3 Ingredient Candied Popcorn Recipe (with Almond Bark)

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.

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.