Sweet and irresistible, candy popcorn is the perfect mix of sugary delight and crunchy satisfaction. Great for snack cravings or a dessert!

Ready to add a pop of fun and color to your snack time? If you’ve ever found yourself mindlessly munching on popcorn and thinking, “This could use some excitement,” then you’re in the right place!

Today, I’m going to walk you through how to turn ordinary popcorn into a show-stopping treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. We’re making candy popcorn!

This is the kind of treat that turns movie nights into carnivals and family gatherings into festivals. With just popcorn, sugar, butter, corn syrup, and food coloring, you can whip up something magical that might just make you feel like a kitchen wizard – or at least a very enthusiastic amateur candy maker.

Now, you might be wondering, “Why on earth would I want to make my own candy popcorn when I can just buy it?” Oh, come on! Where’s the fun in that? Making your own is not only ridiculously easy, but it’s also a fantastic way to customize the flavors and colors.

Think about it: red and green for Christmas, pink popcorn for Valentine’s Day, spooky purple for Halloween, or even a rainbow batch for that pride parade viewing party! The possibilities are as endless as they are colorful.

This candy popcorn recipe is your ticket to turning a bowl of the plain, old white stuff into a vibrant, sticky masterpiece that will have both kids and adults coming back for handful after handful.

So, grab your favorite pot, and let’s dive into a world of sugary goodness where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Ready to get popping? Stick with me, and I’ll show you how it’s done!

And before you get started, don’t forget to check out the following tips for the best popcorn:

Choose the Right Kernels

Opt for high-quality popcorn kernels. There are several types like yellow, white, and even more exotic ones like blue or red. Each has its own unique flavor and texture.

Get the Oil Right

Use a good oil with a high smoke point. Coconut oil, canola oil, and peanut oil are great choices. Coconut oil adds a nice sweetness to the popcorn.

Proper Pot and Lid

Use a heavy-bottom pot to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning. Make sure the lid is slightly ajar to let steam escape, which gives you crisper popcorn.

Heat Control

Start with a couple of test kernels in the oil over medium heat. Once they pop, you know the oil is hot enough to add the rest of your popcorn kernels. Shake the pan gently once the kernels start popping to keep them from burning.

Try Different Methods

Besides the stovetop, you can use an air popper, microwave, or even make it in an instant pot. Each method can affect the texture and flavor of your popcorn.

Are you ready to try this recipe? Here’s what you’re going to need.

Ingredients

1/2 cup popcorn kernels (about 12 cups popped)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pink, green, orange, and purple food coloring (optional)

Tools

Large bowls to separate popcorn
Small bowls to make separate colored coating
Spatula

Keep the popcorn in an airtight container and it will last for quite awhile – I would say 2 weeks, if not longer.

Feel free to throw in chocolate chips, sprinkles, a teaspoon of vanilla flavoring, or anything else tasty that you’d love to have with your popcorn.

Get the printable recipe card below:

Candy Popcorn

Learn to make vibrant candy popcorn with our easy recipe! Perfect for parties, movie nights, and fun family snacks.

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 25

Servings: cups

Ingredients

1/2 cup popcorn kernels about 12 cups popped
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
Food coloring Pink, green, orange, and purple (optional)

Instructions

Pop the popcorn kernels using your preferred method (air popper, stovetop, or microwave). Ensure there are no unpopped kernels. Divide the popped popcorn into four mixing bowls.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
Once boiling, stop stirring and let the mixture cook for 4-5 minutes. It should reach a temperature of 235°F (soft-ball stage). If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can test a small amount in cold water – it should form a soft ball.
Remove the saucepan from heat and pour into four separate bowls. Add food coloring to each bowl and mix until well combined.
Pour the candy coating over the popped popcorn in each bowl. Use a spatula to gently fold and coat the popcorn evenly with the candy mixture.
Allow the popcorn to cool completely before combining. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.