Pin It A festive, crowd-pleasing snack of sweet popcorn clusters, topped with a burst of colorful red and green sprinkles—perfect for last-minute parties or holiday gatherings.
I love making these popcorn piles when friends come over during the holidays because they are simple to assemble and everyone enjoys the sweet crunch with the bright sprinkles.
Ingredients
- Popcorn: 6 cups freshly popped popcorn (about 1/4 cup unpopped kernels or 1 microwavable bag, plain or lightly salted)
- Coating: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/3 cup light corn syrup or honey, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Topping: 2 tablespoons red sprinkles, 2 tablespoons green sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- Place popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.
- Step 3:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in corn syrup, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves (about 2 minutes).
- Step 4:
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Step 5:
- Immediately pour the hot mixture over the popcorn. Using a silicone spatula, gently toss to coat all popcorn evenly.
- Step 6:
- Working quickly (the mixture sets fast), scoop heaping tablespoonfuls of coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small piles or clusters.
- Step 7:
- While still sticky, generously sprinkle red and green sprinkles over each pile.
- Step 8:
- Allow to cool and set for 10 minutes before serving.
Pin It This recipe is a hit at family gatherings especially with kids who love the colorful sprinkles and easy to eat piles.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, small saucepan, silicone spatula, baking sheet, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (butter). May contain traces of soy or gluten if using flavored popcorn or sprinkles—check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per pile: Calories 95, Total Fat 2 g, Carbohydrates 19 g, Protein 1 g
Pin It Enjoy these colorful popcorn piles fresh for best texture and flavor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What kind of popcorn is best for this snack?
Use freshly popped plain or lightly salted popcorn to ensure a neutral base that complements the sweet coating and sprinkles.
- → Can I substitute corn syrup with another sweetener?
Yes, honey is a suitable alternative to corn syrup, providing a natural sweetness and similar sticky texture for coating.
- → How do I prevent unpopped kernels from ending up in the piles?
Sort through the popcorn carefully before coating to remove any unpopped kernels that could pose a choking hazard.
- → Is it possible to add nuts or pretzels for extra flavor?
Absolutely. Mixing in chopped nuts or mini pretzels before coating adds crunch and enhances flavor variety.
- → How long do these popcorn piles stay fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to two days.