Delicious Peanut Butter Popcorn with Peanut Butter Cups: The Perfect Sweet & Salty Snack for Any Occasion

Ready in under 30 minutes, this delightful Peanut Butter Popcorn with an irresistible swirl of peanut butter cups is truly the perfect sweet and salty snack for any occasion. Whether you’re settling in for a cozy movie night, hosting friends, or looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe hits all the right notes. Its simplicity and incredible flavor make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for more.

This particular recipe for Peanut Butter Popcorn holds a special place in my heart, created as a dedication to my dear friend Joan, from Chocolate, Chocolate and More. Joan, a vibrant and generous soul, tragically passed away suddenly from a heart attack a few weeks ago, leaving a void that still feels profoundly unreal.

A Heartfelt Dedication to a Cherished Friend

The news of Joan’s passing came as an absolute shock. One day, she was online, vibrant and full of life, chatting with people, sharing her wisdom and warmth. The next day, she was gone. I remember the exact moment I heard – sitting on my couch, ready to unwind with an episode of Orange Is The New Black. I checked my phone, and there it was: a post from Joan’s cousin, announcing her passing. My mind reeled, refusing to accept it. “No way,” I thought, “That can’t be true?!” I desperately asked if it was a cruel joke, then immediately called Joan’s cell number, clinging to a sliver of hope.

To be honest, I don’t know what I was truly expecting. Perhaps I hoped Joan herself would pick up, her familiar voice explaining that it was all a terrible misunderstanding, some mean troll’s idea of a sick joke. Or, if the news was indeed true, I secretly wished one of her family members would answer, offering first-hand comfort and an explanation of what had happened. Instead, all I received was the hollow comfort of her voicemail. The silence that followed was deafening. Eventually, the devastating news was confirmed: Joan had indeed passed away peacefully in her sleep.

I chose this Peanut Butter Popcorn recipe to honor Joan because of her immense love for the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. It was a flavor pairing she adored and often featured in her own creations. Moreover, this recipe is incredibly easy to throw together, a quality that perfectly encapsulated Joan’s approach to life and cooking – simple, straightforward, and full of joy. She believed in making delicious food accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

The Power of Sharing: A Legacy of Generosity

Beyond her love for delightful treats, Joan was all about sharing. Her generosity extended not just to recipes but to her time, knowledge, and unwavering support for fellow bloggers. And that spirit of sharing is exactly what you can embrace with this popcorn, especially during the holidays or any time you want to spread a little joy. Scoop it into charming little treat bags – much like I did with my chocolate covered popcorn – and voilà! You’ll instantly become everyone’s new best friend, bringing smiles and deliciousness wherever you go. It’s a simple gesture that carries so much warmth.

Making this Peanut Butter Popcorn starts with creating the perfect base. I always begin by making stovetop popcorn. This method is superior because it allows me complete control over the flavor profile, ensuring a clean, fresh canvas for our peanut butter coating. Most microwave popcorns come pre-flavored, often with artificial tastes, which just wouldn’t do for this special treat. The stovetop method guarantees a light, airy, and naturally delicious popcorn base.

Crafting the Irresistible Peanut Butter Coating

Next, I craft a simple yet incredibly rich peanut butter coating mixture right on the stovetop. This process is similar to how I make my Christmas popcorn, ensuring a smooth, glossy, and intensely flavorful glaze. Once the coating is perfectly whisked to a silky consistency, I immediately pour it over the freshly popped popcorn and the delightful peanut butter cups. A quick, gentle stir ensures every kernel is lovingly coated, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

The final, crucial step is allowing the coated popcorn to set for about 10-15 minutes. This brief waiting period allows the peanut butter mixture to cool and adhere beautifully to the popcorn and candy, giving it that wonderfully satisfying crunch. And just like that, you’re ready for the ultimate snack time! This quick setting time means you can enjoy this gourmet treat almost instantly, making it perfect for spontaneous cravings or last-minute entertaining.

Joan’s Unwavering Support and Legacy

Although I never had the chance to meet Joan in person, her impact on my life and career was profound. She was, without a doubt, one of the primary reasons I gathered the courage to quit my conventional job and dive headfirst into the world of full-time blogging and freelancing. When I confided in her about my aspirations and anxieties, she didn’t hesitate. Joan immediately set aside time for us to chat on the phone, meticulously helping me devise a game plan, offering practical advice and much-needed encouragement.

Joan embodied the spirit of sharing and helping others without ever asking for anything in return. She openly shared her ‘secrets’ – the strategies and insights that allowed her to grow her blog to three times its size in just a few short months. Her belief in my potential was unwavering; she saw me achieving a full-time career in blogging before I even believed it was possible myself. Her guidance wasn’t just technical; it was deeply inspiring, giving me the confidence to pursue my dreams.

And now, here I am, styling this peanut butter popcorn into cute little makeshift waxed paper cones, with a $1 cabinet door serving as my makeshift photography background. It’s a testament to the journey Joan helped me embark on, a journey where creativity and passion lead the way. I can almost picture Joan smiling down right now, a twinkle in her eye, perhaps asking me to pass her a bowl (or maybe a fancy glass for her popcorn!). I’m going to miss her warmth, her wisdom, and her incredible spirit more than words can say.

Important Health Awareness: Knowing the Signs of a Heart Attack

In Joan’s memory, I feel it’s crucial to share vital information about heart attack signs. Her passing was so sudden and unexpected, a stark reminder of how quickly life can change. Joan went to bed feeling a stomach ache, a symptom often dismissed, and never woke up. It’s imperative to understand that women’s symptoms of a heart attack are often different from men’s and are not always the obvious, crushing chest pain depicted in movies.

The American Heart Association highlights that women may experience more subtle, non-chest pain symptoms, which can sometimes feel like the flu. These can include unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath, indigestion, nausea, dizziness, or pain in the jaw, neck, arm, or upper back. These symptoms can be vague and may come and go, making them easy to ignore or attribute to less serious conditions. Please educate yourself and your loved ones on these critical indicators. Early recognition and immediate medical attention can save lives. Your health, and the health of those you care about, is invaluable.

 

Peanut Butter Popcorn

Yield:
2-4 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

Ready in under 30 minutes, this peanut butter popcorn with peanut butter cups is the perfect sweet snack for movie night. It also makes a thoughtful gift when packaged into treat bags.

Ingredients

• 3 cups unsalted air-popped popcorn (learn how to make stovetop popcorn)
• 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups, divided
• 2 tablespoons clover honey
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, add the popcorn and 3/4 cup peanut butter cups.
2. In a small saucepan, whisk together the honey and sugar then bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for 2 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and whisk in the salt, vanilla, and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Immediately pour the peanut butter mixture over the popcorn mixture and stir until the popcorn is completely coated. Top with remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter chips. Let set for 10-15 minutes before serving. Popcorn is best eaten the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Notes

How To Pop Popcorn On The Stove

For perfectly popped popcorn, heat 2 tablespoons of oil (like coconut or vegetable oil) in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3-4 kernels, cover, and wait for them to pop. Once they do, remove them, add 1/2 cup unpopped kernels, cover, and remove from heat for 30 seconds. This allows the kernels to heat evenly. Return to medium heat and shake occasionally until popping slows to several seconds between pops. Remove from heat immediately, let sit for a minute, then transfer to a large bowl. This ensures minimal unpopped kernels and prevents burning.

Did you make this recipe?

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More Irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, you’re in for a treat! This delightful popcorn is just the beginning. Explore these other fantastic recipes featuring everyone’s favorite candy, the peanut butter cup. Each one offers a unique and delicious way to enjoy this classic pairing, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth or for sharing with loved ones.

Peanut Butter Cup Bars

Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

Peanut Butter Cup Sandwich Cookies

Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Pie

No Bake Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Peanut Butter Cup Sheet Cake