Hey snack lovers! Are you ready to add a dash of romance to your movie nights this Valentine’s Day? Introducing the Easy Sweet & Salty Strawberry Popcorn – your new favorite homemade snack!

Picture this: You’re curled up on the couch, ready for a movie night, and suddenly, you reach for a bowl of this irresistible pink popcorn. It’s not just any popcorn; it’s a flavor-packed combination that perfectly balances the sweetness of strawberries with the satisfying crunch of homemade popcorn.

This perfect snack is super easy to make, and a great twist on the classic popcorn.

Ingredients you’ll need for this Strawberry Popcorn recipe

This easy popcorn recipe  has just a few simple ingredients, found in many grocery stores:

• Freeze-dried strawberries. Dried strawberries bring a strong, delicious strawberry flavor to the mix. Crushing them into powder gives the popcorn a sweet strawberry kick. It’s like turning fresh strawberries into a flavorful powder, adding sweetness without making the popcorn soggy.
• Unsalted butter. Butter is the hero that makes the popcorn rich and crunchy.  Melted butter covers each kettle corn piece, bringing a familiar buttery taste that perfectly matches the strawberry sweetness.
• Granulated sugar. Granulated sugar is your go-to for sweetness. Mixed with the strawberry powder, it creates a sugary coating for the popcorn.
• Salt. Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and adds a bit of complexity. It’s the reason you can’t stop reaching for more -that perfect sweet and salty combo 
• Popcorn Kernels. The popcorn is where it all comes together. When those kernels pop, they create a light and fluffy base that soaks up all the strawberry, butter, sugar, and salt goodness.

Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.

Add-ons and substitutions

Here are a few substitutions and add-ons to create great options for fun popcorn recipes with different flavors.

• Instead of butter, you can use refined coconut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil.
• White Chocolate Strawberry popcorn. When your popcorn is ready, add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips for a white chocolate version of this delicious snack. Please don’t add them to the warm popcorn, wait until it’s completely cooked to avoid the chocolate from melting.
• Dark Chocolate Strawberry popcorn. Like with the white chocolate strawberry popcorn, but instead of white chocolate chips, use dark chocolate chips. 
• Strawberries and Cream Popcorn. After your popcorn is ready, spread it over a single layer on top of a cookie sheet lined with a sheet of wax paper, and drizzle with 1/2 cup of melted white chocolate
• Coconut Flake Strawberry Popcorn. Sprinkle 1/2 cup coconut flakes over the popcorn for a tropical touch. The slightly sweet and chewy coconut adds another layer of flavor.

How to make this Sweet & Salty Strawberry Popcorn

Start by tossing your freeze-dried strawberries into a blender or food processor. Give it a few pulses until fine powder forms, and then set it aside.

Next, grab a big, sturdy pot and put it on your stove. Throw in the butter, sugar, and salt. Heat it over medium heat, and use a wooden spoon to stir until the butter melts completely. This usually takes about a minute.

Now, add your popcorn to the pot and mix it well so every piece gets coated in the melted butter mix. Put the lid on the pot and let the popcorn warm up, giving the pot a gentle shake every now and then to make sure nothing burns.

As soon as you hear the first couple of pops, lift the lid just a tad to let the steam escape. Keep shaking the pot occasionally, to keep it from burning. Keep an ear out for the popping, and when it slows down to about one pop every few seconds, take the pot off the heat. Dump all that popcorn into a large bowl.

Sprinkle your strawberry dust over the popcorn little by little. Use that wooden spoon again to give everything a good mix, making sure each piece of popcorn gets a nice coating of strawberry goodness. And there you have it – your strawberry popcorn is ready to be devoured! Serve it up right away for the ultimate tasty treat.

Expert tips for the best strawberry popcorn

1. Choose Quality Popcorn Kernels: Opt for high-quality popcorn kernels for the best texture and flavor. Look for fresh, plump kernels with minimal moisture.
2. Perfect Your Strawberry Dust: Make sure those freeze-dried strawberries are ground up real well. You want them powdery so that every piece of popcorn gets a taste of strawberry.
3. Balanced Butter Mixture: Achieve a perfect balance in the butter mixture by melting it completely before adding popcorn. This ensures an even coating without overwhelming the strawberry sweetness.
4. Keep an eye on the heat: Moderate heat is crucial to prevent burning. Keep your stovetop at medium heat and pay attention during the popping process, shaking the pot occasionally for an evenly popped batch.
5. Serve right away: Enjoy your strawberry popcorn right after adding the strawberry dust. It keeps the popcorn crispy and makes sure you get the full strawberry flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have a food processor for the strawberry dust?

No worries! You can place the freeze-dried strawberries in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon

How do I prevent the popcorn from burning during the popping process?

Keep the pot moving occasionally while the popcorn pops, and listen for the popping sound to slow down. This helps ensure even popping without burning.

How can I make the popcorn ahead of a party or gathering?

Pop the corn and store it in an airtight container. Add the strawberry dust just before serving to maintain its freshness and crunch.

​Can popcorn be too dry to pop?

Popcorn won’t pop properly if the kernels have either too little or too much moisture inside them.

How do I store any leftover strawberry popcorn?

If you happen to have any popcorn left, stash it in an airtight container. Just cover it with some plastic wrap before putting on the lid. Keep it at room temperature, and it should stay good for around 2-3 days.

Follow this link if you’re looking for more Snack and treat recipes, or click the links below for some strawberry inspired recipes you might like:

If you make this recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating and leave a comment!

Follow me on Instagram and tag #sweetfixbaker to see all the recipes you make!