I remember my mum used to make this candy popcorn for all special occasions when I was a kid. Mum’s candy popcorn was a staple at all of our birthday parties and often appeared at school functions. The fun bright colors make it the perfect treat. It is also super easy to change up the colors to fit the event theme. Make as many or as few colors as you need!

Mum’s candy popcorn ingredients

The ingredients for this candy popcorn are super simple which makes it even more appealing!

• Popcorn (obviously)
• Sugar
• Water
• Butter
• Food coloring

Tips for making candy popcorn

• A bag of microwave popcorn can be used in place of air popping the kernels.
• Move quickly after removing the sugar mixture from the stove as it will set quickly, especially if you are making this in a colder environment.
• To help prevent the sugar for setting too quickly pour just enough into a bowl to mix only one color. Once the color is mixed immediately coat the popcorn. Keeping the remaining sugar together in a large container will help contain the heat and keep it in liquid state.
• Place the popcorn in a large bowl for the coating stage. You want enough space in the bowl to really be able to toss the popcorn around and ensure an even coating.
• Use a spoon to do the coating. The sugar will be very hot and can cause serious burns.
• Place the coated popcorn on a parchment lined baking tray to cool. Allow the sugar to set completely before enjoying. The setting time will vary depending on how warm or cool it is in your kitchen.
• Store any uneaten popcorn in a ziplock bag at room temperature for up to three days.

Check out some of my mum’s other recipes

These nostalgic recipes are straight from my mum’s handwritten recipe book.

Did you give this candy popcorn a try? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to tag us in your pics of the popcorn on social! @mandy.macc.bakes

Print Recipe

Mum’s Candy Popcorn

Author: Mandy

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 min Cook Time 10 min Rest Time 2 hour Total Time 2 hrs 15 mins Servings: 6

Description

This bright and colorful candy popcorn is the perfect sweet snack for any party, or just a random weekday afternoon. 

Ingredients

Servings

• ¹⁄₃ cup popcorn kernels
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup water
• ¹⁄₂ tablespoon butter
• food coloring (as many colors as desired)

Instructions

1. Pop the popcorn and set aside

2. Add sugar, water and butter to a large heavy bottom sauce pan and bring to a boil

3. Once sugar has reached a boil reduce heat to medium-low and stir mixture constantly for three minutes

4. Add sugar mixture to separate bowls, one for each color and add a few drops of food coloring. Stir to combine

5. Pour colored sugar over popcorn and toss to combine, repeating for each color

6. Place coated popcorn on a parchment lined baking tray to set

Notes

Store popcorn in a ziplock bag at room temperature for up to three days

Keywords: Popcorn, Candy Popcorn, Mum's Recipe