Description
This delicious Chocolate Popcorn recipe combines crispy popped corn with a rich, chocolatey caramel coating made from brown sugar, cocoa powder, butter, and corn syrup. Perfect for a sweet snack or party treat, it’s easy to make using microwave heating and requires no baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Popcorn
- 190 grams popped popcorn (about 24 cups)
Chocolate Coating
- ½ cup brown sugar (107 grams)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams, slightly melted, 1 stick)
- ¼ cup light corn syrup (78 grams)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (21 grams)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- Sea salt (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Popcorn and Baking Sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and place the popped popcorn in an extra large bowl. Set both aside for coating.
- Mix and Heat Chocolate Mixture. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and cocoa powder. Stir well to mix evenly and microwave on high for 3 minutes to begin melting and cooking the mixture.
- Bring Mixture to Boil. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and stir. The mixture should be boiling; if not, return it to the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals until it reaches a boil, ensuring a smooth caramelized texture.
- Add Flavorings. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional sea salt to enhance the flavor of the chocolate coating.
- Coat Popcorn. Pour the hot chocolate butter mixture over the popcorn. Use a rubber spatula to gently stir and fold the popcorn until every piece is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
- Spread and Cool. Spread the coated popcorn in an even layer onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set properly.
- Set the Coating. Allow the popcorn to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours so the chocolate coating can firm up before serving or packaging.
Notes
- Use freshly popped popcorn for best texture and flavor.
- Be cautious when handling the hot chocolate mixture as it will be very hot.
- For a crunchier texture, you can spread the coated popcorn thinner on the baking sheet.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips for variation if desired.
