Peanut butter popcorn is a deliciously decadent snack. You make the 3-ingredient peanut butter topping in the time it takes the kernels to pop!
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Have you tried Trader Joe's Caramel Peanut Butter Popcorn? It is freaking addictive. Dave keeps buying it, and I keep polishing it off before he gets so much as a kernel. This peanut butter popcorn is my homespun version, so we can all enjoy this amazing treat!
Plus, it is much cheaper to make PB popcorn at home, and it's super quick and easy!
🥜 Ingredients and substitutions
- popcorn kernels - You want unpopped popcorn kernels for this recipe. Any kind you like will work!
- peanut butter - It's the reason we're doing this whole thing! You can use other nut butters or seed butters, if needed.
- maple syrup - Or your liquid sweetener of choice, like agave nectar. I just love the flavor that maple syrup brings to this recipe!
- vegan butter - Helps the topping harden and rounds out the flavor. Use extra maple syrup for oil-free.
🥣 How to make peanut butter popcorn
Pop your popcorn using your preferred method. See notes for stovetop, but you can also use an air popper, like I do, or do it in the microwave.
Meanwhile, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vegan butter in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, and stir until the ingredients are well combined, then heat for another 30 seconds. Stir again, and pour it over the popcorn, tossing well to coat.
You can eat this right away, but I like the texture even better if I can wait for it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
💡 Helpful tip
If you want to make this into peanut butter cup popcorn, spread the kernels onto a lined baking sheet before tossing well with the peanut butter mixture, then drizzle on melted chocolate chips. Let it cool until the chocolate hardens, then toss again and eat or store.
🫙 Storage directions
Leftover peanut butter popcorn will keep for one to three days in a sealed container on the kitchen counter. It will soften as it sits, so the sooner you devour, the better!
💬 Frequently asked questions
You can replace the peanut butter in this recipe with your nut or seed butter of choice!
You don't! If you prefer, you can melt the peanut butter with the maple syrup and vegan butter on the stovetop. Just bring it to a boil for about a minute, then remove from the heat and toss with the popcorn.
📖 Recipe
Peanut Butter Popcorn
Equipment
- air popper - optional
Ingredients
- ¼ cup popcorn kernels
- ¼ cup smooth peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter or an extra tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Pop your popcorn using your preferred method. See notes for stovetop, but you can also use an air popper, like I do, or do it in the microwave.
- Meanwhile, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vegan butter in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, and stir until the ingredients are well combined, then heat for another 30 seconds. Stir again, and pour it over the popcorn, tossing well to coat. You can eat this right away, but I like the texture even better if I can wait for it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
Got a question? Tried this recipe? Leave a reply!