This recipe for Matcha Candy Cane Popcorn is a different spin on a holiday classic treat. Matcha green tea coated popcorn with a sprinkling of crushed peppermint candy gives this snack a festive feel.
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Why you'll love this recipe
Based on my festive white chocolate Candy Cane Popcorn, this Matcha Candy Cane popcorn is flavored with matcha green tea.
Adding the matcha green tea tempers the sweetness of the white chocolate coating.
It's super easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a Japanese finely milled green tea powder.
It has a naturally bright green colour and an earthy, grassy taste.
I use matcha in many of my baking recipes and it pairs well with chocolate.
Read more about this green tea in my Beginner's Guide to Matcha.
Matcha chocolate recipes
Homemade Matcha Chocolate Chips
What type of matcha to use
For the best flavour, use a high quality matcha such as a ceremonial grade matcha.
The matcha powder should be bright green, smell fragrant and slightly grassy.
It should not be dull, brown, or yellow in colour, which may mean it has oxidized.
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.
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
- matcha powder: use a high quality matcha for the best flavour and taste
- coconut oil: you can use a refined coconut oil or neutral vegetable oil
- crushed candy cane: or peppermint candies of your choice
How to make matcha 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 matcha, sea salt and ½ teaspoon of coconut oil.
While matcha 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 matcha chocolate to set.
Remove from freezer and use a fork to gently break and separate the kernels into bite-sized pieces.
Variations
Feel free to omit the crushed candy cane and leave it as matcha white chocolate popcorn, which is just as delicious.
How to store
Ensure the popcorn is cooled completely and the white chocolate coating has hardened before storing.
Store the Matcha Candy Cane Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Keep the popcorn in a cool, dry location without moisture or humidity.
Other peppermint recipes you may like
Be sure to check out these recipes:
Matcha Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha
Matcha White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches
Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!
Matcha Candy Cane Popcorn
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 3 C popped popcorn
- ½ C (85g) white chocolate melted
- 1 teaspoon matcha
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
- 2-3 large peppermint candy canes crushed
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 matcha, sea salt and ½ teaspoon of coconut oil.
- While matcha 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 matcha chocolate to set.
- Remove from freezer and use a fork to gently break and separate the kernels into bite-sized pieces.
Nutrition
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.
Healthy World Cuisine
What a fun and delicious treat and so festive for the holidays. Need to make a batch straight away!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
Another terrific popcorn idea! The combination of matcha and peppermint is something I still need to try. But it sounds good - earthy matcha and fresh peppermint totally make sense together!
David @ Spiced
What a fun idea to use matcha white chocolate for this popcorn! I'm thinking a batch of this while watching the Grinch on tv would be quite fitting for this weekend. 🙂
Isya
Hi. Is the expiry date after 3days of making?
Michelle
Hi there, yes, the matcha candy cane popcorn is good for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. If omitting the crushed candy cane, you may be able to extend the shelf-life a little longer. Hope that helps.