3 Ingredient Candied Popcorn Recipe (with Almond Bark)
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Looking for a fun and easy treat that’s perfect for movie nights, parties, or just because? This 3-ingredient candy popcorn is for you!
You can whip up a colorful, crunchy snack in minutes. It’s sweet, satisfying, and so simple, that even the kids can help make it. Let’s turn a plain bowl of popcorn into a sweet masterpiece that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!
When entertaining, we like to have something for everyone. Finger food snacks like this candied popcorn and our Crispix mix or Siracha Chex Mix are some of our go-to recipes.
Candy Popcorn Ingredients
I’m not sure if you can even call this a recipe. With three simple ingredients, you can make this candied popcorn. It’s perfect for beginners, when you need a last minute treat, or when the kiddos need a fun activity.
We used unbuttered, lightly salted poped popcorn. If you’re popping your own, this is approximately 1/2 cup unpopped. It’s easy to find a microwave version or pull out your air popper. For convenience, you can purchase popped popcorn. I bought a twin pack of popcorn that was 11.5 ounces.
Almond bark is so easy to use. For our candy flavored popcorn we used white almond bark for a 4th of July party. We’ll give you some options and tips for almond bark.
Red, white, and blue candy pieces were added to carry out our Independence Day snack. The colors just pop against the white candy popcorn don’t you think?
How to make your own candy popcorn
- Prepare two or three cookie sheets by covering them with waxed paper or parchment paper.
- Place the popped corn in a large bowl.
- Melt the almond bark.
- Double Boiler – Set a bowl containing the almond park above a pan with of simmering water. Stir frequently until melted.
- Microwave – This is an easy way to melt almond bark. I recommend using 50% power and stirring in between 1-minute to 30-second increments.
- Add the almond bark to the popcorn and quickly stir to combine. Add half of the candy.
- Spread the candy coated popcorn onto the prepared cookie sheets. Press the remaining candy onto the top. The uncoated candies stay shiny and add color.
FAQ’s
Can I use real chocolate instead of almond bark?
You certainly can. To do so, our Chocolate Almond Bark recipe may be helpful. Let me share a few benefits of using almond bark over chocolate, however.
What is almond bark?
Almond bark is not chocolate. It is a confectionery coating made primarily from vegetable fats, sugar, and flavorings (like vanilla or chocolate flavor). It does not contain almonds despite the name. This is a vegan product as well.
Since it’s not chocolate, it doesn’t need to be tempered. It also melts smoothly and hardens quickly. Once hardened, it doesn’t melt as easily as regular chocolate, making it great for treats that need to hold their shape.
Lastly, it is so versatile. You can add flavors, colors, or mix-ins for different occasions. For example, use sprinkles or candy like candy corn for Fall or Halloween! Even a handful of mini chocolate chips would be fun and delicious.
You can substitute candy melts like we did when making our Unicorn Popcorn as well.
Hostess Tips
- Make sure that you don’t get any water in the almond bark. It will seize up and become unusable.
- Almond bark can burn so it’s best to melt it slowly over medium to low heat or short increments in the microwave.
- Be sure to stir the melted almond bark before you add it too the popcorn so that it’s smooth.
- Don’t break the coated pop corn into pieces until it’s completely set.
- Use plenty of popcorn. Almond bark is sweet and the salt in the popcorn contrasts deliciously.
I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.
3 Ingredient Candy Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 cups popped Popcorn
- 16 oz Almond Bark
- 60 Candy pieces
Instructions
- Put popped corn into a large bowl.
- Melt candy coating according to package directions and pour over popcorn and stir to combine.
- Add 1/2 of candy pieces and stir to combine.
- Pour onto a baking sheet pan, lined with waxed or parchment paper. Sprinkle and press the remaining candy pieces over the top.
- Allow the coating to set. Can be chilled in the refrigerator to expedite setting.
- Break up and serve, or place in an airtight container.
Notes
- Make sure that you don’t get any water in the almond bark. It will seize up and become unusable.
- Almond bark can burn so it’s best to melt it slowly over medium to low heat or short increments in the microwave.
- Don’t break the coated pop corn into pieces until it’s completely set.
- Use plenty of popcorn. Almond bark is sweet and the salt in the popcorn contrasts deliciously.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
Fun Party Food for the 4th of July
If you’re still looking for recipes to serve at your 4th of July gathering, take a look at our 4th of July Cupcakes, Sweet Jarcuterie, Boozy Strawberries, and, our Savory Jarcuterie. They’re guaranteed to make the party fun!
Did you enjoy this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it for later and follow me on Pinterest for more delicious recipes like this one!
This candy popcorn recipe was first released on May 24, 2017. It has been updated to improve our readers’ experience. We added simple details and tips. No changes were made to the actual recipe.
The most delicious thing in the world
Thank you! It is addicting!
Yum and so adorable! thanks for bringing this to Fiesta Friday
Thank you so much Lindy! I appreciate you hosting us this week and hope you had a great time.
How delightful! I love the colors and this is such a great idea! It’s always nice to have something for the kids!
Thank you, Antonia! Perfect for the kiddos and they can stuff whatever they want in it too.
These are some of the most beautiful 4th of July pictures I have seen! They just jump off the page! (I wish the popcorn really would jump off the page and into my mouth) 🙂 I love that whole salty sweet thing. Pinning for sure!
Thank you again! You know when you get a bit of real sunshine, it can really make a difference with the pictures. This popcorn was so easy and delicious. I made my husband take it to work. My hips couldn’t take anymore! It would be great to set out when entertaining though.
So cute!
Thanks!
I’m a tad late Julie…..so I hope you’ve saved me some of this delicious candied popcorn. You’ve really made it sparkle and pop for the holiday haven’t you? Yummy!!
Thank you Loretta! I’ll make you a whole new batch! This is a yummy concoction. I had to tell my husband to get it out of my site. I was too weak to resist munching.
Don’t you just love to kick popcorn up a notch! We could have used a couple bowls of this instead of salsa and chips when we played cards. Happy FF and thanks for co-hosting – sounds like you are having lots of fun 🙂
I’m afraid that I would probably do more snacking than card playing! I had a great time co-hosting. This is such a wonderful group of people. It looks like you had an enjoyable weekend too!
Not when we are playing euchre – especially the guys 🙂 They can easily multi-task!
I love the look of this popcorn! And it’s so easy to make (which could be dangerous!) 😀
Claudia it is addictive! I made my husband remove it from my presence!
I love your popcorn, they have a completely playful appeal and with such perfect July 4th colours! 🙂 Yum!
Thank you Petra! You know, I was so amazed that the almond bard did not weigh the popcorn down. It was so light and fluffy, and the almond mark just left it sweet. There is so many things we could do here.
Thank you Petra! It really was a fun to make. I’m weird that way. 🙂
Looks lovely and what a fun idea for the festival weekend! 🙂
Thank you! It has been a lot of fun with all of the festive dishes.
So fun and festive, Julie! 🙂
Thank you Jewels! I just love all of the recipes that I’ve seen this weekend.
There are so many fun treats one can make with the 4th of July theme! 🙂
They are adorable Julie! Happy Independence Day and happy Fiesta Friday as well!
Thank you Margherita! I hope you are enjoying your weekend!
This candied popcorn is such a great idea for Summer Party. I love how versatile it is & how easy to customize to the event. I am glad I joined FF party and eventually found your blog 🙂
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your stopping by, and hope you had a wonderful experience with FF! It is one of the best group of people I have ever come across. They are so good about commenting and many of us have become friends. I hope you will have the same experience!
Happy FF Julie, what an awesome weekend to host your first one! Extra party time!
Love this popcorn, so simple yet I can almost taste how yummy it is! Hope you’re having an awesome 4th
Thank you Michelle! Loved that you reached out on Instagram too! This popcorn is very yummy and the almond bark doesn’t make the popcorn heavy. It says light and doesn’t stick in your teeth like the caramel varieties. I am having a great time co-hosting and it’s been a great weekend. Hope yours is as well.
This sounds so yummy, Julie! I’ll definitely try it for some red, white & blue holiday fun. Many thanks! ♡
Thank you Dawn! I hope you are enjoying your holiday weekend!
I love this popcorn snack–it’s so fun and festive–perfect for today! 🙂
Thank you Nancy! It is so addicting though. I took it to a party and left it so I couldn’t have any more. 🙂
What a fun recipe. And I’m all about “Three Ingredients!” Happy Fourth of July. :star:
Thank you! It was really easy, and yummy. I am all about fun and simple too! Hope you are enjoying your weekend!
Ooh… I feel like grabbing some off the screen… Lol… I might just make some of this to munch on while watching the fireworks today!! Happy 4th of July weekend to you again! 🙂
-R
Thank you Ranjana! Put the whole bowl on your lap and you will have more friends than what you want. I took it to a party and it was a hit with the adults and kiddos. Enjoy your day and thank you for stopping by!
Happy fourth of July & Happy FF Julie!! That popcorn looks so festive and delicious! Love those serving cups!!
Thank you! Happy 4th to you too!
What a gorgeous and simple snack for the 4th of July weekend. This would be perfect for any party. Thank for sharing at FF#75!
Thank you Lily! It is so addicting and doesn’t stick to your teeth like caramel and stays light and fluffy.
Popcorn and candy in in bowl- oh my this is awesome… can’t wait to try this and surprise my princess. .. thanx for sharing…
Thank you Chitra! Princess will love it especially with pretty sprinkles!
Thanks for co-hosting! I love Fiesta Friday. This popcorn is so festive, I love it! I think it was such a creative way to incorporate red, white, and blue. Have a fun and safe weekend! 😀
Thank you! What a fun Fiesta Friday right? Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
FiestaFriday sounds so festive today. Thanks to you Julie. Happy 4th of July to you and everyone
I agree skd! We are definitely in the partying mood. Something about a 3 day weekend make for a great day. Hope you have a happy 4th too!
Popcorn and candies together in one bowl?? This is a kid’s dream come true!! A perfect snack for the 4 th of July celebrations!! Happy 4 th of July and FF!!
Thank you Suchitra! Any kiddo would love this, but I have to admit that my little fingers enjoyed it to! Have a wonderful 4th yourself and Happy FF too!
Festive, Fun & Fabulous!! What a perfect post, co-host! 3-ingredients- there is still time for everyone to whip this up for tomorrow! Happy FF! 🙂