Okay, so this Rainbow Popcorn Mix. It’s kind of become my thing. I made it for my neighbor’s barbecue last month, and the bowl was scraped clean before the burgers were even done. Full disclosure, my first attempt was a complete sticky tragedy. I ended up with a single, giant, sad-looking popcorn ball. The trick, I’ve since learned, is moving FAST. Like, ridiculously fast. That’s the only way you get that awesome candy-snap instead of a chewy, tooth-pulling mess.
What You’ll Need.
Don’t worry, the list for this Rainbow Popcorn Mix is nothing wild. You’ve probably got most of it. But listen—if you can, get the coconut oil. It makes your house smell incredible and gives the popcorn a flavor that’s just… better. Also, please hunt down some gel food coloring. The little water-dropper kinds are a waste of time, trust me. They’re never bright enough.
- 1/2 cup Popcorn Kernels
- 3 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cup Water
- 3 tbsp Light Corn Syrup
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- Gel Food Coloring (A bunch of different colors)
Alright, Let’s Do This.
This is a really fun process. Just read a step ahead so you know what’s coming, because at one point things get a little crazy.
Step 1: Pop the Popcorn
First, the popcorn. Just make it however you normally do on the stove. You’ll know it’s done when the pops start sounding really spaced out and lazy, with a few seconds of silence in between. Then—and please actually do this—get rid of the un-popped kernels. Your teeth will thank me later. Just pour the good stuff into a huge bowl for now.
Step 2: Set Up Your Bowls
This part feels like a pain, I get it. Six bowls for popcorn? But just do it. It’s the only way this how to make colored popcorn with food coloring thing doesn’t end in tears. Split your big bowl of popcorn into the six smaller bowls. Have your food colors open and ready to grab. You want everything within arm’s reach.
Step 3: Cook the Sugar
The sugar part. It’s not as scary as it looks. Just mix the sugar, water, syrup, and salt in a pot. Heat it up, and once it’s boiling, just back away. Don’t touch it. Don’t stir it. Let it bubble. If you have a candy thermometer, you’re looking for it to hit around 240°F. If not, just do the cold water test. Drip some syrup in a glass of cold water. If you can pick it up and it feels like a soft, squishy little ball, you’re ready for the chaos to begin.
Step 4: The Mad Dash
Okay, this is where you can’t hesitate. As soon as that syrup is ready, you work bowl by bowl. Pour a little syrup over the popcorn, squeeze in some color, stir like a maniac, and immediately dump it onto parchment paper to cool. Don’t even think about the next bowl until the first one is spread out. Once all your colors are laid out like weird, beautiful jewels and are COMPLETELY cool (don’t rush this!), you can finally break it up and mix it all together.
A Few Final Thoughts.
- That sugar syrup is basically napalm. It’s so much hotter than you think. Just be really aware of that when you’re pouring.
- This stuff actually keeps really well. If you can hide it from everyone, it’ll stay crunchy in a sealed container for a few days. That’s why it’s such a great
sweet popcorn recipe for parties—you can make it the day before. - Don’t skimp on the color. You want it to be loud and fun. A few extra drops make all the difference.
Recipes You May Like
Hope you love it!
Honestly, the best part of this recipe is just how happy it makes people. It’s a bit of work, but it’s so worth it when you see that big, colorful bowl. I made a batch for my nephew’s superhero party with just red, blue, and yellow, and the kids went nuts. Anyway, I’m rambling. I really hope you make this. If you do, I’d love to hear about it in the comments. Tell me if you had a sticky disaster like my first time, haha.
Rainbow Popcorn Mix
An easy recipe for vibrant, crunchy, candy-coated popcorn. This homemade treat is perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a fun afternoon snack!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Popcorn Kernels
- 3 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cup Water
- 3 tbsp Light Corn Syrup
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- Assorted Gel Food Coloring
Instructions
Step 1
okay first pop your corn. put the oil in a big pot get it hot. add the kernels cover it and shake it around so it dont burn. when the popping gets real slow its done. pour it in a huge bowl and pick out the un-popped ones.
Step 2
now get six smaller bowls. yeah six i know. split the popcorn between all of them. this part makes the rest way easier trust me. have your colors ready to go.
Step 3
time for the sugar. in a pot mix the sugar water corn syrup and salt. heat it up till the sugar melts then just let it boil. dont stir it. just watch it bubble. if you have a candy thermometer look for 240F. if not drop a little bit in cold water if it makes a soft ball you're good.
Step 4
you gotta be fast now. turn the heat off. pour a little bit of the hot syrup in one bowl of popcorn. add a few drops of color stir like crazy. it gets hard super fast.
Step 5
quick dump the colored popcorn on parchment paper to cool. do it again for the next color and the next one till you have six different colors all cooling on their own sheet. once everything is completely cool and hard break it up and mix it all together in your big bowl.
Notes
- use gel food coloring. its way brighter.
- be careful that sugar syrup is like lava. for real.
- if you have any left put it in an airtight container. stays crunchy.
- dont be shy with the colors. more is better.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 135Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 124mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 0gSugar: 25gProtein: 0g
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.