Last Updated on February 28, 2023
Tired of eating the same boring popcorn? If you agreed, then you should learn how to make almond bark popcorn. It will give you a new twist! Popcorn is good, don’t get me wrong, but a different take on it surely will satisfy your taste buds.
The key ingredient of this recipe is almond bark. Almond bark is a chocolate-like confection that utilizes vegetable fats rather than cocoa butter.
It also can consist of coloring and different flavorings. You can also refer to almond bark as a vanilla-flavored candy coating.
It is available in packages, discs, and blocks. Almond bark can typically be found in candy stores and with baking supplies in grocery stores. Almond bark is a bit sweeter than white chocolate, but it is great for dipping pretzels, cake pops, and more.
Imagine popcorn with almond bark coating. Isn’t that a sugary goodness? The combination is sweet, creamy and so decadent. Once you start munching on them, surely you won’t be able to stop.
It is the best twist on your basic and mediocre popcorn that is super easy to make and super delicious. You can prepare this recipe for any day, even on holidays.
Facts About Popcorn
Popcorn is naturally gluten-free. Because of that, people who are gluten intolerant do not have to worry. In addition to that, it is free of all major allergens along with dairy, egg, nuts, and soy.
Usually, you can enjoy freshly-popped kernels, either stove-popped or air-popped with just a hint of salt. However, you might as well be creative and turn them into almond bark popcorn.
Furthermore, did you know that popcorn comes in two distinct shapes? You can differentiate them as mushroom-shaped popcorn and snowflake-shaped popcorn. So in that regard, the snowflake-shaped popcorn is bigger than the mushroom-shaped popcorn. Because of that, movie theaters usually sell snowflake-shaped popcorn.
Moreover, popcorn is not the only corn capable of popping, contrary to popular belief. In addition, dent and flint corn can also pop. However, their flakes are smaller in comparison. Several other options can pop including milo, millet, sorghum, and rice.
What You Will Need to Follow This Recipe for Almond Bark Popcorn
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ cup unpopped popcorn
- 1 cup or 8 ounces of almond bark
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan
- Waxed paper
- Baking sheets
M KITCHEN WORLD Heat Resistant Silicone Spatula Set
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Almond Bark Popcorn
Step 1
In a large saucepan, place two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Try testing out if the temperature is right. You can do this by putting a small number of popcorn kernels into the oil. Make sure it is about four pieces, and cover it until it pops.
Afterward, place the remaining popcorn kernels in an even layer in the saucepan. And after about thirty seconds, place a lid and remove it from heat. Place it back on the heat. Then, lightly shake the saucepan back and forth over the stove for about one to two minutes.
Step 2
After that, prepare some baking sheets and place a sheet of wax paper on each baking sheet. Then, spread out the cooked popcorn onto a few sheets of waxed paper.
Step 3
On top of a double boiler and over simmering water, place the almond bark and stir periodically; make sure to scrape down the sides of the mixture in the bowl using a rubber spatula. Doing this prevents the almond bark mixture from scorching. Do this until the bark is completely melted; this process may last about five minutes or so.
Step 4
After melting the almond bark, sprinkle or pour the mixture over the popcorn. And make sure to combine and coat the popcorn evenly. Allow the bark to dry for about thirty minutes.
Step 5
If the bark mixture has dried up, you can place it in a serving bowl. Then, finally, serve and enjoy!
What You Will Need to Follow This White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe with Almond Bark
Ingredients
- 1 (24-ounce package) white chocolate almond bark, chopped
- 3 bags of microwave movie popcorn
- 1 cup M&Ms
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- 1/2 cup pretzel sticks
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Double boiler
- Wooden spoon
- Large baking sheet
- Waxed Paper
- Rubber spatula
- Large bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Line the large baking sheet with waxed paper. Then, microwave each bag of popcorn individually for about 2 1/2 minutes until the popping nearly stops.
Next, pour popcorn onto the baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Be sure to pick out any unpopped kernels from the popcorn.
Step 2
Fill a medium saucepan 3/4 full with water and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Place your double boiler on top of the saucepan and add your chopped white chocolate almond bark. Stir the mixture constantly until the almond bark is melted. This will likely take several minutes.
Step 3
Carefully pour the melted almond bark onto your popcorn, using a rubber spatula to help spread it out. Then, while the almond bark has cooled slightly but it still has not set, pour the M&Ms, peanuts, and pretzels on the popcorn. Use the rubber spatula to mix the M&Ms, peanuts, and pretzels with the melted almond bark and popcorn.
Step 4
Allow the popcorn to set for 30 minutes at room temperature or 10 minutes in the fridge. Once the white chocolate almond bark is dry you can add your popcorn to a large bowl and serve.
Tips and Tricks for Popcorn with Almond Bark
You can add your favorite sprinkles and toppings while the popcorn is warm. Doing this provides an extra flavor, and it makes it extra special.
In addition to that, you can store this recipe in containers once it is completely cooled. So, you can begin breaking it up and placing or storing it in airtight jars. Moreover, if you prefer to pop popcorn in an air popper, then you might as well use it.
Bear in mind that you must never store unpopped popcorn in the fridge. The main reason is that the refrigerator will dry out the moisture in the kernels. For that reason, without the moisture, the popcorn will not pop. That is why the best location to store popcorn is in a dry and cool cupboard.
The almond bark popcorn M&M recipe is great for serving at parties and holiday gatherings. To make it more festive, you can use M&M colors according to the holiday. For example, you can use red and green M&Ms for Christmas and pink and red M&Ms for Valentine’s Day.
These recipes are also both great for selling at bake sales. Once the popcorn has been set, you can add it to cellophane bags and use a ribbon to close the bag. This will make for a great treat to sell at your bake sale that is sure to be a hit.
Feel free to personalize either of the recipes to your taste. In addition to or instead of M&Ms, peanuts, and pretzels, you can also add sprinkles, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or Reese’s Pieces. You can also top your popcorn with a drizzle of melted caramel or use candy melts to add a pop of color.
Delicious Almond Bark Popcorn
Whether for movie night or a birthday party, these almond bark popcorn recipes are sure to be a hit. They are a perfect balance between sweet and savory and you can easily add in your favorite mix-ins to make it even more delicious.
Both these recipes are easy to prepare and your kids can even help make them with you. You can prepare your popcorn or use microwavable popcorn, as both will work great in either recipe. In addition to white chocolate almond bark, you can also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate-flavored almond bark.
How To Make Almond Bark Popcorn
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Saucepan
- Waxed paper
- Baking sheets
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ cup unpopped popcorn
- 1 cup or 8 ounces almond bark
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, place two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Try testing out if the temperature is right. You can do this by putting a small number of popcorn kernels into the oil. Make sure it is about four pieces, and cover it until it pops. Afterward, place the remaining popcorn kernels in an even layer in the saucepan. And after about thirty seconds, place a lid and remove it from heat. Place it back on the heat. Then, lightly shake the saucepan back and forth over the stove for about one to two minutes.
- After that, prepare some baking sheets and place a sheet of wax paper on each baking sheet. Then, spread out the cooked popcorn onto a few sheets of waxed paper.
- On top of a double boiler and over simmering water, place the almond bark and stir periodically; make sure to scrape down the sides of the mixture in the bowl using a rubber spatula. Doing this prevents the almond bark mixture from scorching. Do this until the bark is completely melted; this process may last about five minutes or so.
- After melting the almond bark, sprinkle or pour the mixture over the popcorn. And make sure to combine and coat the popcorn evenly. Allow the bark to dry for about thirty minutes.
- If the bark mixture has dried up, you can place it in a serving bowl. Then, finally, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Zarah is an experienced pastry chef whose creations have delighted countless customers. With a passion for baking, Zarah has developed a unique style that combines classic techniques with modern flavors. Her desserts are consistently crafted with the finest ingredients, and her attention to detail is evident in the stunning and delectable results. Zarah has a wealth of experience in the pastry kitchen, and loves to share her knowledge with others. Whether it is teaching a class or creating a custom cake for a special occasion, Zarah is committed to making sure every customer is satisfied.