Funfetti Popcorn
This funfetti popcorn features a light candy coating and sprinkles with a vanilla birthday cake flavor. It's gluten-free and great for party favors!
Servings: 15 cups
Calories: 91kcal
Equipment
- 1 Air popper or other popcorn popper of your choice
- 1 Instant-Read Thermometer or candy thermometer
Ingredients
- ½ cup plain popcorn kernels (don't use butter-flavored microwave popcorn)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup whole milk or half and half
- 2 teaspoons corn syrup
- pinch kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Use clear vanilla to get the most "birthday cake-like" flavor)
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Line a half sheet pan (or two quarter sheet pans) with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
- Pop the popcorn kernels using your desired method (an air-popper works great). Transfer the popcorn into a large bowl (or two smaller bowls if you don't have one large enough to fit the popcorn with room to stir). Set aside.
- Pour the sugar into the center of a small saucepan, being careful not to get any sugar crystals on the sides of the pot. Add the milk, corn syrup, and salt and place the mixture over medium heat. Heat the mixture until it reaches 230°F, stirring often. Note that the mixture will come to a boil several minutes before it reaches the correct temperature - keep cooking it after this. If you find that the temperature is no longer rising, or is rising very slowly, raise the temperature slightly, but don't exceed medium-high heat or you run the risk of burning the mixture.
- Once the sugar mixture has reached 230°F, remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Pour the sugar mixture over the popcorn, then add the sprinkles. Stir it gently until it is evenly mixed.
- Spread the coated popcorn in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet(s). Leave it uncovered to dry. Note that if you live in a humid climate, it will take longer to dry, or it may not dry well. If this happens, you can place it in the oven at 200°F. Check on it regularly to assess the dryness.
- Once the popcorn is completely dry (it usually takes 2-4 hours for me, in a dry climate), place it into airtight containers or bags.
Nutrition
Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 24mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg