Description
Red Candy-Coated Popcorn is a fun and colorful snack featuring crunchy popcorn coated in a sweet, glossy red candy mixture made from candy melts, butter, sugar, and vanilla. Perfect for parties, holidays, or gifting, this easy treat combines bold flavor with a satisfying crunch simple to make yet impressive every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups freshly popped popcorn kernels
- 1 cup red candy melts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pop 8 cups of popcorn and place in a large mixing bowl.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt red candy melts with butter, stirring until smooth.
- Add sugar, salt, and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
- Pour the candy mixture over popcorn and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Spread coated popcorn on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow to cool completely until the candy hardens.
- Break into bite-sized clusters and serve.
Notes
- For variety, add mix-ins like sprinkles, crushed cookies, or nuts.
- Use vegan candy melts or dairy-free butter for a plant-based version.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Avoid freezing; it can cause the candy coating to become sticky.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack / Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~180
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg