Name: Spooky Vampire Red Velvet Popcorn
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (about 12 cups popped); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup light corn syrup or honey; 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1–2 tsp red gel food coloring; Pinch of fine salt; 2 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup melted white chocolate; 1/2 cup melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate (optional drizzle); Neutral oil spray or parchment for the pan

Description

Crunchy, sweet red velvet–coated popcorn with cream cheese glaze and spooky chocolate drizzles—perfect for Halloween parties and vampire-themed snack tables.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup popcorn kernels (about 12 cups popped)

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup light corn syrup or honey

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1–2 tsp red gel food coloring

Pinch of fine salt

2 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup melted white chocolate

1/2 cup melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate (optional drizzle)

Neutral oil spray or parchment for the pan

Instructions

1. Pop kernels (air popper or stovetop) to yield ~12 cups; discard unpopped kernels and place popcorn in a large bowl.

2. Heat butter, sugar, corn syrup, cocoa, and salt in a saucepan over medium, whisking until smooth; simmer 2–3 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and stir in red food coloring until a deep vampire red forms.

4. Immediately pour syrup over popcorn; toss quickly with a spatula to coat evenly.

5. Spread coated popcorn on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for even crisping.

7. Cool 10 minutes. Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth; drizzle lightly over popcorn.

8. Drizzle melted white chocolate (and dark chocolate, if using). Let set fully, then break into clusters and serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour

Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal
Sodium: 85 mg
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Protein: 3 g