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red velvet popcorn - featured image

Red Velvet Popcorn Recipe: Easy Homemade Party Treat Idea

  • Author: Isabella Russo
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This vibrant, sweet, and crunchy red velvet popcorn is a show-stopping party treat with a classic cocoa-vanilla flavor and dramatic red color. Perfect for movie nights, themed parties, or whenever you want to shake up your popcorn routine.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (about 75g) plain popped popcorn (air-popped or stove-top, unsalted)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/3 cup (80g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) red food coloring (gel type)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (90g) white chocolate chips (or candy melts)
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) coconut oil (optional)
  • Extra red food coloring (for drizzle)
  • Crushed freeze-dried raspberries (optional)
  • Mini marshmallows (optional)
  • Red velvet cake crumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pop 8 cups of popcorn using your preferred method (air-popped or stovetop). Let cool completely and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over low heat. Add granulated sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and salt. Whisk until smooth, then remove from heat.
  3. Add softened cream cheese and vanilla extract to the saucepan. Whisk or use a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Stir in red food coloring until evenly distributed. If too thick, add a splash of milk.
  4. Pour the red velvet mixture over the cooled popcorn. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss until every kernel is coated.
  5. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper or silicone mat. Spread coated popcorn in an even layer, breaking up large clumps.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until coating is set and popcorn is dry to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
  7. While popcorn bakes, melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth. Add a few drops of red food coloring for dramatic effect.
  8. Drizzle red-tinted white chocolate over cooled popcorn using a spoon or piping bag. Add crushed freeze-dried raspberries or mini marshmallows if desired.
  9. Let popcorn cool completely before breaking into pieces. Serve in bowls or party bags, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

For vegan or gluten-free adaptations, use dairy-free cream cheese, almond milk, and vegan white chocolate chips. Beet powder can be used for natural coloring, though the shade will be less intense. If popcorn clumps together, break it up after baking. For extra crunch, bake a few minutes longer, but watch closely to avoid burning. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For big parties, make two pans at a time and swap pan positions halfway through baking.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (about 25g)
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 9
  • Fat: 4
  • Carbohydrates: 17
  • Protein: 2

Keywords: red velvet popcorn, party snack, homemade popcorn, dessert popcorn, movie night treat, easy popcorn recipe, Halloween snack, Valentine’s Day treat

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Find it online: https://theyumdishes.com/red-velvet-popcorn-recipe-easy-homemade-party-treat-idea/