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Crispy Firecracker Popcorn Recipe Easy Homemade Red Candy Coating Treats

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, sweet popcorn coated in a vibrant red homemade candy glaze, perfect for parties and festive occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (90g) plain, unbuttered popcorn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) light corn syrup
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon (2g) baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt
  • A few drops red food coloring (gel-based preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • ½ cup water (for candy coating)

Instructions

  1. Pop the popcorn: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3-4 kernels and cover with lid. When they pop, add the rest of the popcorn kernels in an even layer. Cover and shake occasionally to prevent burning. Pop until popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops. Remove from heat and transfer popcorn to a large mixing bowl, discarding unpopped kernels. (Approx. 5-7 minutes)
  2. Make the candy coating: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and ½ cup water. Stir gently until combined. Clip in candy thermometer if using. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat without stirring until it reaches hard-ball stage (240-250°F / 115-121°C), about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Add butter and color: Remove saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in unsalted butter, baking soda, salt, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up slightly.
  4. Coat the popcorn: Immediately pour hot candy mixture over popped popcorn in the large bowl. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold and toss popcorn, coating every piece evenly. Work quickly before candy hardens. (About 2-3 minutes)
  5. Cool the popcorn: Spread coated popcorn onto prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Let cool completely at room temperature until candy hardens, about 30 minutes. Break apart large clusters into bite-sized pieces.

Notes

Use a candy thermometer for best results. Do not stir sugar syrup while boiling to prevent crystallization. Work quickly when coating popcorn. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid refrigeration to keep candy coating crisp. Rewarm candy mixture gently if it hardens before coating all popcorn.

Nutrition

Keywords: popcorn, firecracker popcorn, candy coating, sweet snack, party treat, homemade popcorn, red candy popcorn

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/crispy-firecracker-popcorn-recipe-easy-homemade-red-candy-coating-treats/