Peppermint Bark Popcorn Recipe | Delicious Holiday Treat

Peppermint Bark Popcorn recipe is the ultimate festive treat that combines the crunch of popcorn with the sweetness of white and dark chocolate and the refreshing bite of peppermint. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, movie nights, or as a gift in a jar. The irresistible combination of salty popcorn, rich chocolate, and cool peppermint creates a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s an ideal snack to enjoy during the colder months or to share with friends and family during the holiday season.

Peppermint Bark Popcorn Recipe | Delicious Holiday Treat with Chocolate & Peppermint Crunch

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Ingredients:

• Popcorn:
  • 8 cups of popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup of unpopped kernels or 1 bag of microwave popcorn)
• Chocolate:
  • 8 oz white chocolate (good quality)
  • 4 oz dark chocolate (or semi-sweet, finely chopped)
• Peppermint:
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract (optional for extra flavor)
• Other:
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt (for sprinkling)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil (for popping popcorn)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Popcorn:
   • If using stovetop, heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Place 3-4 popcorn kernels in the pot. Once they pop, add the remaining kernels. Cover the pot and shake gently to pop the kernels. Once popping slows, remove from heat and set aside.
   • If using microwave popcorn, follow the instructions on the bag for popping.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
   • In two separate microwave-safe bowls, melt the white chocolate and dark chocolate. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
   • You can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler method, where you place each bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
3. Coat the Popcorn:
   • Spread the popped popcorn evenly onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Pour the melted dark chocolate over half of the popcorn and white chocolate over the other half. Gently toss the popcorn to coat each section with the chocolate.
4. Add Peppermint:
   • Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the chocolate-coated popcorn. Be sure to cover the chocolate evenly for a festive and crunchy texture.
   • Optionally, drizzle a little extra melted white or dark chocolate over the top for an additional layer of sweetness.
5. Cool and Set:
   • Let the popcorn cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or place it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.
   • Once set, break it into pieces.
6. Serve & Store:
   • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week. This makes an excellent homemade gift when packaged in jars.

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Prep Time:

10 minutes

Active Time:

15 minutes

Resting Time:

30 minutes (or until set)

Total Time:

55 minutes

Servings:

6-8 servings (depending on portion size)

Cuisines:

American, Holiday

Course:

Dessert, Snack

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 250-300 (depending on size and exact ingredients used)
• Fat: 15g (varies based on chocolate type)
• Carbs: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 2g

Equipment Needed:

• Large pot or microwave-safe bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or wax paper
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowls
• Spoon or spatula for stirring

Tips for the Perfect Peppermint Bark Popcorn:

1. Use Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better your popcorn will taste. High-quality white chocolate and dark chocolate will give your popcorn a smooth, rich texture.
2. Customize the Peppermint: Adjust the amount of crushed peppermint to your taste. You can also add a bit of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate if you want a stronger flavor.
3. Don’t Overload the Popcorn with Chocolate: While it’s tempting to pour all the chocolate on at once, be sure to spread it out in a thin layer to allow the popcorn to stay crisp.
4. Gift-Worthy: Package this treat in a cute jar with a festive ribbon for an easy and thoughtful homemade gift.
5. Add More Toppings: Feel free to add some white chocolate drizzle or sprinkle a bit of sea salt for a sweet and salty combination.

Peppermint Bark Popcorn is a delicious and festive snack perfect for the holidays! Its combination of salty popcorn, rich chocolate, and refreshing peppermint is a surefire way to please your taste buds.

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.