Chocolate Cherry Popcorn Crunch
A quick and easy sweet snack combining tart dried cherries, smooth melted chocolate, and crunchy popcorn for a perfect sweet and salty treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups popped plain, unsalted popcorn
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried tart cherries
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Pop about 8 cups of plain popcorn (either on the stovetop or in an air popper). Transfer to a large mixing bowl and remove any unpopped kernels.
- Place 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Melt gently, stirring every 20 seconds if microwaving, until smooth and glossy. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Add 1/2 cup dried tart cherries to the popcorn. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the popcorn and cherries. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure the popcorn is evenly coated without crushing it.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread the coated popcorn mixture into an even layer. Sprinkle a light pinch of sea salt over the top. Let it cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate sets and the crunch firms up, about 30-40 minutes.
Notes
Use plain, unsalted popcorn to control saltiness. Melt chocolate slowly to avoid burning. Fold popcorn gently to keep kernels intact. Cool completely before storing to maintain crunch. For vegan option, use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil instead of butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15
- Fat: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: chocolate cherry popcorn, sweet snack, popcorn crunch, easy snack recipe, chocolate popcorn, dried cherries, quick snack