Description
Peppermint Bark Popcorn is a festive, easy-to-make treat combining crunchy popcorn with creamy white chocolate and refreshing crushed peppermint candies. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy movie nights, or gifting, this snack offers a delightful balance of sweet, minty, and crunchy flavors with minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 8 cups air-popped or lightly salted popcorn (about 1/2 cup kernels)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes or mints
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter (for richness and smoother coating)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (to enhance white chocolate flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Popcorn: Pop your popcorn kernels using an air popper or stovetop method until fluffy and crisp. Remove any unpopped kernels and transfer the popcorn to a large bowl lined with parchment paper to make mixing easier.
- Crush the Peppermint Candy: Place peppermint candy canes or mints in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have a mix of small shards and larger pieces for texture and festive appearance.
- Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, gently melt the white chocolate chips, stirring every 20 seconds to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, silky consistency. If using, stir in butter and vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Drizzle the melted white chocolate evenly over the prepared popcorn. Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on top so they adhere while the chocolate is still warm.
- Let it Set: Allow the coated popcorn to cool and the chocolate to harden completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. Once set, gently break apart any large clusters before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use freshly crushed peppermint candy canes for the best flavor and crunch rather than pre-ground peppermint powders.
- Drizzle the white chocolate lightly to avoid soggy popcorn and maintain crispiness.
- Mix ingredients gently to coat popcorn without crushing it into too small pieces.
- Line baking sheets or bowls with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Store peppermint bark popcorn in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to preserve freshness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg