Jell-O Popcorn
Ever wondered how to make different colors and flavors of popcorn, like they sell at candy stores and specialty popcorn shops? Jell-O is the answer! Keep reading to find out how to make that irresistible candied popcorn in a variety of flavors and colors.
You have probably seen popcorn like this at a candy store. And if you’re like me, you wondered “how do they make that?” Well now I know, and I’m sharing it with you!
How Do You Make Candied Jell-O Popcorn?
Jell-O popcorn is very easy to make. You start out by making a sugary syrup containing a package of Jell-O, then you pour it over the popped popcorn and bake for 10 minutes.
The end result is a super flavorful, candied, crunchy popcorn. It’s super addictive!
What Flavors Of Jell-O Should I Use?
Any flavor of Jell-O will work for this recipe.
I tried four different flavors (cranberry, peach, apricot, and lime) and cranberry was my favorite. (A word of caution: Skip the lime!)
Note: The color on the box of Jell-O may not perfectly translate onto your popcorn. A little trial and error may be necessary if you are trying to make an exact color.
For specific colors, try:
- Red: Raspberry, cherry, black cherry, cranberry, strawberry
- Yellow/orange: Apricot, lemon, peach
- Purple: Grape, watermelon
- Blue: Blueberry, berry blue
What Kind Of Jell-O Should I Use?
Use regular Jell-O, not sugar-free.
What Kind Of Popcorn Should I Use?
You can use either homemade popped popcorn or bagged popcorn to make candied Jell-O popcorn.
I prefer to use bagged popcorn to ensure there are no unpopped kernels in my popcorn, and because bagged popcorn stays nice and crispy whereas homemade popcorn sometimes gets soggy.
Serving Suggestions
This popcorn is great on its own. But here are some additional ways to enjoy it:
- Baby showers – Choose a Jell-O flavor appropriate for your baby shower theme
- Party favors – Make small packages of Jell-O popcorn for baby showers, bridal showers, kids’ birthday parties, etc.
- Holiday events – Orange Jell-O for Halloween, cranberry Jell-O for Christmas, red, white, and blue popcorn for the 4th of July, etc.
More Cheap Popcorn Recipes
If you haven’t heard, popcorn is one of the cheapest snacks out there. Check out these additional budget-friendly popcorn recipes on my blog:
Candied Jell-O Popcorn Recipe
To save money, pop your own popcorn in oil instead of using bagged popcorn.
Ingredients
- 8 cups popped popcorn
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 3-ounce package Jell-O (any flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300F. Grease a cookie sheet with butter or cooking spray. Place popped popcorn in a large bowl.
- Place butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, and Jell-O in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until simmering. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour Jell-O over popcorn and toss to coat.
- Pour popcorn onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool before breaking into pieces.
That is honestly the best popcorn I have ever tasted. My favorite was the cranberry jelllo-tart but sweet. Yum!