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.  

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

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!

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.

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

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.

More food recipes you’ll love

• Honey Cinnamon Popcorn– This recipe is definitely a little cleaner than this candied popcorn!
• Caramel Popcorn
• Three Cheese Queso Dip
• Pub Cheese
• Minion Candied Popcorn Balls

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.