Zebra Popcorn Recipe

three image collage showing zebra popcorn on sheet pan, in a bowl and scoop. homemade caramel corn topped with dark and white chocolate chips. center color block with text overlay.

Zebra Popcorn is made with homemade buttery caramel popcorn drizzled with two kinds of chocolate! A delightfully sweet and crunchy snack that is just perfect for family movie night, game day or the holidays!

Looking for more tasty snacks? Try this homemade Chex Mix Recipe, Reese’s Muddy Buddies and Candied Almonds!

Caramel popcorn is one of my all-time favorite sweet snacks. Homemade caramel popcorn is one of those treats that everyone loves and is really, REALLY is to make. It’s a simple matter of popping popcorn, making a caramel sauce, tossing together and baking.

The magic of this Zebra popcorn recipe is that it’s the perfect blend of homemade caramel corn and chocolate. This sweet snacks that is perfect for movie night, game day or even the holidays! The comforting crunch of popcorn meets decadent caramel all topped with rich dark and white chocolate. So good!

Classic Zebra popcorn uses white and dark chocolate (white and dark stripes gives this gourmet popcorn its memorable name) but feel free to experiment with other types of chocolate or try butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a fun and tasty twist. This recipe makes 8 cups of caramel corn so it’s the perfect amount for family movie night. The recipe can be scaled up or down depending on your needs.

This easy recipe includes step by step directions for making a batch of caramel corn (easier than you might think!) but you can always use store bought caramel popcorn if you prefer. I like to pop my own popcorn but feel free to buy a bag of already popped popcorn instead.

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Either way, make sure to pick through the popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels before proceeding with the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Popcorn

Taste and Texture: An incredible combination of sweet caramel, rich chocolate and the satisfying crunch of popcorn.
Simple Ingredients: This recipe is made made with pantry staples which means you can whip up a batch at a moment’s notice
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal serving size for family movie nights or gatherings with friends. Double the batch for holiday gifts!

Caramel Popcorn Ingredients

You’re going to love this gourmet popcorn recipe. And the best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need…

Caramel Popcorn

popped popcorn – You can buy a bag at the store (get plain) or pop your own. I love this popcorn popper for the microwave or this more traditional popcorn popper.
light brown sugar – Granulated sugar can be used instead, the color and flavor of the caramel will change slightly. Dark brown sugar can also be used.
unsalted butter – You will need a full stick for the caramel sauce. Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the caramel.
salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
light corn syrup – Creates the perfect caramel mixture to create the caramel corn
baking soda – The baking soda gives the caramel corn it’s crunch.
vanilla extract – Adds warmth and flavor to the caramel

Toppings

chocolate chips – Semi-sweet, dark or milk chocolate chips will all work in this recipe
white chocolate chips – Creates a beautifully visual contrast with the chocolate chips.
coconut oil – Added to the chocolate chips to helps them melt more evenly and smoothly. Shortening can be used interchangeably.

How To Make Zebra Popcorn

This easy recipe for Zebra Popcorn is sure to be your go-to for family gatherings, movie nights, or when you’re in the mood for a quick and easy gourmet treat right at home. The perfect balance of simplicity and decadence.

Caramel Corn

Prep.

Preheat the oven to 225°F.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Check the popcorn for any kernels, remove, then transfer popcorn to a large mixing bowl.

Make Caramel.

Stir the brown sugar, butter, salt and corn syrup together over medium heat in a large heavy bottomed pot.
Bring to a low boil, once at a low boil, stop stirring and continue cooking for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up rapidly but settle down quickly as you stir.

Bake.

Pour the caramel over the popcorn and toss until the popcorn is evenly coated.
Spread the caramel corn out on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the popcorn has reached a deep amber color.
Remove popcorn from the oven and allow the popcorn to cool completely.

Toppings

Melt chocolate.

Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat in 30 second increments at 50% power, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
Drizzle the melted chocolate all over the popcorn.
Repeat with the white chocolate.

Set up. Allow the chocolate to completely set up, about 30 minutes. Break up the popcorn and serve.

Storage Information

Zebra Popcorn should be stored after it has cooled completely. Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week. This popcorn is best enjoyed in the first few days.

I do not recommend freezing the popcorn.

Variations To Try

Go nuts. Mix in roasted almonds or pecans before the chocolate drizzling step.
Fabulous Fruits. Add dried cranberries or raisins for a hint of fruitiness and chew to the mixture.
Fun with Flavor. Chocolate is just one option and the classic choice for Zebra Popcorn but peanut butter or butterscotch chips can also be used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use microwave popcorn in this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure you get plain popcorn so the caramel adheres correctly.

How long do I cook the caramel?

You are looking for the caramel to turn amber in color. If you have a candy thermometer, you are looking for around 250°F.

What can I add to this recipe?

Dried fruit, nuts, small candies, sprinkles – all would be great options!

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just use two baking sheets instead of one.

Trish’s Tips and Tricks

Always check and remove unpopped kernels before adding caramel.
Use silicone baking mats for easy cleanup after baking.
Ensure the caramel reaches a deep amber color for the best flavor profile.
Zebra popcorn can be a fun gift! Package it in cellophane bags with a ribbon for birthdays or holidays. It’s also a hit at kids’ parties or as a gourmet snack at adult gatherings.
Keep caramel at medium heat while bring to a low boil. Continue stirring constantly to avoid burning or sticking.
Let the caramel corn cool completely before adding the chocolate.
Once the chocolate has been added, let the popcorn set up completely before breaking into pieces.

Equipment Needed

More Caramel Recipes To Try

Caramel Cake

Caramel Sauce

Carmelitas

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

100 Grand Candy Bars

Zebra Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Zebra Popcorn

Course Dessert, Snack Cuisine American Keyword chocolate caramel popcorn, crunchy caramel corn, zebra popcorn, zebra popcorn recipe Prep Time 15 Cook Time 50 Servings Calories 419kcal Author Trish – Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

Caramel Corn

8 cups popped popcorn plain
1 cup light brown sugar packed, or dark brown sugar
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips or dark or milk chocolate chips
1 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening, divided
½ cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

Caramel Corn

Preheat the oven to 225°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
Check the popcorn for any kernels, remove, then transfer popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
In a large, heavy bottomed pot, stir the brown sugar, butter, salt and corn syrup over medium heat until the butter has completely melted and is fully combined.
Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat white stirring continuously to avoid burning and sticking. Once at a low boil, stop stirring and continue cooking for 5 minutes.
Immediately remove from heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up rapidly (hence the need for the large, deep pot) but settle down quickly as you stir.
Pour the caramel over the popcorn and use tongs to toss until the popcorn is evenly coated.
Spread the caramel corn out on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the popcorn has reached a deep amber color.
Remove popcorn from the oven and allow the popcorn to cool completely.

Toppings

Place the chocolate chips and half a teaspoon of coconut oil (or shortening) in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat in 30 second increments at 50% power, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
Drizzle the melted chocolate all over the popcorn.
Place the white chocolate chips and half a teaspoon of coconut oil (or shortening) in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat in 30 second increments at 50% power, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
Drizzle the melted white chocolate all over the popcorn.
Allow the chocolate to completely set up, about 30 minutes. Break up the popcorn and serve.

Notes

Storage Information Zebra Popcorn should be stored after it has cooled completely. Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week. This popcorn is best enjoyed in the first few days. I do not recommend freezing the popcorn. Equipment Needed I love this popcorn popper for the microwave or this more traditional popcorn popper. When making the caramel, you can use a candy thermometer to get a more accurate measurement. A silicone baking mat will keep the caramel popcorn from sticking to your baking sheet. Parchment paper also works great.

Nutrition

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