Description
Glitter Popcorn is a dazzling and sweet snack perfect for parties and special occasions. This recipe features crispy popcorn coated in a buttery, sugary glaze and finished with edible glitter for a sparkling, eye-catching treat. Easy to prepare and irresistibly festive, it’s a fun twist on classic caramel popcorn that adds a magical touch to movie nights and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Popcorn
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
Sweet Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Decoration
- Edible glitter (any color, for decoration)
- Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for extra flair
Instructions
- Pop the Popcorn: Pop the popcorn using a popcorn maker or stovetop method, ensuring all unpopped kernels are removed. Measure out about 10 cups of popped popcorn and place it in a large bowl.
- Make the Sweet Glaze: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until fully liquefied.
- Add Sugar Mixture: Once the butter is melted, stir in the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Continue stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture starts to bubble gently.
- Boil Until Thickened: Allow the mixture to boil gently for 3 to 4 minutes without stirring so it thickens slightly, creating a glossy glaze.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract. Be cautious as the glaze may bubble up upon adding vanilla.
- Coat the Popcorn: Quickly pour the warm sweet glaze over the popped popcorn. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir and evenly coat all the popcorn before the glaze begins to set.
- Add the Glitter: Immediately sprinkle the edible glitter evenly over the coated popcorn to achieve the desired sparkle.
- Add Extra Flair (Optional): For additional color and texture, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles over the popcorn if desired.
- Cool the Popcorn: Spread the coated popcorn in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Let it cool completely to allow the glaze to harden and the popcorn to become crisp.
- Serve: Once cooled and hardened, serve the Glitter Popcorn as a festive, sparkly snack perfect for any celebration or movie night.
Notes
- Make sure to remove all unpopped kernels before adding the glaze to avoid biting into hard kernels.
- Work quickly when coating the popcorn, as the glaze can harden fast.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
- You can customize this recipe by using different colors of edible glitter or sprinkles to match party themes.
- For a crunchier glaze, you can bake the coated popcorn at 250°F (120°C) for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
