Chocolate Popcorn: I muttered those words to Dave the other day, and instantly his eyes lit up. And honestly so did mine, as I was really hoping I didn’t have to “talk him into” trying this recipe with me. This was a recipe where I was not sure how the end result would turn out, but I’m so glad I tried it. Chocolate peanut butter coating freshly popped popcorn. Yeah we just went there!
Every year around the holidays, I overindulge in that unhealthy chocolate covered sweet popcorn like it is going out of style. It’s a once a year indulgence and I thoroughly enjoy it. But for some reason, I started craving chocolate popcorn the other day. So I figured I’d try my own Chocolate Popcorn this time around. I knew I wanted to try the same chocolate coating I used on my Protein Puppy Chow, and I’m so glad it worked out well.
I was worried that the coating would be too thick or that it wouldn’t have the right texture. I resolved that by sticking this in the freezer for a few minutes and viola, perfectly coated popcorn to enjoy! I used regular natural peanut butter in this recipe, but you could also use the chocolate peanut butter recipe if you have it on hand! If you don’t it’s a really good excuse to make some, because it’s AMAZING on bananas and well just out of the jar honestly!
White Popping Corn
I like to use white popcorn vs. yellow popcorn kernels. I really enjoy how tender and light this popcorn is.
I use Non-GMO popcorn kernels. Although they are a bit more expensive, this is a must for me. Dave and I talk about why GMO’s should be avoided in our Beginners Guide to Clean Eating e-book if you are interested in learning more!
Did you know that popcorn kernels have polyphenols in them, and since there is not much water in the kernel, they are actually more concentrated than in fruit? Check out this great article for more on popcorn health benefits!
I like to make my own popcorn for this recipe. It’s a very simple process and it doesn’t take very long. This way I know exactly what’s in my food, no sketchy chemicals that you might find I the bagged stuff. Plus, popping it at home is such a fun experience, you get to shake the pot and annoy anyone around you – it’s really worth the effort.
As you will see, I make my own chocolate drizzle by combining coconut oil and protein powder. If you really want to take this popcorn to the next level. use this MRM Chocolate Mocha protein powder (affiliate link). The mocha protein powder is fantastic, it’s Dave’s favorite actually!
If you decide you don’t want to use protein powder, that’s ok, just use 3 tbs. of your favorite unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder and 2 -3 tbs. coconut sugar or 2-3 packets of stevia in it’s place.
- ¼ cup white popcorn kernels
- ½ tbs. coconut oil
- 2 tbs. coconut oil
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 – 2 tbs. peanut butter (natural)
- 1 square dark chocolate (or about 1 tbs. of chocolate chips)
- ¼ cup peanuts (optional)
- To make popcorn, preheat a large pot (that has a lid) over medium heat. After preheated, add coconut oil and allow it to melt. Add popcorn kernels, cover and shake to ensure all popcorn is covered with oil.
- Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then shake and stay by the pan, continuing to shake the pan. You will hear the first kernel popping. Set a timer for 2 minutes.
- Shake the pan for the entire two minutes, DON”T TOUCH THE LID!!
- IF you don’t hear any more popcorn kernels popping, take off heat, otherwise after 2 minutes is up, take this off the heat. Keep covered 1-2 more minutes.
- All popcorn kernels should have popped yay!
- Make the chocolate sauce:
- In a bowl, melt the coconut oil and the peanut butter, either over double boiler or in the microwave. Add protein powder and stir to combine. Add chocolate chip or chocolate square. Allow this to melt into the chocolate sauce, stirring to incorporate.
- Drizzle chocolate protein sauce over popcorn, and stir.
- Add peanuts, stir again.
- Place in freezer for 10 minutes.
- Enjoy!
What About You?
- Do you ever get weird cravings for food you only enjoy once a year?
- What is your favorite way to eat popcorn?
- How do you pop your popcorn?
you’re so clever! i never thought to combine this for popcorn! pinning and trying!
my favorite popcorn is kettle corn. so yummy! I think I would enjoy chocolate popcorn. I’ve been obsessed with cocoa almonds lately.
Yum! I’ve seen people mix popcorn and M&Ms, but I like this one better! Can’t wait to try it 😀
I love popcorn already and especially all the benefits that it has! So to see a recipe that adds some sweet to one of my fav treats is awesome! Thanks for sharing! Visiting from lovelyyoublog.com!
-Natasha
Too funny that you posted a popcorn recipe! 😉 I was thinking about protein powder on popcorn as my youngest and I were making our Peanut Butter Popcorn!! Now I am even more excited to make it!
That popcorn looks so yummy! Popcorn is one of my favorite things to snack on, and I love chocolate so I’ll definitely have to try out this recipe!! 🙂
This looks so good! What a good idea to use protein powder to make it more healthy!
Looks delicious! I love sweetened popcorn (like kettlecorn) so I am sure I would love this creation. 🙂
I love chocolate and peanut butter with popcorn!! It’s the best combo by far. I really love your addition of the chocolate protein powder. Also, I love that teal tray, it is so pretty!!
I love popcorn and adding chocolate just would make it more amazing! Thanks for the recipe!
Oh drool. this looks so so yummy
I love chocolate and love popcorn but never had the two together! And adding the protein is a nice extra kick. I will need to move beyond microwave popcorn lol
Yum, this looks amazing!! I am always looking for ways to up the protein in my fave snacks…I can crush a lot of popcorn but it doesn’t help the blood sugar crash! Same with peanut butter – I am a fan of mixing this with protein powder too!
Jill
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OMFG OMFG!!! I WISH I could eat popcorn, maybe I could try this with chickpeas!
I don’t particularly love popcorn, but if it’s in front of me I eat tons of it like it’s my job…maybe it’s the salt and butter (because I won’t be seen eating plain popcorn). This looks great!! I’d enjoy this for sure!
OH GOOD GOD> Sam what are you trying to do to me! Chocolate and popcorn–2 of my favoritest things of all time. We need a girls night so that we can inhale this properly, yes?
Popcorn with peanut butter AND protein? Sign me up!
I made popcorn yesterday but it was just straight plain popcorn. If only I saw this earlier!
that looks really interesting…thanks for the recipe 🙂
um, yes. This is the second protein popcorn recipe I’ve seen, which means I must make it. Along with the protein puppy chow?! Say What?! MAKING!!
Sounds delicious! I need to try it!
Protein powder with popcorn – interesting! I loveee flavored popcorn and eat the holiday popcorn tin every year too. Caramel popcorn is my favorite! And now I’m craving popcorn…
I am featuring you this week at my Party!! Love, Love, Love this!! Thanks for linking up on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday!! Hope you come back this Thursday and share some more!! I love having you! Pinned!
Wooohoo!! That’s such great news, I’ll be sure to share the love tomorrow!
This looks tasty and great. Thanks for linking up with us at Funtastic Friday. Hope you can make it again this week.