No sleepover is complete without popcorn. To make ours a little sweeter, we made pastel candied popcorn—an easy, delicious treat that you can customize to match any party palette. Serve it in a large bowl for sharing or package individual portions in bags or boxes for favors.
Pastel Candied Popcorn
Servings: 0
Ingredients
- 3 quarts popped corn, divided
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- Hot pink and purple food coloring*
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Divide the popped corn evenly into two large bowls.
- Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook until a candy thermometer reads 238°F (soft-ball stage). Carefully pour about half of the hot sugar syrup into a heat-safe bowl. Color one portion hot pink and the other portion purple. Working quickly, pour the hot syrups over the two bowls of popcorn (one pink, one purple). Toss to coat.
- Sprinkle the powdered sugar evenly over each bowl and continue to stir until the syrup sets and the kernels separate. Once cooled, combine both colors into a single large bowl. Add sprinkles and toss gently to distribute.
- If making only one color, skip dividing the popcorn and syrup into separate bowls.
Whenever I think of popcorn I picture those three-section holiday popcorn tins—often sold for school fundraisers. We always had one at home, and the cheddar section disappeared first (usually because of me).
Random memory aside, enjoy making this pastel candied popcorn. It’s a simple, colorful treat that’s perfect for parties or sleepovers.
p.s. A Popcorn Piñata is another fun idea for a party!