Name: Gourmet Peanut Butter Popcorn
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 cups air-popped popcorn (kernels removed); ½ cup butter (1 stick); 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup Karo syrup (light corn syrup); ⅓ cup water; 5 oz mini marshmallows (about 3 cups); 1 cup creamy peanut butter

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A sweet and salty treat featuring crunchy popcorn coated in rich peanut butter caramel, perfect for snacking or sharing at movie night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious riff on classic caramel popcorn: Combines gooey peanut butter, marshmallow, and sugary syrup for a decadent twist.
Quick and easy: Uses simple ingredients with minimal prep—ready in under 30 minutes.
Kid-friendly snack: Sweet, chewy, and fun to eat—great for kids and adults alike.
Make-ahead treat: Prepares easily and stores well, making it ideal for gatherings and gifting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 cups air-popped popcorn (kernels removed)
½ cup butter (1 stick)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup Karo syrup (light corn syrup)
⅓ cup water
5 oz mini marshmallows (about 3 cups)
1 cup creamy peanut butter

Directions

Prepare popcorn
Place air-popped popcorn in a large bowl, removing any unpopped kernels. Set aside.
Make syrup
In a large nonstick saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir and bring to a boil, cooking until the syrup reaches 235–240 °F (soft-ball stage), about 4–5 minutes.
Add marshmallows and peanut butter
Remove from heat, stir in mini marshmallows until melted, then add peanut butter and mix until smooth and creamy.
Coat the popcorn
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the popcorn. Stir gently until popcorn is evenly coated.
Cool and break apart
Spread coated popcorn on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Let cool completely at room temperature, then break into bite-sized clusters.
Serve or store
Serve in bowls or cups. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Servings and Timing

Yields: About 12 cups of popcorn clusters
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Cool time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: ~30–35 minutes

Variations

Crunchy twist: Mix in chopped peanuts or pretzel bits before cooling for extra texture.
Chocolate drizzle: Melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle over cooled popcorn for added indulgence.
Flavored nut butter: Substitute almond butter or cashew butter to switch up the flavor profile.
Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the syrup for a warming kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days; avoid refrigeration to preserve crunch.
Re-crisp: If pieces soften, bake at 250 °F for 5–7 minutes on a baking sheet, then cool before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use microwave popcorn instead of air-popped?

Yes—just make sure to use plain, unsalted, unbuttered popcorn so the coating sticks properly.

2. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter may yield a slightly looser coating. Stir well or add an extra 1–2 tablespoons to improve consistency.

3. Why use corn syrup?

Corn syrup helps create a smooth, chewy coating and prevents sugar crystallization.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—popcorn and ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just verify that your corn syrup and marshmallows are certified gluten-free.

5. Why heat to 235–240 °F?

This is the soft-ball stage: it ensures the coating sets properly without becoming too hard or sticky.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—just double all ingredients and use a larger bowl for mixing and a bigger baking sheet for cooling.

7. How do I achieve bigger clusters?

Press the popcorn gently into the baking sheet after spreading to encourage larger clumps.

8. Can I add candy pieces?

Absolutely—mix in M&Ms or toffee bits once the popcorn has cooled slightly but before completely set.

9. Is this safe for kids?

Yes—it’s made with basic pantry ingredients. Let it cool completely to avoid burns.

10. Can I freeze the popcorn?

Yes—freeze in a sealed bag for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before eating to retain crunch.

Conclusion

Gourmet Peanut Butter Popcorn is an irresistible snack with a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. Quick to make and endlessly customizable, it’s ideal for movie nights, parties, or sharing with friends. Pull apart the clusters, savor every crunchy bite, and enjoy this comforting treat anytime.