Peppermint Bark Popcorn: Your Ultimate Holiday Sweet & Salty Treat
Discover how to create irresistible peppermint bark popcorn, a simple yet enchanting treat blending buttery popcorn with crisp peppermint candy canes and smooth almond bark. Perfect for festive gift-giving, cozy movie nights, or whenever you crave a delightful salty and sweet indulgence. This addictively delicious holiday snack is so good, we affectionately call it “Christmas Crack Corn!”
Why Peppermint Bark Popcorn is a Holiday Must-Have
Popcorn holds a special place in many hearts, and for good reason. Just the comforting aroma of freshly popped kernels can transport you back to cherished memories. But when you infuse that beloved snack with the festive flavors of peppermint and creamy almond bark, you elevate it into an extraordinary holiday delight. This Peppermint Bark Popcorn recipe starts with humble microwave popcorn and transforms it into a show-stopping sweet-and-salty confection, making it a perfect addition to any holiday gathering or a thoughtful homemade gift.
The inspiration for this festive treat emerged from a recent baking session for Peppermint Dipped Chocolate Chip Cookies. With a small amount of leftover almond bark and some delightfully crushed candy canes, a brilliant idea sparked: what if I combined these festive remnants with my hugely popular Candy Coated Popcorn Recipe, often lovingly referred to as “Crack Corn”? The result was nothing short of spectacular. This Christmas Crack Popcorn, with its vibrant peppermint flavor and satisfying crunch, quickly became a new holiday favorite, bringing joy to everyone who tastes it.
The irresistible combination of crisp popcorn, sweet white almond bark, and cool peppermint pieces creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is truly addictive. It’s the kind of snack that disappears quickly from any party platter, leaving guests asking for the recipe. Its simplicity means you can whip up a large batch in minutes, making it ideal for impromptu holiday entertaining or when you need a quick, impressive treat.
Crafting Your Peppermint Bark Popcorn: A Simple Guide
Making this delightful peppermint candy cane popcorn is incredibly easy and requires just a few basic ingredients. To begin, gather your essentials: white almond bark, a touch of vegetable oil, two bags of microwave popcorn, and a generous amount of crushed candy canes. For an extra festive touch and a more intense peppermint flavor, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract and some sparkling sugar crystals.
With these simple components, you’ll be able to create a magnificent bowl of white almond bark popcorn bursting with peppermint goodness in a matter of minutes. The process is straightforward, making it a perfect recipe for even novice bakers or those looking for a quick holiday project.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
**1. Pop the Popcorn:** Start by popping your microwave popcorn according to the package directions. Once popped, it’s crucial to carefully remove as many unpopped kernels as you can. This step ensures a pleasant eating experience, preventing any unwelcome hard bites in your soft, sweet treat. Pour the fluffy popcorn into a very large bowl.
**2. Melt the Almond Bark:** In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond bark and vegetable oil. Heat in the microwave for one to one and a half minutes, stirring halfway through, until the mixture is completely smooth and pourable. The vegetable oil helps achieve that perfect silky consistency. If you desire an even more pronounced peppermint flavor, stir in a couple of drops of peppermint extract at this stage.
**3. Coat and Mix:** Pour the warm, melted almond bark mixture over the popped corn. Use a sturdy spatula to gently stir and toss the popcorn, ensuring every fluffy piece is evenly coated. This step is key to creating that signature “bark” texture. Once the popcorn is well-coated, add the majority of your crushed candy canes. Stir again to thoroughly mix them in, allowing the vibrant peppermint pieces to adhere to the sticky coating.
**4. Set and Finish:** Spread the coated popcorn evenly onto a large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the bark set properly. While the bark is still slightly wet, dust the top with the remaining crushed peppermint candy canes. For an added touch of sparkle and festive glamor, sprinkle some sugar crystals over the top – it gives the popcorn a beautiful shimmering finish that truly enhances its holiday appeal.
**5. Store:** Allow the almond bark to set completely. This usually takes about 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by placing the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Once fully set, break the popcorn into manageable pieces and transfer it to an airtight container or a Ziploc bag to maintain its freshness and crunch. Store at room temperature for up to a week.
*The complete printable recipe, including detailed measurements, can be found below.
Don’t Forget to Pin This Festive Recipe!
If you’re excited to try this delightful Peppermint Bark Popcorn, make sure you can easily find it later! Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest holiday or snack board before you go. It’s a fantastic way to save delicious ideas and ensure you’re prepared for all your festive cooking and snacking needs.
Almond Bark vs. White Chocolate for Your Peppermint Popcorn Recipe
While this recipe calls for white almond bark due to its superior melting properties, you can certainly substitute it with white chocolate or white chocolate chips if that’s what you have on hand. Using white chocolate will result in a delicious white chocolate peppermint popcorn recipe. However, I often gravitate towards almond bark because of how effortlessly it melts into a smooth, pourable consistency. Unlike white chocolate, which can sometimes be finicky and prone to overheating or seizing, almond bark consistently provides a flawless, silky coating for your popcorn, making the preparation process even simpler and more stress-free during the busy holiday season.
Peppermint Bark Popcorn: The Perfect Edible Gift
This peppermint candy-coated popcorn isn’t just a snack; it’s a delightful and personal gift that everyone will adore. Its homemade charm and festive flavor make it an ideal present for co-workers, neighbors, teachers, or friends during the holiday season. The presentation possibilities are endless and add to its appeal:
- **Cellophane Bags:** Fill clear cellophane bags with the popcorn, tie them with a festive ribbon, and add a small gift tag. This creates a charming and professional-looking gift.
- **Cute Tins:** Layer the popcorn into decorative holiday tins for a more substantial and reusable gift. These tins often become keepsakes themselves.
- **Fun Mugs or Bowls:** Fill a new mug or a decorative bowl with the popcorn, then wrap it in clear plastic or tissue paper. This adds an extra functional item to your thoughtful gift.
- **Gift Baskets:** Include a bag of Peppermint Bark Popcorn as part of a larger holiday gift basket, alongside other homemade goodies or small festive items.
Who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive a delicious, homemade, and beautifully packaged holiday treat? It’s a gesture that truly conveys warmth and holiday spirit.
Explore More Popcorn and Snack Mix Recipes for Every Occasion
When culinary inspiration wanes, my go-to solution is often a quick trip to the pantry to whip up a delicious snack mix from whatever ingredients I have on hand. Over the years, I’ve developed a vast collection of incredibly versatile and crowd-pleasing snack mix recipes. I’ve gathered all these delightful creations into a comprehensive “roundup” of recipes, beautifully showcased in the photo above. This collection truly offers something for everyone, whether you prefer sweet, spicy, chocolate-covered, healthy, fruity, nutty, or a delightful combination of flavors. They are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to elaborate party throwing, and make excellent edible gifts.
Especially for the festive Christmas and chilly Winter seasons, here are a few of my absolute favorites that pair wonderfully with our Peppermint Bark Popcorn or stand strong on their own:
- Candy Coated Crispix Snack Mix: A colorful and crunchy mix that’s a hit with all ages.
- Winter Wonderland Snack Mix: Evokes the magic of the season with its frosty appearance and delightful flavors.
- Double Chocolate Peppermint Muddy Buddies: A rich and indulgent chocolate and peppermint twist on a classic, perfect for chocolate lovers.
Creative Uses for Leftover Candy Canes
It’s a common holiday dilemma: you buy a box of candy canes, use a few for decorating or snacking, and suddenly you’re left with a surplus after Christmas. Don’t let those delightful peppermint sticks go to waste! There are countless delicious and creative ways to incorporate them into other festive treats and even homemade gifts. Here are some fantastic ideas to help you utilize your leftover candy canes:
- **Bake Delicious Fudge and Cookies:** Transform them into rich desserts! My White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge is wonderfully creamy and perfectly complemented by the crunch of crushed candy canes. Similarly, these Chocolate Mint Candy Cookies are a holiday favorite, ideal for cookie trays or as thoughtful gifts. For another irresistible treat, try this Dark & White Chocolate Peppermint Bark – it’s incredibly simple to make and looks stunning.
- **Elevate Your Beverages:** Add a touch of holiday cheer to your drinks. Stir some festive flavor into a warm mug of homemade hot cocoa with a Chocolate Mint Stirring Spoon, or simply use a full candy cane as a charming garnish for a sophisticated White Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Martini.
- **Craft Thoughtful Gifts:** Get creative with homemade gifts. One year, I made Homemade Sugar Scrubs for the kids’ teachers, and the Peppermint Sugar Scrub was an absolute sensation! Crushed candy canes can add both texture and scent to bath and body products.
These ideas ensure that no candy cane goes unloved and help extend the delightful taste of peppermint throughout the winter season!
But for now, let’s focus on the star of the show: our incredible Peppermint Bark Popcorn. Here’s the full recipe, designed for easy preparation and maximum enjoyment! Enjoy creating this festive delight!
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Print Recipe
Peppermint Bark Popcorn
Simple to make almond bark covered buttery popcorn with peppermint candy cane pieces. Perfect for gift giving, movie night, or anytime you just need a little salty & sweet treat! So addicting – we should call this Peppermint Bark Popcorn Christmas Crack Corn!
Course: Popcorn & Snack Mixes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: almond bark and popcorn, candy cane popcorn, christmas crack popcorn, peppermint bark popcorn, peppermint popcorn, popcorn bark, white almond bark popcorn recipe, white chocolate popcorn recipe
Servings: 12 cups
Calories: 379kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
- Rubber Spatulas
- 13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 3 squares almond bark
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 bags of microwave popcorn (unpopped kernels removed)
- about 1/3 cup crushed candy canes
- a couple of drops of peppermint extract (optional)
- sugar crystals (optional)
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn as directed on the package. Remove all of the unpopped kernels. Pour into a large bowl.
- Melt almond bark squares and oil in your microwave for one to one and a half minutes, or until you are able to stir into a smooth pourable consistency.
- Pour warm mixture over popcorn and stir to coat.
- After the popcorn is evenly covered, stir in crushed candy canes, reserving a bit for the next step.
- Spread popcorn out onto a large cookie sheet. Sprinkle with remaining candy canes, and let it sit for a little bit for the almond bark to set.
- Transfer it to an airtight container to store.
Notes
I typically double or triple this recipe when I make it. When I make that much, I coat the popcorn in a large paper grocery bag, instead of the big bowl. It works better to shake the bag to coat it.
If you want to really give it a stronger peppermint flavor, add a couple of drops of peppermint extract to the melted almond bark before coating the popcorn. The candy canes give it a nice mellow peppermint flavor on their own.
I added sparkling sugar to mine, but it’s totally optional to do that!
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 344mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g