Description
Glitter Popcorn is a fun and festive snack featuring crispy popcorn coated in a sweet, buttery glaze and finished with sparkling edible glitter. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or special occasions, this recipe transforms ordinary popcorn into an eye-catching treat with a delightful crunch and a touch of sparkle.
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
Decorations
- Edible glitter (in any color you like)
- Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for extra flair
Instructions
- Pop the Popcorn: Pop the popcorn using a popcorn maker or stovetop method. Remove any unpopped kernels carefully. You should have about 10 cups of popped popcorn. Transfer it to a large bowl and set aside.
- Make the Sweet Glaze: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until fully liquefied.
- Add Sugar and Corn Syrup: Add the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and salt to the melted butter. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble gently.
- Boil the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes without stirring. This will allow the glaze to thicken slightly and develop a rich texture.
- Finish the Glaze: Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up when adding the vanilla.
- Coat the Popcorn: Immediately pour the warm sweet glaze over the prepared popcorn. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir and fold the popcorn to evenly coat all the pieces before the glaze begins to set.
- Add the Glitter: While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle edible glitter or shimmer powder liberally over the popcorn to achieve your desired sparkle effect.
- Add Extra Decorations: Optionally, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles over the coated popcorn for added color and flair.
- Cool the Popcorn: Spread the coated popcorn out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely so the glaze can harden and the popcorn pieces can set.
- Serve: Once cooled and hardened, break apart any large clusters if needed, then serve your sparkling Glitter Popcorn. Enjoy this delightful treat at parties, movie nights, or special celebrations.
Notes
- Be careful when mixing the hot glaze as it can bubble and cause burns.
- Make sure the popcorn is fully popped and free of unpopped kernels to prevent choking hazards.
- Use edible glitter specifically designed for food to ensure safety.
- You can store leftover Glitter Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and ensure the corn syrup and glitter are vegan-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop cooking, coating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
