• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sift & Simmer
Matcha, tea-infused baking recipes & modern Asian favourites
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
    • Matcha 101: A Beginner's Guide
    • Hojicha 101: A Beginner's Guide
  • Subscribe
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » No-Bake

    Candy Cane Popcorn

    Published: Nov 14, 2022 by Michelle · 4 Comments

    Share this recipe!

    • Facebook
    • Email
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This recipe for Candy Cane Popcorn is a festive sweet treat featuring popcorn kernels coated with white chocolate and crushed peppermint candy cane.

    Candy cane popcorn in a white bowl on marble trivet with candy canes surrounding it.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    This Candy Cane Popcorn recipe comes together in one bowl and can be a fun activity to do with kids!

    It's a festive and easy way to dress up popcorn for the holidays and are great as gifts.

    This version is not cloyingly sweet and there's no baking involved.

    You'll only need a few ingredients, 5 to be exact!

    Ingredients you'll need

    • popped popcorn: you can pop the popcorn on the stovetop or in the microwave
    • white chocolate: chopped; you can also use white chocolate chips or white candy melts
    • fine sea salt: balances out the sweetness from the white chocolate and candy cane
    • coconut oil: you can use a refined coconut oil or neutral vegetable oil
    • crushed peppermint candy canes: or peppermint candies of your choice

    What type of popcorn to use

    For this recipe, you can use any unflavored (plain) popcorn.

    You can make it in the microwave, air popper, or over the stovetop.

    Packaged microwave popcorn is usually flavored popcorn with butter, oil and salt is not a recommended choice since we're coating the kernels with additional flavors.

    How to crush peppermint candy canes

    There are a few different ways to crush candy canes:

    • food processor: add the peppermint candy pieces into the food processor and blitz a few times, until broken into smaller pieces, but be careful not to overdo it or it will turn to dust
    • spice grinder: same as the food processor; add the peppermint candy pieces into the spice grinder and blitz a few times
    • bashing it with a rolling pin: add the candy pieces into a heavy-duty Ziploc freezer bag, seal it and bash with a rolling pin or a meat mallet until broken

    How to store crushed candy cane

    Humidity can cause the the candy cane pieces to melt and weep.

    Store crushed candy cane pieces in a completely airtight container, preferably with one of these:

    • dry silica packets (the ones you get with various packaged foods and draws out moisture -- DO NOT EAT)
    • uncooked white rice (draws out humidity)
    • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (keeps everything dry)

    Candy cane popcorn piled in a decorative muffin liner.

    How to make candy cane popcorn

    In a large microwave-safe bowl, add in the white chocolate and heat in 20 second intervals in the microwave until melted. (Alternatively, you can use a double boiler and melt it that way too).

    Once the white chocolate is melted, stir in sea salt and ½ teaspoon of coconut oil.

    While white chocolate is warm, add 3 cups of popped popcorn and coat evenly, using a spatula to mix.

    Pour the popcorn mixture onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.

    Spread it out and sprinkle crushed candy cane on top of the popcorn mixture.

    Chill in the fridge or freezer for 10-15 minutes for the white chocolate to set.

    Remove from freezer and use a fork to gently break and separate the kernels into bite-sized pieces.

    How to store

    Store Candy Cane Popcorn in an airtight container in a cool location for up to 3 days.

    As the popcorn is coated with chocolate, it will not last as long as uncoated plain popcorn.

    White chocolate candy cane popcorn in a white bowl on white marble.

    FAQs & expert tips

    How long does popped popcorn keep?

    You can keep popped popcorn in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature.

    How to present them as gifts?

    Place the candy cane popcorn into cellophane bags or a mason jar with a lid and tie with a pretty ribbon. Add a label and voila!

    What is the coconut oil for?

    The coconut oil helps the white chocolate solidify when chilled, and adds a little shine. You can use a refined coconut oil if you prefer a neutral flavor.

    Why add salt to the popcorn?

    White chocolate can be cloyingly sweet. With the addition of crushed peppermint candies, it can be too much.

    Adding salt helps balance out the sweetness and bring out the flavor from the peppermint.

    Using a fine sea salt will dissolve more evenly into the white chocolate.

    How do I make the popcorn more minty flavored?

    Add ⅛ teaspoon of an oil-based peppermint extract to the white chocolate mixture. The first ingredient listed should be oil and not water or alcohol.

    Note: If the peppermint extract you have contains water or alcohol first in the ingredient list, it may cause the chocolate to seize. It's best to use these flavorings in a chocolate mixture, such as a ganache (chocolate and cream).

    Making it for a crowd?

    Easily double or triple the recipe.

    Ensure you have a baking sheet that is large enough to hold all the coated popcorn.

    Variations

    Feel free to change it up and dress it up however you like.

    Add matcha white chocolate for a tea-flavoured version.

    Try using dark chocolate instead of white chocolate.

    Dress it up with a chocolate drizzle over top.

    Add nuts such as peanuts or almonds, or crushed pretzels for a crunchy texture.

    More peppermint recipes you may like

    Be sure to check out these recipes

    Matcha Candy Cane Popcorn

    Peppermint Ice Cream

    Matcha Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

    Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies

    Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches

    Triple Peppermint Hot Chocolate

    White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha

    Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!

    Candy cane popcorn piled in a decorative muffin liner.

    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Candy Cane Popcorn

    This recipe for Candy Cane Popcorn is a festive sweet treat featuring popcorn kernels coated with white chocolate and crushed peppermint candy cane.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Chilling Time10 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: American, Canadian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 586kcal
    Author: Michelle

    For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.

    Ingredients

    • 3 C popped popcorn
    • ½ C (85g) white chocolate melted
    • ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon coconut oil
    • 2-3 large peppermint candy canes crushed
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • In a large microwave-safe bowl, add in the white chocolate and heat in 20 second intervals in the microwave until melted. (Alternatively, you can use a double boiler and melt it that way too).
    • Once the white chocolate is melted, stir in sea salt and ½ teaspoon of coconut oil.
    • While white chocolate is warm, add 3 cups of popped popcorn and coat evenly, using a spatula to mix.
    • Pour the popcorn mixture onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
    • Spread it out and sprinkle crushed candy cane on top of the popcorn mixture.
    • Chill in the fridge or freezer for 10-15 minutes for the white chocolate to set.
    • Remove from freezer and use a fork to gently break and separate the kernels into bite-sized pieces.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 586kcal | Carbohydrates: 107g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 99mg | Potassium: 406mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 4mg

    The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.

    Did you try this recipe?Mention @siftandsimmer or tag #siftandsimmer!
    « Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches
    Matcha Candy Cane Popcorn »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. David @ Spiced

      November 15, 2022 at 4:30 am

      5 stars
      Yum! Not only is this a fun holiday recipe, but Robbie can help make it, too. I think we'll have to make a batch and turn on Home Alone! 🙂

      Reply
      • Michelle

        November 15, 2022 at 6:50 am

        Yes, fantastic idea David! Nothing says the holidays like some popcorn and Home Alone! 😀

      • Ben | Havocinthekitchen

        November 15, 2022 at 3:20 pm

        5 stars
        Beautiful - perfect festive snack! I haven't made any peppermint recipe this season yet (kind of stuck with cranberries and chestnuts lol), but I definitely want to try this popcorn.

    2. Raymund | angsarap.net

      November 16, 2022 at 6:49 pm

      5 stars
      This sound really good, such a great idea, also a good way to use that spare candy canes handed over during this holiday season

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    About Me

    My name is Michelle and Sift & Simmer is a food recipe blog featuring easy, creative and delicious recipes. I believe that the best food is made from scratch. Read More…

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • YouTube

    Popular Recipes

    Matcha Snickerdoodle Cookies

    Matcha con Panna (Matcha with Cream)

    Matcha Latte

    Matcha 101: A Beginner's Guide

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    About

    Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    Subscribe for the latest recipes and updates directly to your inbox!

    Contact

    Contact

    Copyright © 2017-2023 Sift & Simmer

    All images and content are copyright protected. Do not use without prior permission.