Chocolate Covered Strawberry Popcorn

$To make this delightful treat, you need: - 8 cups popcorn (popped, unsalted) - 1 cup dried strawberries (or freeze-dried) - 1 cup dark chocolate chips - 1 tablespoon coconut oil - 1 tablespoon strawberry extract (optional) - Sea salt, to taste - Sprinkles (optional) If you want to switch things up, you can try: - White chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate - Other dried fruits like cherries or blueberries - Coconut oil can be replaced with butter - Use vanilla extract if you don’t have strawberry extract Using quality ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh popcorn gives a great crunch. Good chocolate melts smoothly and tastes rich. Dried strawberries add natural sweetness and flavor. When you choose the best, your treat shines! It tastes better and looks more appealing. Always remember, quality leads to a delightful experience for you and your guests. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by popping 8 cups of popcorn. Follow the package instructions closely. Once popped, pour the popcorn into a large bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes. This step is key. You want the popcorn to be warm, not hot. Next, take 1 cup of dried strawberries. If they are whole, chop them into small pieces. Aim for bite-sized bits. Set these aside for later. You want them ready when the popcorn is coated. To melt the chocolate, use 1 cup of dark chocolate chips. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to make it smooth. Place this in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second bursts. Stir well between each interval until fully melted. If you like, add 1 tablespoon of strawberry extract for extra flavor. Now, drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn. Toss the popcorn gently to coat each piece. Once coated, sprinkle the chopped dried strawberries on top. Fold everything carefully to mix without breaking the popcorn. To balance the sweetness, lightly sprinkle sea salt over the mixture. This step brings out the chocolate flavor. Then, spread the popcorn on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep it in a single layer. Let it cool at room temperature or place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the chocolate set well. To make the best popcorn, use high-quality kernels. Always pop the corn without salt or butter first. This keeps the taste clean for the chocolate. I like to use an air popper. It gives the popcorn a great texture. After popping, let it cool a bit. This step helps the chocolate stick better. Chocolate can seize and become clumpy. To avoid this, never let water touch the chocolate. Always use a dry bowl for melting. I recommend using coconut oil. It makes the chocolate smooth and shiny. Heat the chocolate slowly, stirring often. If it gets too thick, add a bit more oil to loosen it up. Presentation matters! Serve the popcorn in bright paper cones for fun. You can also use glass jars for a chic look. Sprinkle extra dried strawberries on top for color. For a festive touch, add colorful sprinkles. This makes your treat more inviting and fun to eat! Pro Tips Use Fresh Popcorn: For the best texture, pop your popcorn just before you start the recipe. Freshly popped corn will be crispier and better at holding the chocolate coating. Choose Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for melting. This will enhance the flavor of your popcorn and provide a smoother coating. Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to customize your popcorn by adding different extracts such as vanilla or almond, or even incorporating other dried fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Storing Leftovers: To keep your chocolate-covered popcorn fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the chocolate to become sticky. {{image_4}} You can switch up the dried strawberries for other fruits. Dried raspberries, blueberries, or bananas work great too. Each fruit brings its unique taste. This change can make your popcorn even more exciting. Try adding a mix for a colorful treat. You can experiment with different flavors. The key is to chop them small like the strawberries. This helps distribute the sweetness throughout the popcorn. Dark chocolate is rich, but white or milk chocolate adds a sweet twist. If you want a creamier taste, use milk chocolate. White chocolate gives a nice contrast with the strawberries. Melt it the same way as dark chocolate. Just remember, you may need less coconut oil for white chocolate. Both options make the popcorn look pretty, too! You can even swirl the chocolates together for a fun look. Want to take your popcorn to the next level? Try adding flavor extracts. Strawberry extract boosts the strawberry taste. You can also use vanilla or almond extract for a new flavor. Just a little goes a long way. For a bit of spice, sprinkle some cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt. These flavors can make your popcorn stand out at any gathering. Be bold and mix flavors to find your favorite combo! To keep your chocolate covered strawberry popcorn fresh, store it in an airtight container. Use a container that seals well to avoid air exposure. This keeps the popcorn crunchy and tasty. You can also use a resealable plastic bag. Just make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. When stored properly, this popcorn stays fresh for about one week. After that, it may lose its crunch. To enjoy it longer, check for any signs of moisture. If it feels soggy, it's time to toss it. Keep the popcorn in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Avoid the fridge, as it can cause the chocolate to sweat. If your popcorn loses some crunch, you can refresh it. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the popcorn on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 5 to 10 minutes. This brings back the crunch without melting the chocolate. Allow it to cool before enjoying it again. You can use fresh strawberries, but they change the texture. Fresh strawberries add moisture. This can make the popcorn soggy over time. If you prefer fresh strawberries, add them just before serving. This keeps the popcorn crispy. To make this recipe vegan, swap dark chocolate chips for dairy-free chocolate chips. Use coconut oil as your fat. Ensure your sprinkles are also vegan. This way, you keep the delicious taste without using animal products. You can find chocolate covered strawberry popcorn at specialty stores or online. Many gourmet popcorn shops offer this treat. Check local stores too. If you want to try making it, follow this recipe! - What are the nutritional values? One serving has around 200 calories. The values can change based on ingredients. Each serving has healthy fats from coconut oil. Plus, you get fiber from popcorn and some natural sugars from strawberries. - Can I freeze chocolate covered popcorn? Yes, you can freeze chocolate covered popcorn. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about two months. When you want to eat it, let it thaw at room temp. This keeps the texture just right! In this blog post, we explored the tasty world of chocolate-covered strawberry popcorn. We gathered key ingredients, provided step-by-step instructions, and shared tips for the perfect treat. Don't forget to try different variations and store it the right way to keep it fresh. This fun snack is easy to make and enjoy at any time. So, get creative and surprise your friends with your tasty popcorn mix!$

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Popcorn

A delightful treat combining popcorn, chocolate, and strawberries for a sweet and salty snack.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

8 cups popcorn (popped, unsalted)
1 cup dried strawberries (or freeze-dried)
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon strawberry extract (optional)
to taste sea salt
to taste sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Pop the popcorn according to the package instructions. Once popped, transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl and set it aside to cool slightly.
If you’re using dried strawberries, chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Place them aside, ready for incorporation later.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat the mixture in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well in between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. If desired, mix in the strawberry extract to elevate the flavor profile.
Slowly drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn, gently tossing the popcorn in the bowl to ensure every piece gets evenly coated with the luscious chocolate.
After the popcorn is coated, sprinkle the chopped dried strawberries over the chocolate-covered popcorn. Fold everything gently to ensure the strawberries are evenly distributed among the popcorn.
To balance the sweetness, lightly sprinkle some sea salt over the chocolate-covered popcorn, enhancing its flavors perfectly.
Spread the popcorn evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Allow it to sit at room temperature or place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate harden effectively.
Once the chocolate has set, break the popcorn into clusters or keep it as large chunks depending on your preference. If you want to add some flair, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top for a festive touch.

Notes

Serve in decorative cones or jars for a fun presentation.

Keyword chocolate, popcorn, snack, strawberry