12 Dessert Flavored Popcorn Recipes

Here are 12 of the best flavored popcorn recipes out there! Easy to make with caramel, peanut butter and other flavors on top of your favorite snack, popcorn! If you love sweet and salty treats these will make you think outside of the box when you bring your air popper out.

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If  you want to celebrate National Popcorn Day in January. Seriously, there is a day. Or maybe you’re just looking for some delicious flavored popcorn recipes to make to snack on. I have 12 of the best ones out there! (originally published 1/16, affiliate links present)

Dessert Popcorn Ideas

A variety is what you need so here are some sweet and some salty for you to enjoy and make! Enjoy my friends! This is what you will need:

•  An air popper !!-to make air popped popcorn
  • or make Instant Pot popcorn or Ninja Foodi popcorn
  • microwave popcorn would work okay but not great
• Baking sheets 
• At least one cup popcorn kernels
• A large bowl
• To make toppings
  • A few tablespoons melted butter
  • brown sugar
  • corn syrup
  • toasted coconut
  • sesame oil

Start to think outside of the box with these really. I mean if you just want caramel corn, follow that recipe for drizzle but go a step further. Throw in other items you love to make it a bit salty too. Anything goes. You can dress it up in clear baggies with a ribbon to tie them up too. Great gift ideas for sure.

Now you can get started and choose which one you’d like to make. First you’ll want to make a batch of plain air popped popcorn.

Flavored popcorn recipes

Then either add popcorn and toss with ingredient toppings in a bowl. Or spread it out on cookie sheets and drizzle over the top. I think making kettle corn is easier in a bowl.

I mean you can throw in the kitchen sink really. Once you have the drizzle you want there are all sorts of candies and salty snacks you can add. From raisins, to M and M candies to crushed pretzels and nuts. I mean give it a go and see which combination you love.

Peanut Butter Popcorn

Oh wait but we have more dessert popcorn recipes to choose from y’all. We want everyone in your household to be happy so see if one of these is a go.

Chocolate Popcorn

• FiveHeart Home makes some rosemary parmesan popcorn that is one of my favorite recipes.
• Well Worn Fork made some buffalo cheddar popcorn that I’ve never seen before.
• Pebbles & Piggytails made the cutest multicolored sugar popcorn that is perfect for parties!
• Try churro popcorn from Oh, Sweet Basil….I absolutely love churros!
• Lolly Jane made Thin Mint popcorn….ok I am sold!
• Speaking of Girl Scout cookies, Something Swanky made Samoas popcorn…eeeeek.
• Six Sisters Stuff made some great Muddy Buddy popcorn that is totally amazing.

Red white and blue popcorn for a patriotic theme.

Different ways to pop popcorn

1. Stovetop Popcorn
   • Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid.
   • Heat oil (such as vegetable or canola oil) in the pot over medium-high heat.
   • Add a few popcorn kernels to the hot oil and cover the pot.
   • When the test kernels pop, remove them and add the rest of the popcorn kernels.
   • Cover the pot and shake it occasionally to prevent burning.
   • Remove from heat when the popping slows down to about 2 seconds between pops.
2. Microwave Popcorn
   • Purchase microwave popcorn bags from the store.
   • Follow the instructions on the packaging for cooking times and settings.
   • Be cautious when opening the bag, as hot steam will escape.
3. Air Popper
   • Use a specialized air popcorn popper machine.
   • Add popcorn kernels to the machine, and it will blow hot air through them to pop the popcorn without oil.

You can make popcorn over a fire while camping too!! In a dutch oven pour a small amount of cooking oil (about 2-3 tablespoons) into the container you’re using with a lid. Tilt to coat the bottom evenly. Add a handful of popcorn kernels (about 1/4 cup) into the bowl with the oil. Distribute them evenly. Add a handful of popcorn kernels (about 1/4 cup) into the bowl with the oil. Distribute them evenly.

• Shake or gently move to keep the kernels and oil evenly distributed and prevent burning.
• As the popcorn starts to heat, you’ll hear the kernels popping. Continue to shake the popper gently to ensure even cooking.

If you add 2 cups of kernels that will yield about 12 cups of popped pieces.