Chunky Sweet Popcorn Mix
Indulge in the irresistible crunch and sweetness of Chunky Sweet Popcorn Mix, the ultimate snack for any occasion! This delightful recipe combines freshly popped popcorn with a luscious homemade caramel glaze, packed with rich flavors of brown sugar, butter, and vanilla. Toasted pecans and almonds add a satisfying crunch, while dried cranberries bring a burst of tangy sweetness. Optional mini chocolate chips make every handful a decadent treat. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or as a make-ahead snack, this easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes. With its combination of caramel-coated popcorn, nutty goodness, and fruity accents, this mix is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the popcorn kernels and cover with a lid.
Shake the pot occasionally to ensure the kernels heat evenly. Continue until popping slows significantly, then remove from heat.
Transfer the popped popcorn to a large mixing bowl, being careful to leave any unpopped kernels in the pot.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn, and gently toss to coat evenly using a spatula or spoon.
Spread the coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans and almonds evenly over the popcorn, and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the popcorn to cool completely. This step will make the caramel crisp and set.
Once cooled, mix in the dried cranberries and mini chocolate chips (if using).
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week. Enjoy your Chunky Sweet Popcorn Mix!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2392 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 143.4 g | 184% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.9 g | 160% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 658 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 255.6 g | 93% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.3 g | 137% | |
| Total Sugars | 140.7 g | ||
| Protein | 35.7 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 309 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 9.5 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 780 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
