Pink Popcorn with Vanilla Glaze (Printable)

Light, crispy popcorn kernels tossed in a homemade pink vanilla candy coating for a fun colorful snack.

# What You Need:

→ Popcorn Base

01 - 8 cups plain popped popcorn (from 1/2 cup kernels)
02 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for popping)

→ Pink Candy Glaze

03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 cup light corn syrup
05 - 1/4 cup water
06 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
07 - 1/8 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 2-3 drops red food coloring

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add popcorn kernels, cover with lid, and shake occasionally until popping slows significantly. Remove from heat and transfer popped popcorn to a large bowl, discarding any unpopped kernels.
02 - Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar completely dissolves. Continue boiling for 3-4 minutes without stirring until mixture slightly thickens.
03 - Remove saucepan from heat immediately. Stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring, adding additional drops drop by drop until desired rosy pink shade is achieved.
04 - Quickly pour hot pink glaze over popped popcorn. Using a heat-resistant spatula or greased hands, toss continuously until all kernels are evenly coated with the glaze.
05 - Spread coated popcorn in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow to cool completely at room temperature until glaze hardens. Break into clusters and serve.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The color alone makes people gasp, and the vanilla candy coating tastes like childhood county fairs
  • It comes together in twenty minutes flat but looks like you spent forever planning it
02 -
  • The glaze hardens fast, so have everything ready before you start boiling the sugar mixture
  • Grease your spatula and your hands before tossing, or you will regret everything when you are stuck to the popcorn
03 -
  • Use a candy thermometer if you want precision, aiming for 245 degrees Fahrenheit
  • If the glaze starts setting too fast, pop the baking sheet in a 200 degree oven for two minutes to soften it back up

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