Description
Muddy Buddy Popcorn is a quick and easy snack that perfectly combines crunchy popcorn with a sweet and nutty peanut buttery coating. This delicious treat balances crispy textures with the classic Muddy Buddy mix flavors, making it ideal for movie nights, parties, or anytime you want a fun, homemade snack. Customizable, kid-friendly, and ready in under 20 minutes, it’s sure to become your new favorite sweet and crunchy indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Popcorn Base
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (about 12 cups popped popcorn)
Coating Ingredients
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn: Start by popping the popcorn kernels using your preferred method—stovetop, air popper, or microwave. Aim for fluffy, fully popped kernels without burnt pieces. Set aside the popped popcorn in a large bowl.
- Prepare the chocolate peanut butter mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips together, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and silky. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Combine mixture with popcorn: Pour the warm chocolate and peanut butter sauce over the popcorn. Gently stir to coat every fluffy kernel evenly with the delicious mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
- Add powdered sugar: Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the coated popcorn and toss carefully to create the signature sweet and slightly dusty coating typical of Muddy Buddy treats.
- Let it cool: Spread the coated popcorn evenly on parchment paper or a large baking sheet to cool and harden. Allow the coating to set properly for a perfectly crunchy texture before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use freshly popped popcorn to achieve the best crunch and flavor absorption.
- Melt chocolate and peanut butter gently over low heat to prevent burning or separation.
- Stir the coating mixture gently but thoroughly to avoid breaking the popcorn while ensuring even coverage.
- Allow the Muddy Buddy Popcorn to cool completely before storing to maintain crispiness and avoid clumping.
- Adjust powdered sugar and salt amounts to suit your taste preferences.
- For nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Try swapping chocolate chips for white or dark chocolate to change flavor profile.
- Add mix-ins like pretzel pieces, chopped nuts, or candy-coated chocolates for extra crunch and variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freeze in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.
- Reheat softened popcorn in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 5–10 minutes to restore crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Muddy Buddy, popcorn, peanut butter, sweet snack, crunchy, homemade snack, gluten free, party snack, easy recipe
