Valentines Day is just around the corner and since we’re probably not able to go out for dinner without the kids, we’ll be making this cinnamon heart and caramel popcorn for a movie night with kids.
This caramel corn is incredible, it is sweet and spicy from the cinnamon hearts and is honestly one of the best combos I’ve ever made and I have made A LOT of popcorn in my days.
It was super fun to play around with and once I got the right ratios we couldn’t STOP eating it. It’s a great one to share with friend and makes great valentines day gifts too, just pop it in cute little boxes like this and drop it off on doorsteps like a little Happy Valentine fairy. These boxes were from Michaels from about 4 years ago, but they usually ahve something cute every year and if not Michaels – the dollar store is another great (and probably cheaper) option.
Why you’ll love my version of caramel corn
If you search the internet for cinnamon heart popcorn recipes, what you’ll find is a version of caramel corn made by melting the cinnamon hearts which give you a red colour.
I’m sure these versions taste great, but they’re a bit time consuming as you need to bake the popcorn on low heat for an hour.
My version is totally different, much quicker, looks incredible with the contrasting colours and makes a pretty cute snack!
Plus you get to actually enjoy both things – the caramel popcorn and the cinnamon hearts all in one.
What you need for cinnamon heart caramel popcorn
This recipe uses very few ingredients, most of which you’ll probably have in your pantry.
Popcorn either 1/3 cup of uncooked kernels or 10 cups of popcorn.
Butter it’s gotta be the real stuff.
Light brown sugar you can use dark brown sugar, but I prefer light brown for this recipe. It offers a lighter, softer flavour.
Vanilla is optional. If you have it use it, if you don’t it’s not necessary.
Baking soda make sure it’s baking soda and not powder. This is a necessary ingredient as it will provide the air bubbles that lend to the lightness of the caramel.
Cinnamon hearts our not so secret addition. You should be able to find these at Bulk Barn closer to Valentine’s.
Salt only a dash is needed for this recipe.
How to make caramel popcorn
Caramel corn is surprisingly easy to make but it does take a bit of patience and you have to keep your eyes on the prize, otherwise you’ll end up with burnt caramel crunch, haha!
Make the popcorn I like to use an air popper. You can use microwave popcorn (if you do make sure it’s plain without butter and salt). You don’t want to use stove top popcorn as the oil makes it difficult for the caramel to stick.
Make the caramel first melting the butter, then adding he light brown sugar, you’ll whisk it until it’s melted and add the vanilla. Next you’ll bring the mix to a boil and let it cook on a soft rolling bubble for 4-5 min. Then you add the baking soda and watch the caramel foam up – this is a good thing.
Drizzle over the popcorn and fold in and mix with a spatula. Then let it cool for a couple minutes and add the cinnamon hearts.
Let cool by pouring out onto a lined sheet pan. Then scoop into boxes or bags or seal in an airtight container.
Favourite ways to share this popcorn
Send it to Daycare/School Our kids get so excited to bring homemade snacks to daycare to share with their friends. This one we would give to our big kid to bring; the little one is only 21/2 and popcorn is a choking hazard for kids his age.
Package it up for friends we love doing little surprise drop offs. We will package this up on individual bags/boxes and dropoff with Valentines for our favourite people.
Add it to your party menu if you’re having a Valentine’s get together this is a perfect snack to get the conversation rolling, plus you can let your guests pack some up to bring home as a thank you for coming.
If you love cinnamon hearts, you will definitely love this cinnamon heart caramel popcorn.
It’s the perfect snack to share with your loved ones on Valentine’s day. Just line up a cheesy rom com and enjoy.
Caramel and Cinnamon Heart Popcorn
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup uncooked popcorn kernels
- 1 cup butter
- 11/4 cups light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup cinnamon hearts
- dash of salt
Instructions
- Make popcorn, (I use an air popper), remove all the hard kernels and set popcorn aside.
- Melt 1 cup of butter in a medium heavy bottom pot on medium heat. Add 1 1/4 cups of light brown sugar and whisk until sugar is melted and thoroughly mixed together. Add 1 tsp vanilla.
- Stir continuously, bringing the mixture to a boil on medium heat. When it reaches a boil, let it cook for about 4-5 minutes without stirring, it should be in a nice soft rolling bubble.
- Then add 1/2 tsp of baking soda, it will foam up a bit which is exactly what it is supposed to do. This will form tiny air bubbles which will make it lighter and fluffier and not so compact and sticky.
- Drizzle the caramel mixture over the popcorn, use a spatula to gently fold the popcorn with the mixture until the kernels are all covered.
- Let the popcorn cool for 2-3 minutes and then add 1/2 cup cinnamon hearts (or more if you like) and stir until combined.
- Pour the popcorn out onto a parchment lined cookie sheet and allow to cool. Scoop into your cute little boxes or other container and eat your cinnamon hearts out!
Notes
Nutrition
If you make my cinnamon heart caramel corn I’d love to hear all about it. Please comment below, post it on Instagram and tag me @mysweetmess and hashtag #mysweetmess. And if you really love it, please share the link with friends and family.
Other recipes you might enjoy
TRIPLE BERRY GINGER OAT MUFFINS
CONFETTI SQUARES
WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY ORANGE MUFFINS
Till the next recipe,
Kristen xo
these are so friggin cute! I’m totally pinning this so i can make it for my DD’s class when Vday comes up!
Aren’t they adorable – I hope they’re a hit!
Great job Kristen! This popcorn looks amazing and I LOVE cinnamon hearts. I just bought a bag the other day in anticipation of V day. What a fun snack, I bet your kids loved it.
Thanks so much Bernice. It’s such a fun snack and our daughter absolutely adores it. we’ll be making a big batch for her class the week of Valentines.
Time for movie night to try these yummy-looking caramelized popcorns! I might mix them up with a few salty ones too. Lovely recipe, thanks for sharing!!
You’re so welcome. Love your idea to mix it up with something salty too!
Cuuuuuuuute! What a fun little twist. Great idea for parties, or for giving the kids to take to school for Valentine’s day. And honestly, now I’m thinking of all the different caramel corn possibilities I could get in trouble with. Haha.
Right, there are so many fun ones to play with….I’m thinking a little smores action for my next one!