Description
An easy and customizable snack board featuring popcorn candy coating and mixed nuts, perfect for casual movie nights and spontaneous gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups freshly popped popcorn (air-popped preferred)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup mixed nuts (roasted almonds, cashews, pecans, unsalted or lightly salted)
- Mini pretzels (for extra crunch and saltiness)
- Dried fruit like cranberries or cherries (optional)
- Chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions
- Pop about 8 cups (240g) of popcorn. Remove any unpopped kernels and transfer to a large bowl. (5 minutes)
- Toast 1 cup (140g) mixed nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Stir frequently and let cool slightly.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar and 2 tablespoons (30ml) light corn syrup or honey. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
- Let the mixture boil for 3-4 minutes without stirring until it thickens and turns a rich amber color. Remove from heat and quickly stir in 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The mixture will foam up.
- Immediately pour the hot candy mixture over the popcorn and nuts. Gently toss with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat evenly. (Warning: candy mixture is hot!)
- Spread the coated popcorn and nuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread evenly and let cool and harden for 20-30 minutes.
- Once cooled, transfer the popcorn candy and nuts to a serving board. Add mini pretzels, dried fruit, and chocolate chunks for variety and color.
Notes
If desired, bake the coated popcorn at 250°F (120°C) for 20 minutes, stirring halfway, for extra crunch. Use fresh butter for best candy coating texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration to keep candy crisp. For vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and corn syrup with maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6th
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: movie night snack, popcorn candy, mixed nuts, easy snack board, popcorn candy coating, quick snack, sweet and salty snack