Baklava Popcorn
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Baklava popcorn is a sweet, crunchy snack inspired by the flavors of traditional baklava. It combines freshly popped popcorn with ingredients typically found in baklava, like honey, cinnamon, and walnuts.
Craving for more baklava flavored treats? Make sure to try my recipes for Chocolate Baklava, Baklava Honey-Glazed Walnuts, and vegan Baklava Cookies too!
Whether you’re hosting a movie night or just want something new to munch on, this tasty treat could quickly become your go-to snack.
Check out Flavored Popcorn Recipes for even more delicious popcorn flavors and ideas!
Ingredients
- Honey: Provides the essential syrupy sweetness. It’s what gives baklava its signature taste and is central to balancing flavors.
- Butter: A small amount melted into the mix adds rich, creamy undertones.
- Vanilla Extract: This offers a smooth, aromatic layer that complements other ingredients well.
- Lemon Extract: Adds a light, citrusy flavor to round out the overall taste of the popcorn.
- Walnuts: A traditional choice for baklava, they add earthiness and a satisfying crunch.
- Cinnamon: A classic spice for baklava, bringing warmth and a touch of spice.
- Mushroom popcorn: Known for its round shape and durable texture, it’s less likely to crumble under the weight of sticky syrups. Perfect for holding onto all the delicious toppings. This is the type of popcorn that movie theaters use.
- Butterfly popcorn: Typically lighter and more airy, it provides that classic popcorn fluffiness. This is the most common type of popcorn sold in grocery stores and the type that I used.
Check out the printable recipe card below for the complete recipe and detailed instructions.
Microwave Method: Place one-third cup of popcorn kernels in a brown lunch bag and microwave for 3.5 minutes, or use the popcorn button. I usually make two batches and snack on the leftovers.
How to make Baklava Popcorn
Preheat oven to 250°F.
Add honey and butter to a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave for approximately 30 seconds, or until the butter is melted. Stir in the vanilla and lemon extracts, and the cinnamon. Set aside.
Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey-butter mixture over the top and gently stir to coat. Stir in the finely chopped walnuts.
Spread popcorn out evenly on silicone lined baking sheet.
Bake for 5 minutes, stir the popcorn, and continue baking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
Cool completely. Break into bite-sized pieces before serving.
Baklava popcorn is one of those snacks that keeps people coming back for more. It’s got the crunch, the sweetness, and that nutty hint that’s hard to beat!
Stovetop Method: Pour 3 tablespoons of oil and 0.5-cup of popcorn kernels into a 4-quart pot. Cover pot with lid leaving it slightly ajar so the steam can escape. Cook popcorn over medium heat shaking the pan frequently. When popping slows, remove the the pot from heat.
Expert tips
- Looking for a vegan option? Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey, and vegan butter.
- Baking the popcorn helps the syrup set, making it crunchy rather than sticky. If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, you can skip this step, but for a more authentic “candied” feel, baking is highly recommended.
- Baklava popcorn can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled and crisp before storing.
More flavored popcorn recipes to try
I created this fun popcorn for two to be enjoyed while watching your favorite Indiana Jones movies. This recipe can easily be scaled up to serve the entire family by clicking on the 2x or 3x button in the recipe card!
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it!
Tag @cookingwithcurls on Instagram & Facebook and leave a ⭐️⭐⭐⭐⭐ review below!
Enjoy!!
Baklava Popcorn
Ingredients
- 0.33 cup honey
- 1.5 tablespoons butter
- 0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon lemon extract
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 5 cups popped popcorn
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F.
- Add honey and butter to a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave for approximately 30 seconds, or until the butter is melted. Stir in the vanilla and lemon extracts, salt, and the cinnamon. Set aside.
- Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey-butter mixture over the top and gently stir to coat. Stir in the finely chopped walnuts.
- Spread popcorn out evenly on silicone lined baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, stir the popcorn, and continue baking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
- Cool completely. Break into bite-sized pieces before serving.
Notes
- Looking for a vegan option? Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey, and vegan butter.
- Baking the popcorn helps the syrup set, making it crunchy rather than sticky. If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, you can skip this step, but for a more authentic “candied” feel, baking is highly recommended.
- Baklava popcorn can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled and crisp before storing.
