Sweet n Sour Candy Popcorn

Sweet n Sour Candy Popcorn

Sweet Sour Candy Popcorn

Like me, are you in love with love? If so, make the LOVE of your life some of my best Sweet n Sour Candy Popcorn. You’ll find it to be completely irresistible, crunchy, munchy, and sour. Pack it in decorative box or jar with a pretty papered and ribboned lid for a sensational gift any lucky Valentine will adore!

Sweet n Sour Candy Popcorn

I’ve had lots of amazing popcorn in my lifetime, but this one is so blasted good, I have to share it with you. It’s so fruity and flavorful, and Jolly Rancher Gelatin Mix makes all the difference.  The watermelon flavor is insane delish, and the blue raspberry is a close second for me.  They also make green apple and cherry flavors I’ve got to try. I found mine at a local grocery store, (Walmart 52 cents a box, also some Albertsons carry it), but added a link for those of you who may have a hard time finding it in your area. I also used gel food coloring, (and I highly recommend this brand), to intensify the color.

Sweet n Sour Candy Popcorn

FYI: I used 2 packages of watermelon and 2 packages of blue raspberry. I added red gel coloring to one of the watermelon for the bright red popcorn, bright pink to one watermelon for the lighter pink, and red gel coloring to 1 box of the blue raspberry for the darker red color. Lastly, I added the bright pink coloring to 1 batch of blue raspberry to make the softer lavender popcorn.  I mixed it all together and it was so bright and pretty.

Sweet n Sour Candy Popcorn

Special thanks to my sister, Kim, for sharing her favorite recipe with me. Like she told me, there’s a bold, tangy taste, like the Jolly Rancher Candies and it makes amazing popcorn. You can use any brand or flavor of gelatin, sky’s the limit. Prepare your pan, preheat the oven, pop your corn, and have everything ready because the candy hardens up super fast.  Pour the syrup evenly over the popped corn and then stir it well and fast.

Start by preheating the oven to 300 degrees. Line a half sheet pan with a parchment sheet and set aside. Pop popcorn into a large mixing bowl and make sure you’ve removed any kernels that didn’t pop.  In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add butter and corn syrup, and stir till melted.  Add sugar and gelatin and stir to mix well.

Sweet n Sour Candy PopcornBring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat it slow simmers. Simmer for 5 minutes and then remove from heat and pour over popcorn.  Use extra care not to burn yourself.  Stir the candy and popcorn together until it’s well coated.  Spread mixture onto prepared pan and spread out evenly.  Place it in the hot oven for 10 minutes.  Remove from the oven and let it cool.  Break into pieces and enjoy.

Sweet n Sour Candy PopcornMix it up all together and then carefully add it to boxes, jars, or cellophane bags.

Sweet n Sour Candy Popcorn

5 from 1 reviews
Sweet n Sour Candy Popcorn
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Sweet n Sour Candy Popcorn is a light and crunchy treat that is perfect for gift-giving. It's so pretty, shiny and colorful. Use any flavor of Jolly Rancher gelatin to achieve a tangy flavor just like the candy. Add to glass jars or cellophane bags!
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 quarts
Ingredients
  • 8 cups popped popcorn
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 3 Tablespoons light corn syrup
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 (3.5-ounce) box of flavored gelatin, (I used Jolly Rancher)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees
  2. Line a half-sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
  3. Pop popcorn and add to a large mixing bowl. Remove any kernels that didn't pop.
  4. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt butter, add corn syrup, sugar and gelatin. Stir well to combine and reduce heat to a low simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and pour evenly over popcorn. Mix well to coat well.
  6. Pour popcorn onto prepared baking sheet and spread out evenly. Place in oven. Bake for 10 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room. Break into pieces and enjoy!

To decorate the jars, select 3 compatible craft or scrapbook papers. Cut 2-1/2″ wide strips of paper and fold them accordion style.  Spread them into fans and glue 2 together.

Sweet n Sour Candy PopcornWe used a heart and flower punch for the center papers and decked them out with pearls and jewels.  Add pretty ribbons and tie gift tags to them.  For the whole project we used a glue gun.  Have fun, and I’d suggest you color coordinate your papers with the colorful Sweet n Sour Candy Popcorn you create.

Sweet n Sour Candy PopcornDo you make homemade Valentine’s and treats?  Do share in the comments below, cause we’d enjoy a little peek into your special day.  Thanks for reading!

Sweet n Sour Candy Popcorn

About The Author

Renée

Renée is passionate about making and sharing ALL things delicious! Her happy place really is her kitchen where she loves whipping up memories with her family and friends. Raised in sunny Southern California she's spent her adulthood in Idaho, both sides of her great state. She's married to an amazing man, and together they have 5 children, who gave them five more, and now they have 28 grandchildren. So there’s always a reason to cook and celebrate around their place!

4 Comments

  1. Susan

    What an adorable idea for Valentine’s Day! I haven’t seen the Jolly Rancher gelatin but now I need to looks for it 🙂

    Reply
    • Alison

      Yes, it has such a unique and deep flavor! You will love it!

      Reply
    • Alison

      Thanks Anita! It is definitely one of my favorites!

      Reply

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