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EASY Candied Popcorn Recipe

This EASY candied popcorn is perfect for your next sweet treat! It’s great for a party or just a movie night with the kids.

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I’m always trying out new recipes and thought I would try out sweet popcorn this past weekend for game day.  My family and neighbors loved this so I’m adding it to my recipe book.  It was pretty easy to do and loved the idea of sweet and salty.  

blue candied popcorn filled in small paper bags

EASY Candied Popcorn Recipe

I live in North Carolina so I thought I would go for some colors that everyone loves around here. 🙂  I just put popcorn in paper bags and everyone could just grab one when they needed a snack.  The kids claimed most of them before the game even started!

Update: I go in and update my recipes every so often and I just happened to update this one the day after UNC lost to Kansas in the NCAA championship! (2022). Maybe if I did it before the game, then there would have been a better outcome.

You obviously don’t have to do blue, but you can choose any color gelatin that’s available.

This recipe would be a great treat for Easter or even a baby shower using pink and blue colors.

Kitchen tools for candied popcorn recipe

Baking sheet– I normally like a big cookie sheet for the oven but for this recipe, I like a smaller baking sheet that has sides so your popcorn doesn’t get all over your oven.

Stainless steel bowls– If you have read any of my other recipes then you’ll probably know that I love stainless steel bowls. I have them in all different sizes. They’re easy to clean and will last a long time.

Rubber spatula– Here’s a great set of four. I go through these like crazy. They are great for nonstick pots, pans and baking.

Ingredients for candy popcorn recipe

Popped Popcorn– You’ll want to use natural microwave popcorn bags. Make sure you don’t use the butter flavor or this will not turn out. Get unflavored. You can also cook your popcorn in an air popper or on the stove.

Box of gelatin– Pick the color and flavor you want to use.

Butter– Unsalted butter works best, but you can use what’s in your refrigerator.

Corn syrup– Some people have never cooked with corn syrup before and not sure what to use. Karo syrup works great for this recipe. Make sure to gt light corn syrup that’s clear, not syrup for pancakes!

Sugar– Regular white granulated sugar is used in this recipe.

Water

pot with sugar, butter and blue jello

How to make candied popcorn

Step 1

Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan.  Add in sugar, gelatin, syrup, and water. Once the sugar is dissolved and everything smooth, pour it over popcorn and stir thoroughly.   It will be sticky!

stainless steel bowl with blue candied popcorn with rubber scrapper

Step 2

Once you have it mixed well, you’ll need to bake it.  Spray your baking pan with a nonstick spray.  Turn the oven to 275F and bake popcorn for 20 minutes.  Stop halfway through your time and stir.  Once the popcorn is out it may stick together, so you’ll just need to break it apart. This is where the cookie sheet with the edges comes in handy!

Remember years ago when Mistos were popular? Well, I still have mine and used it for this recipe. I feel olive oil spray on your nonstick pan is the best choice.

This recipe made four servings since a bag or microwave popcorn has 2 servings each.

blue candied popcorn on baking sheet sitting on stove

It’s very sticky!!  My hands and countertops were both blue!

hand that is sticky with blue candied popcorn

I cleaned up using Viva® Vantage® paper towels.  They are great for scrubbing.  I wet the paper towel and cleaned my hands.  I also scrubbed my counters and it didn’t rip or tear up.

used paper towel used to clean up candied popcorn

More food recipes you’ll love

Reminder: It would be GREAT if you could leave any feedback in the comment section and rate my recipes for other readers that are looking for something new to make.

Easy Candied Popcorn

This EASY candied popcorn is perfect for your next sweet treat! It's great for a party or just a movie night with the kids.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword popcorn
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Author Holly- Keeping Life Sane

Ingredients

  • 2 bags popped popcorn
  • 1 3 oz box of gelatin Pick the color you want to use
  • 1 stick butter unsalted
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 275F.
  • Pop the popcorn according to package directions, take out the unpopped kernals and add to large bowl.
  • Melt the butter in a saucepan.  Add in sugar, gelatin, syrup, and water. Stir until sugar has dissolved.
  • Once sugar is dissolved, pour over the popcorn and stir until the sugar mixture had coated the popcorn.
  • Pour popcorn into greased baking pan and bake for 20 minutes.

Notes

Tip 1
Don’t forget take out the unpopped kernels of popcorn before adding the candy mixture.
Recipe Rating




Shawnteé

Thursday 31st of March 2022

How long does it last? I am making it for my daughter's preschool snack that is ocean themed. Can I make it the night before? Thanks!!

Holly

Thursday 31st of March 2022

Yes- Not before will work! Just store in air tight container as much as possible so it will stay fresh.

Brittany

Wednesday 6th of January 2016

Is it still sticky after baking it in the oven? Or after it cools I should say. Thinking about making this for my sons bday party but I really don't want a bunch of sticky kid hands all over my house :)

Holly

Thursday 7th of January 2016

I wouldn't either. It's not sticky after it bakes. It's similar to caramel corn and hardens a little.

Kylie

Friday 2nd of October 2015

We normally only do healthy popcorn, but this would make an awesome party treat! Thanks for linking up at #whatkidseatwednesday

Audrey

Friday 2nd of October 2015

I think I will be making this for my son for afternoon snack today. But probably Ninja Turtle green.

Adriana

Wednesday 30th of September 2015

What a fun idea for a tailgating party, I can imagine you can do so many different colors. Thanks for participating in this shop #client