Strawberry Popcorn

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Popcorn is a sweet and fruity twist on a classic snack, perfect for movie nights, parties, or anytime you want something colorful and fun. Coated in a strawberry-flavored candy glaze, this popcorn is crunchy, vibrant, and bursting with berry flavor. It’s easy to make and adds a playful touch to any snack table.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

popcorn kernelsgranulated sugarlight corn syrupunsalted butterstrawberry gelatin (such as Jell-O)waterbaking sodavanilla extractpink or red food coloring (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Pop the popcorn using your preferred method and place it in a large mixing bowl, removing any unpopped kernels.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, butter, and water. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.

Add the strawberry gelatin and stir until fully dissolved.

Let the mixture boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring.

Remove from heat and quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam slightly.

Pour the hot strawberry mixture over the popcorn and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly.

Spread the coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and crispness.

Allow the popcorn to cool completely. It will harden as it cools.

Break into clusters and serve or store.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10 cups of popcorn.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesBaking time: 45 minutesCooling time: 20 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Swap strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry for different fruity flavors.

Add a drizzle of white chocolate after baking for extra decadence.

Mix in freeze-dried strawberries for a burst of real fruit flavor.

Use heart-shaped sprinkles for a festive Valentine’s treat.

storage/reheating

Store Strawberry Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.Avoid refrigerating as it can cause the coating to become sticky.If it loses crispness, briefly bake at 250°F (120°C) for 5-10 minutes to refresh.

FAQs

Can I use microwave popcorn?

Yes, but choose plain or lightly salted varieties without butter.

What if I don’t have strawberry gelatin?

You can use a few drops of strawberry extract and pink food coloring instead.

Is the popcorn sticky?

No, once cooled and baked, it becomes crunchy, not sticky.

Can I skip the baking step?

Baking helps the coating set and the popcorn stay crisp, so it’s highly recommended.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, use vegan butter and check the gelatin for a plant-based alternative.

Can I add nuts or candy?

Absolutely, stir in chopped nuts or candy-coated chocolates after baking.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids love the bright color and sweet taste, but supervise when handling hot syrup.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps well for several days, making it perfect for party prep.

Can I use flavored popcorn?

Stick to plain for best results; flavored popcorn might conflict with the strawberry glaze.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just be sure to use a large mixing bowl and multiple baking sheets if needed.

Conclusion

Strawberry Popcorn is a fun and flavorful treat that combines the crunch of popcorn with a sweet, fruity glaze. Whether you’re serving it at a party or just snacking at home, it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Easy to customize and eye-catching to serve, this popcorn is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

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