Sticky Bun Popcorn
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Sticky Bun Popcorn is a decadent, sweet treat that combines the flavors of a classic sticky bun with the crunch of popcorn. The popcorn is coated in a rich caramel sauce made from butter, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, giving it that sticky, gooey texture reminiscent of a freshly baked sticky bun.
To take this popcorn over the top, chopped pecans are mixed in, adding a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Craving for more gourmet popcorn options? Make sure to try my recipes for Honey Lemon Popcorn, Pina Colada Popcorn, and sweet & salty Instant Pot Kettle Corn too!
Ever thought popcorn could be more than just a movie-night snack? Meet Sticky Bun Popcorn, it’s a sweet, crunchy treat that turns any gathering into a cozy celebration.
Ingredients
To create Sticky Bun Popcorn, you’ll need a few simple yet delicious ingredients that bring this treat to life.
- Popcorn: Freshly popped, it’s the canvas for all the flavors.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and that classic caramel touch.
- Honey: Elevates both the taste and texture of sticky bun popcorn.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Gives the popcorn that warm, bakery-like aroma, reminiscent of freshly baked sticky buns.
- Cinnamon: Brings warmth and a hint of spice.
- Baking Soda: Helps to achieve the right texture, making the popcorn crispy but not too hard to bite into.
- Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a nutty, crunchy dimension that elevates the snack even further.
Check out the printable recipe card below for the complete recipe and detailed instructions.
Popping the Popcorn
To get started, you need some freshly popped popcorn. Here’s how you can do it:
- Stovetop: Heat a large pot with a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add popcorn kernels, cover the pot, and shake occasionally until popping slows down.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl with a lid, or grab a brown paper lunch bag. Use the popcorn button and listen for the popping to slow.
- Air Popper: Simply measure the kernels into the popper, turn it on, and let it work its magic. This method is oil-free and super easy.
No matter the method, aim for about 5 cups of popped popcorn. Remove any unpopped kernels—they’re not friendly to teeth!
How to make Sticky Bun Popcorn
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place rack in the center for the oven. Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner or parchment paper, and set aside.
Make sure you have all of your ingredients ready to go, caramel goes from sticky to hard as a rock very quickly.
Place popped popcorn and toasted pecan pieces in a large bowl. Set aside.
Combine brown sugar, honey, and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly with a silicone or wooden spoon. One mixture boils, continue to cook until it reaches 250°F without stirring. (I use this candy thermometer and love it!)
Remove from heat. Once the boiling stops, add the cinnamon, vanilla vanilla extract, and baking soda. Stir quickly and throughly, it will foam up.
Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and pecans, mix gently to coat the popcorn.
Spread popcorn mixture out over the prepared baking sheet and place in the oven for 10 minutes, carefully stirring after 5 minutes.
Remove from the oven, stir one last time and allow to cool on a wire cooling rack.
When popcorn cools, it will be crispy and crunchy. Break up the popcorn into bite-size chunks.
Sticky Bun Popcorn brings the warm flavors of cinnamon buns into a crunchy, sweet snack that’s irresistibly satisfying.
Expert Tips
- Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Substitute light corn syrup for the honey if desired.
- If using unsalted butter, a quarter teaspoon of kosher salt with the cinnamon.
- A drizzle of white chocolate (almond bark), or a simple powdered sugar glaze, can add even more of that sticky bun flavor.
I created this small-batch popcorn recipe to be enjoyed on date night while watching The Proposal, or any of your favorite movies. This recipe can easily be doubled to serve the entire family by clicking on the 2x button in the recipe card!
Check out these Flavored Popcorn Recipes for even more delicious popcorn flavors and ideas!
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it!
Tag @cookingwithcurls on Instagram & Facebook and leave a ⭐️⭐⭐⭐⭐ review below!
Enjoy!!
Sticky Bun Popcorn
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 cups popped popcorn
- 0.5 cup toasted pecans roughly chopped
- 0.5 cup brown sugar lightly packed
- 2 tablespoon honey or light corn syrup
- 0.25 cup salted butter
- 0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 0.25 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon baking soda make sure it is fresh!
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place rack in the center for the oven. Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner or parchment paper, and set aside.
- Make sure you have all of your ingredients ready to go, caramel goes from sticky to hard as a rock very quickly.
- Place popped popcorn and toasted pecan pieces in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Combine brown sugar, honey, and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly with a silicone or wooden spoon. One mixture boils, continue to cook until it reaches 250°F without stirring.
- Remove from heat. Once the boiling stops, add the cinnamon, vanilla vanilla extract, and baking soda. Stir quickly and throughly, it will foam up.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and pecans, mix gently to coat the popcorn.
- Spread popcorn mixture out over the prepared baking sheet and place in the oven for 10 minutes, carefully stirring after 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, stir one last time and allow to cool on a wire cooling rack. When popcorn cools, it will be crispy and crunchy. Break up the popcorn into bite-size chunks.
Notes
- Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Substitute light corn syrup for the honey if desired.
- If using unsalted butter, a quarter teaspoon of kosher salt with the cinnamon.
- A drizzle of white chocolate (almond bark), or a simple powdered sugar glaze, can add even more of that sticky bun flavor.
- Baking the popcorn heats up the caramel topping, and stirring allows the topping to coat even more of the popcorn. Just open the oven, give it a good flip over with a wooden spoon, and close up the oven – it’s that easy!
