This cherry popcorn recipe is one of my favorite easy treats. It’s inspired by the Australian Cherry Ripe bar, with sweet cherry flavor, rich chocolate drizzle, coconut, and real candied cherries in every bite. Packed into Mason jars, it makes a fun and festive gift for holidays or birthdays. Just make sure your family doesn’t eat it all first!
🍒 Cherry Popcorn Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
You’ll find a printable recipe card at the end of the post.
I like to pop plain popcorn in the microwave, but you can use the stovetop or try my method for air fryer popcorn. Gel food coloring gives the most vibrant red, though liquid coloring works in a pinch. The candied cherries are the type used in fruit cake.
Before you begin, gather a few key tools: a small pot, an instant-read thermometer, and parchment paper for drying the popcorn.
🍿 How to Make Cherry Popcorn
In a small pot, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring often, until the mixture reaches 270°F (132°C). This is the key temperature for candying the popcorn.
Once it hits temperature, remove from heat and whisk in the cherry extract and food coloring.
Quickly stir the syrup into the popcorn (it sets fast) then spread the coated popcorn onto parchment paper to dry.
While it dries, melt the candy melts according to the package directions. I used the microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, then continued in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn. Sprinkle on the chopped Mounds bars, candied cherries, and toasted coconut while still wet.
Let the popcorn dry completely. Break into clumps and enjoy!
For storage, pack the popcorn into glass jars or food-safe plastic bags with the air pressed out. If keeping it longer than a couple of days, add a moisture absorber so the coconut and popcorn stay crisp.
No need to refrigerate this popcorn, just store it at cool room temperature. Keep in mind that heat can melt the chocolate and make the popcorn sticky.
Cherry Popcorn Recipe
This cherry popcorn recipe is one of my favorite easy treats.
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 470 kcal
Please leave a comment below 😊
Put the sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt in a small pot. Bring it to 270°F (132°C) on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently. It’s important to get the syrup to the right temperature in order to candy the popcorn.
After it reaches the right temperature, take the syrup off the heat and quickly whisk in the cherry extract and food coloring.
Quickly stir the syrup into the popcorn (it hardens fast), spread the popcorn out on parchment paper, and let it dry.
While the popcorn is drying, melt the candy melts according to the package directions.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn and sprinkle on the chopped Mounds bars, candied cherries halves, and toasted coconut. Let the popcorn fully dry, break it into clumps, and enjoy.
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💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). Popcorn starts off as a wholesome whole grain snack, but this version is loaded with sugar from candy, syrup, and chocolate melts, so it’s definitely a fun treat meant for sharing.
Nutrition information is for one serving.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Calories: 470kcalCarbohydrates: 84.4gProtein: 2.8gFat: 14.9gSaturated Fat: 13.3gFiber: 4.3gIron: 6% DV
Keywords cherry popcorn, cherry popcorn recipe
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂
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