Prepare to be captivated by this incredible Peanut Butter Popcorn – a perfectly popped treat generously coated in a sweet, irresistibly sticky peanut butter glaze. This is the ultimate snack that peanut butter enthusiasts simply won’t be able to resist!
For those who adore the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter, get ready to indulge in your new favorite snack! If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate this beloved ingredient, be sure to also try these delightful Peanut Butter Cookies or this decadent Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake. But for now, let’s focus on the crunchy, sweet, and utterly addictive world of homemade peanut butter popcorn.
Who doesn’t love a classic tin of popcorn? There’s something inherently nostalgic and comforting about diving into a big container of salty, buttery kernels. I confess, I’m a popcorn aficionado in every sense of the word, so those festive tins hold a special place in my heart. But let’s imagine something even better, something truly extraordinary:
Picture a generous tin, not just filled with ordinary popcorn, but overflowing with this glorious Peanut Butter Popcorn! The thought alone is enough to make any snack-lover’s heart skip a beat. This isn’t just any popcorn recipe; it’s a game-changer that elevates a simple snack into an unforgettable culinary experience.
This particular recipe holds a spot as one of my all-time favorite popcorn creations. You are absolutely going to adore it – especially if you, like me, are a devoted peanut butter enthusiast. What makes it even more appealing is its incredible simplicity. Creating this sweet and savory delight is surprisingly easy, making it accessible for even novice home cooks.
Peanut Butter Popcorn is the perfect treat for a cozy family movie night, adding a special touch to your evening entertainment. It’s equally fantastic for any snack time craving, whether you need a quick pick-me-up or a satisfying indulgence. Beyond personal enjoyment, consider its potential as a thoughtful and delicious gift! Pack it into decorative bags or small tins, and share this homemade goodness with neighbors, friends, and loved ones. It’s a gift that truly comes from the heart and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Looking to take your peanut butter popcorn to the next level? Don’t miss out on this decadent Peanut Butter, Chocolate, and Cashew Popcorn recipe for an extra layer of flavor and crunch!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter Popcorn:
Creating this irresistible sweet and salty snack requires just a few basic ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect sticky, flavorful coating. Here’s what you’ll need:
Popcorn: The foundation of our snack! You have options here. If you prefer to pop your own kernels from scratch, you’ll need approximately 1/2 cup of unpopped kernels, which typically yields around 16 cups of fluffy popcorn. If you’re opting for convenience and using pre-popped popcorn (like a plain microwave bag or air-popped), aim for about 16 cups. Ensure it’s plain and unsalted, as we’ll be adding plenty of flavor with the peanut butter coating.
Sugar: Regular, granulated white sugar is exactly what you need. It combines with the corn syrup to form the sweet, sticky base of our coating, providing the perfect counterpoint to the peanut butter’s richness.
Corn Syrup: This is a key player in achieving that wonderfully gooey and glossy texture. Make sure to use **light corn syrup**, not dark. Light corn syrup has a milder flavor and helps prevent crystallization, ensuring your popcorn coating stays smooth and chewy, rather than grainy or brittle.
Peanut Butter: The star of the show! For the best results and the smoothest coating, we highly recommend using a processed peanut butter, such as Jif or Skippy. These varieties typically have a more stable emulsion of oil and solids, which contributes to a consistent and easy-to-work-with texture when melted. While natural peanut butter *can* work, its tendency to separate and its often thicker consistency can make the coating process a bit more challenging, potentially resulting in a less uniform or slightly greasier finish.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract elevates the overall flavor profile, adding a warm and aromatic depth that complements the peanut butter beautifully. I always advocate for using real vanilla extract for the best taste, though imitation vanilla will also work in a pinch.
Watch How to Make Peanut Butter Popcorn:
Video
Pro Tips for Flawless Peanut Butter Popcorn:
Achieving that perfectly coated, sweet, and sticky peanut butter popcorn is easy with a few key techniques. Follow these tips and tricks to ensure your batch is a resounding success every time:
- The Golden Rule for the Syrup: This is arguably the most critical step. When combining the sugar and corn syrup, do not boil the mixture for more than 2 minutes. The goal is simply to melt the sugar thoroughly. If you overcook it, the mixture will become excessively thick, making it incredibly difficult to stir evenly into your popcorn. A coating that’s too thick will result in unevenly coated popcorn and a less desirable texture. If you find your mixture becoming too thick too quickly, try reducing the cook time by just a few seconds on your next attempt.
- Kernel Check: Before you even think about pouring that delicious peanut butter mixture over your popcorn, take a moment to meticulously remove any unpopped kernels. Biting into a hard, unpopped kernel can be an unpleasant surprise and ruin the enjoyment of this otherwise delightful snack.
- Storage and Shelf Life: While this peanut butter popcorn is so delicious it often disappears within hours, it can be stored! When kept in an airtight container at room temperature, it will remain fresh and wonderfully chewy for up to a week. However, based on experience, don’t expect it to last that long – it’s typically devoured well before then!
- Creative Customizations: Don’t be afraid to experiment and personalize your peanut butter popcorn! You can add extra crunch and flavor by mixing in some roasted peanuts. For a delightful chocolatey twist, toss in some M&Ms, chocolate chips, or Reese’s Pieces after the popcorn has cooled slightly. If you enjoy a contrast of flavors, a light sprinkle of sea salt over the finished popcorn can enhance the peanut butter and sweetness, creating an irresistible sweet and salty profile.
- Even Coating is Key: Once you pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the popcorn, work quickly and gently to stir and coat all the kernels. Use a large spoon or spatula, or even clean hands (once the mixture is cool enough to touch) to ensure every piece gets a generous, even layer of the sticky goodness.
Explore More Delicious Popcorn Recipes:
If you’re a fan of gourmet popcorn, you’re in for a treat! Discover these other fantastic popcorn creations:
Muddy Buddy Popcorn
Eggnog Popcorn
Soft Caramel Popcorn
Red Hot Popcorn
Baked Caramel Popcorn
Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn
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Peanut Butter Popcorn
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Ingredients
- 16 cups popped popcorn (or about 1/2 cup of kernels, popped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn (if using kernels), ensuring it yields about 16 cups. Place the freshly popped popcorn in a very large bowl and set aside.16 cups popped popcorn
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Allow it to boil for exactly 2 minutes, then immediately remove it from the heat.1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup
- To the hot syrup mixture, add the peanut butter. Stir continuously until the peanut butter is fully melted and smoothly combined with the syrup. Once smooth, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.1 cup peanut butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Carefully pour the warm peanut butter coating over the prepared popcorn in the large bowl. Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, gently yet quickly stir the popcorn, ensuring every kernel is thoroughly coated with the sweet and sticky peanut butter mixture. Serve immediately or allow to cool before storing.
Recipe Notes:
Recipe adapted from the Worldwide Ward Cookbook.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Actual counts can vary significantly based on specific brands and product variations. Any nutritional information should therefore be used as a general guide rather than precise dietary advice.