visit BDK Restaurant for more exciting recipes and interesting articles!