Caramel and Dark Chocolate m&m’s Popcorn – The perfect Valentine’s Day movie snack!
Hi there! Ready for another Valentine’s Day treat recipe? I’ve really enjoyed coming up with these fun Valentine’s Day treats and today’s Caramel and Dark Chocolate m&m’s Popcorn is no different. I hope that you enjoy reading about them and that it’s not overload or anything :) We’re almost done, I promise.
So what do you have planned for Valentine’s Day? We usually don’t go out on Valentine’s Day to avoid crowds and inflation in prices. We went out one year to Johnny Rockets…nothing fancy here, and were witness to an overwhelming amount of public displays of affection. It was surreal! Now, thoughtfully prepared and quiet dinners at home, followed by a movie is how we roll.
If you’re like us and are opting to stay in and cuddle up on the couch in front of the big screen this Valentine’s Day, this Caramel and Dark Chocolate M&M’s Popcorn is the perfect Valentine’s Day-themed movie snack for you.
It’s popcorn smothered in an easy caramel sauce and sprinkled with handfuls of dark chocolate M&M’s. How can you go wrong with that? The caramel sauce makes the popcorn reminiscent of kettle corn and sets beautifully, creating a soft and chewy coat that won’t break your teeth. Then, the dark chocolate M&M’s add a tad of bitterness to the sweet caramel, balancing it all out to create a perfect snack for you and your Valentine to share.
Start with the popcorn. You can use microwave popcorn or you can pop some kernels on the stove. I found some kernels in the pantry, so that’s what I used. Otherwise, I would have used microwave popcorn instead. You don’t need very much, only enough to create one layer of kernels. Simply heat some oil and one kernel in a large pot with a lid. When you hear that kernel pop, add the rest of the kernels and replace the lid. Lightly shake the pot around to distribute the kernels and to maximize the amount of popped kernels. When you don’t hear anymore popping, you’re done! It all happens in a matter of seconds.
Then, you make the caramel sauce on the stove with some brown sugar, butter, cream of tartar, corn syrup and salt. Once it comes to a boil, add baking soda and presto! You have homemade caramel sauce.
Pour it over the popcorn, stir, and pop it in the oven. In an hour, you’ll have freshly made caramel popcorn. Add the m&m’s for the finishing touch and enjoy!
Share a large bowl…
Or, ration them out to make sure you both get a fair amount :)
Caramel and Dark Chocolate m&m’s Popcorn
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup corn kernels or 2 packets of microwave popcorn.
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/16 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ⅛ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup dark chocolate M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°Line a baking sheet with silpat or parchment paper.
- Make the popcorn according to package directions and spread onto the prepared baking sheet.
- In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, bring the brown sugar, cream of tartar, corn syrup, butter and salt to a boil, continuously stirring. Immediately add the baking soda and stir to combine.
- Pour over the popcorn and gently stir to distribute the caramel.
- Bake for 1 hour, removing about every 20 minutes to stir. Let cool and break apart into smaller clusters. Sprinkle with m&m’s and toss to evenly distribute.
Oh my gosh, your photos are GORGEOUS!!! Dying over this popcorn! Such fun colors!!
Oh my goodness! Thank you!!! What a compliment coming from you :)