Sweet popcorn is perfect for enjoying while watching a movie at home, served at children's birthday parties, or enjoyed as a delicious snack. You'll get the best popcorn taste by making it yourself on the stovetop or with a popcorn maker. In addition, you can modify the recipe here with microwave-ready popcorn. Since this recipe has so many variations, you may want to try them all.
Ingredients
Popcorn (all recipes) for 4 servings
- cup (120 ml) corn kernels
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) vegetable oil
Sweet Butter Popcorn
- cup (75 grams) butter (butter)
- cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) additional granulated sugar
Cinnamon Apple Corn Popsicle
- 1 sweet apple or 1 cup (240 ml) dried apple chips
- cup (55 grams) butter
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cinnamon
- teaspoon (1 ml) nutmeg
- teaspoon (1 ml) vanilla extract
Chocolate Corn Popcorn
- 110 grams of dark chocolate
- teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
Step
Method 1 of 3: Sweet Butter Popcorn
Step 1. Heat the oil and try to put some corn kernels in the pan
Heat 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of vegetable oil and three grains of corn in a saucepan with a thick bottom and a lid. When the three corn kernels crackle, the pan is hot enough for you to add the rest.
- Canola oil or vegetable oil with a medium or high smoke point is suitable for this step.
- If you are using microwave popcorn, simply place the bag containing the popcorn in the microwave and proceed to the step of melting the butter and sugar. It may not taste as delicious as popcorn made from corn kernels, but it can still be enjoyed.
Step 2. Add all the corn kernels
Remove the pan from the heat and add the remaining cup (120 ml) of corn kernels. Wait 30 seconds, then return the pan to the stove over medium-high heat. This time lag allows the corn grains to get an even temperature so they can break down almost simultaneously.
Step 3. Heat and move the pan until the corn kernels start to crack
About every 10 seconds, remove the pan from the stove and move it to the right and left for three seconds. Every now and then, slightly open the lid to allow air and moisture to escape.
Step 4. Add cup (50 grams) of sugar and heat until the corn kernels crackle
Once the first corn kernels start to break, add the granulated sugar and move the pan to smooth it out. Wait for the corn to crack again, then reheat until the frequency starts to slow down to once or twice a second. Pour the popcorn into a bowl and set aside. Do not immediately remove the pan from the stove because the heat will still burn the sugar.
- Sugar can reach very high temperatures. Wait for the popcorn to cool before you enjoy it.
- If it smells charred, immediately pour the popcorn out of the pot. Brown sugar and charcoal are certainly far different in taste.
Step 5. Melt the remaining butter and sugar
Stir cup (75 grams) of butter and cup (2 tablespoons/ 25 grams) of sugar together. Heat and stir in the saucepan until completely melted, or simmer for a few minutes until a caramel sauce forms. You can also melt this mixture in the microwave for about a minute.
For a thicker, more caramel-like sauce, use cup (50 grams) of golden syrup instead of sugar. You can pour this syrup into ordinary popcorn that has not been sugared, unless you really like sweet foods
Step 6. Add a pinch of salt
Sprinkle about or 1 teaspoon (2.5-5 ml) of salt for flavor. Not only will the salt give it a salty taste, it will also make the popcorn taste sweeter by masking the bitterness of the burnt corn kernels and scorched syrup.
Step 7. Pour the butter sugar sauce over the popcorn
Stir the butter and sugar mixture until smooth, then pour it into the bowl of popcorn. Wait for about 5 minutes before enjoying the popcorn so the sauce is cooler and the texture is crunchier.
If you want the sauce to harden, chill the popcorn in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes
Method 2 of 3: Cinnamon Apple Corn Pops
Step 1. Buy or make apple chips
Purchase a bag of dried apple chips and set aside 1 cup (240 ml). Alternatively, make your own apple chips from the fruit (most red apples will do):
- Thinly slice the apple with the same thickness.
- Place the apple slices on a cooling rack. (If you only have a baking sheet, flip the apple slices halfway through baking to dry the reverse side).
- Bake the apple slices in a low oven (about 120ºC) and slightly open the door.
- Remove the apple slices from the oven once they start to shrivel and are mostly dry, which is about 2 hours.
- Allow to cool until it reaches room temperature. These apple slices should be crispy.
Step 2. Prepare the popcorn as usual
You can cook popcorn on the stove (see method above) or use a microwave bag. Use unflavored popcorn as the butter will be added in the next step.
Step 3. Melt the butter and sugar together
Melt cup (55 grams) of butter and 2 tablespoons (25 grams) of brown sugar over medium heat, stirring frequently. You can stop when the two ingredients melt, or continue cooking for a few more minutes for a thicker caramel sauce.
You can also use white sugar. The brown sugar will give a stronger caramel flavor and go well with the apple pie seasoning
Step 4. Mix all ingredients
Pour the butter and sugar mixture into a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of cinnamon, teaspoon (1 ml) of nutmeg, and teaspoon (1 ml) of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth, pour over the popcorn. Let the butter sit for a few minutes to cool before enjoying.
Alternatively, add a cup (240 ml) of chopped pecans or walnuts as well
Method 3 of 3: Chocolate Popcorn
Step 1. Make popcorn
You can use the stove as above, or heat a bag of unflavored microwave popcorn.
Step 2. Melt the dark chocolate and salt
Put 110 grams of finely chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate in a microwave-safe container. Add teaspoon (2.5 ml) of salt. Microwave at 10-15 second intervals, stirring between heats until completely melted. Chocolate is easy to burn and separate. So, be careful not to get too hot.
Step 3. Pour the melted chocolate onto the popcorn tray
Pour the popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pour melted chocolate over it.
Step 4. Wait for the chocolate to harden
Let the chocolate sit at room temperature for about an hour or until it hardens. Enjoy, sprinkle some more salt if you like.
Step 5. Done
Tips
- If you are making a chocolate caramel sauce, add a pinch of cream of tartar to the butter and sugar mixture. This cream will prevent the sugar from crystallizing, giving the syrup a grainy taste.
- Immediately pour hot water into the pan used to melt the sugar, or the rest will stick together.
