Save A festive, crowd-pleasing snack of sweet popcorn clusters, topped with a burst of colorful red and green sprinkles—perfect for last-minute parties or holiday gatherings.
This recipe has been a hit at every holiday gathering I've hosted, bringing smiles with its vibrant sprinkles and delightful crunch.
Ingredients
- Popcorn: 6 cups freshly popped popcorn (about 1/4 cup unpopped kernels or 1 microwavable bag, plain or lightly salted)
- Coating: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/3 cup light corn syrup or honey 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Topping: 2 tablespoons red sprinkles 2 tablespoons green sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- Place popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.
- Step 3:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in corn syrup, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves (about 2 minutes).
- Step 4:
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Step 5:
- Immediately pour the hot mixture over the popcorn. Using a silicone spatula, gently toss to coat all popcorn evenly.
- Step 6:
- Working quickly (the mixture sets fast), scoop heaping tablespoonfuls of coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small piles or clusters.
- Step 7:
- While still sticky, generously sprinkle red and green sprinkles over each pile.
- Step 8:
- Allow to cool and set for 10 minutes before serving.
Save My family eagerly gathers to snack on these colorful popcorn piles, making every holiday feel even more special.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl Small saucepan Silicone spatula Baking sheet Parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (butter) May contain traces of soy or gluten if using flavored popcorn or sprinkles—check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 95 Total Fat: 2 g Carbohydrates: 19 g Protein: 1 g per pile
Save Enjoy these festive popcorn piles as a quick snack or a delightful party treat that everyone will love.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of popcorn is best for these piles?
Use freshly popped plain or lightly salted popcorn, avoiding unpopped kernels for the best texture and coating adherence.
- → Can I substitute the corn syrup in the coating?
Honey works well as a natural alternative to light corn syrup, providing a similar sticky texture and sweetness.
- → How do I prevent the popcorn piles from sticking together?
Allow the piles to cool and set on parchment paper without moving them until they become firm, usually about 10 minutes.
- → Are there options to add crunch to the popcorn piles?
Yes, adding chopped nuts or mini pretzels before coating adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- → What’s the best way to store these snack clusters?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to two days.