Pink Popcorn Recipe
Introduction
Pink Popcorn is a fun and colorful twist on a classic snack, perfect for parties or a sweet treat. This recipe coats fluffy popcorn with a glossy, pink candy syrup that’s both crunchy and sweet.
Ingredients
- 12 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅓ cup half and half or evaporated milk
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 drops red or pink food coloring
Instructions
- Step 1: Pop your popcorn and measure 12 cups. Place it in a large bowl and remove any unpopped kernels.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, half and half, corn syrup, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to boil. Let it boil for 3–4 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and food coloring until evenly blended and the desired pink color is reached.
- Step 4: Pour the syrup evenly over the popcorn. Stir gently until all popcorn is coated.
- Step 5: Spread the coated popcorn on parchment paper and let cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, bake the coated popcorn at 250°F (120°C) for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Try using different food coloring to create various fun colors for themed parties.
- Swap half and half with coconut milk for a subtle tropical flavor.
Storage
Store the pink popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep it away from humidity to preserve its crispness. If it softens, you can refresh it in the oven on low heat for a few minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of half and half or evaporated milk?
Regular milk can be used, but the coating may be slightly less creamy. Half and half or evaporated milk provide a richer texture.
How do I prevent the popcorn from becoming soggy?
Be sure to spread the coated popcorn in a single layer on parchment paper and let it cool completely, so the syrup hardens and maintains crispness.
PrintPink Popcorn Recipe
Pink Popcorn is a delightful and colorful twist on the classic snack. This sweet treat features crispy popcorn coated in a homemade pink candy syrup made from sugar, half and half, corn syrup, and vanilla, resulting in a fun and festive snack perfect for parties and special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cups of pink popcorn 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Popcorn
- 12 cups popped popcorn
Candy Coating
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅓ cup half and half or evaporated milk
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 drops red or pink food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the Popcorn: Pop the popcorn using your preferred method and measure out 12 cups. Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl and carefully remove any unpopped kernels to avoid any unpleasant bites.
- Make the Candy Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, half and half (or evaporated milk), light corn syrup, and salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil gently for 3 to 4 minutes, which helps the syrup thicken and develop a candy-like consistency.
- Add Flavor and Color: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and the red or pink food coloring drops until the syrup is evenly blended and reaches the desired vibrant pink shade.
- Coat the Popcorn: Pour the pink syrup evenly over the bowl of popcorn. Gently stir using a spatula or large spoon to make sure all the popcorn is fully coated with the syrup without crushing the popcorn pieces.
- Cool and Serve: Spread the coated popcorn evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. Allow it to cool completely until the candy coating hardens and the popcorn becomes crisp. Once cooled, break into clusters if necessary and serve.
Notes
- Ensure you remove all unpopped kernels before coating to prevent choking hazards.
- The boiling time of 3–4 minutes is critical for achieving the proper candy consistency—avoid over or under-boiling.
- You can adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve a lighter or deeper pink color depending on preference.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crispness for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with a plant-based milk, but note that the candy syrup texture may slightly vary.
Keywords: pink popcorn, sweet popcorn, candy popcorn, party snack, colored popcorn
