Peanut Butter Popcorn Recipe

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
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Updated on 01/22/23
Peanut Butter Popcorn

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 20 mins
Servings: 14 servings
Yield: 14 cups
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
380 Calories
21g Fat
45g Carbs
8g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 14
Amount per serving
Calories 380
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 4mg 1%
Sodium 149mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 45g 16%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 36g
Protein 8g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 232mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Whether it is a homemade gift for the holidays, a delicious party favor, or a movie night at home with popcorn from a popcorn delivery service, there's something special and exciting about a big tin of popcorn. This recipe for peanut butter popcorn is a nice twist from cheddar popcorn or regular popcorn. It's easy to make because you don't need any special candy making equipment. Everything comes together quickly in a saucepan. A sweet blend of sugar, honey, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and creamy peanut butter coats every kernel of popcorn and peanuts. The mixture doesn't even need to be baked. Simply allow the popcorn to cool then this crisp treat can be stored in airtight tins for sharing or in individual cellophane bags for gifting. It is easy to prepare in large batches to be enjoyed by the handful with friends and family.

Ingredients

  • 12 cups plain popped popcorn

  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted peanuts

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1/2 cup honey

  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Peanut Butter Popcorn
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  2. In a large roasting pan, combine the popped plain popcorn and peanuts. Spread out in one even layer. (Alternately, you can use two 9 x 13-inch pans.) Keep warm in a 250 F oven while preparing the other steps. 

    Peanut Butter Popcorn
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  3. Butter the bottom and sides of a heavy 1-1/2 quart saucepan. 

    Peanut Butter Popcorn
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  4. Combine the granulated sugar, honey, and corn syrup in the pan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and boil for 2 minutes. 

    Peanut Butter Popcorn
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  5. Remove the sugar mixture from the heat. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract.

    Peanut Butter Popcorn
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  6. Remove the warm popcorn and peanut mixture from the oven and Immediately pour the peanut butter coating over the mixture. Stir to completely coat all of the popcorn .

    Peanut Butter Popcorn
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  7. Turn the coated popcorn and peanut mixture out onto baking sheets to cool completely. Separate and break into bite-sized pieces.

    Peanut Butter Popcorn
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  8. Store in airtight containers or wrap up for gifts.

    Peanut Butter Popcorn
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  9. Enjoy!

    -The oldest evidence of popcorn is 5,600 years old and was found in a bat cave in New Mexico.
    -In South America, kernels of popcorn found in burial grounds in the coastal deserts of North Chile were so well preserved they would still pop even though they were 1,000 years old.
    -Some Native American tribes believed that a spirit lived inside each kernel of popcorn. The tribes also made headdresses and corsages from popcorn.
    -Today, most kernels for enjoyed popcorn now is grown in Nebraska and Indiana.
    -Popcorn is the state snack of Illinois.
    -Popcorn is a fun snack, but it also has many health benefits. It is high in antioxidants, contains a significant amount of fiber, is a filling snack that can aid in weight loss, and supports the growth of healthy bones.