Growing up in the Midwest, there was rarely a family gathering or church basement potluck that didn’t feature a pan of chocolate-topped peanut butter bars. This scotcharoo popcorn takes those nostalgic, comforting flavors and transforms them into a munchable, shareable snack that is arguably even better than the original.
There is something undeniably magical about the combination of crispy popcorn and that signature sticky, sweet peanut butter binder. It brings back memories of Friday night movies and sleepovers where we would stay up way too late telling ghost stories.
I remember the first time I decided to drizzle that iconic chocolate and butterscotch mixture over popcorn instead of rice cereal. The result was an instant hit, offering a lighter crunch that makes it impossible to stop eating after just one handful.
While I usually lean toward savory snacks like corn black bean guacamole for game days, this sweet treat has become my new go-to. It satisfies every craving, balancing saltiness with rich, buttery sweetness in every single bite.
Why you’ll love this Scotcharoo Popcorn
- Perfect texture balance: This scotcharoo popcorn offers the satisfying crunch of fresh popcorn mixed with the chewy, gooey texture of the peanut butter coating.
- No baking required: You don’t need to turn on the oven for this recipe, making it a perfect treat for hot summer days or when your oven is occupied with dinner.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: The classic combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and butterscotch is universally loved, making this a safe bet for any party or gathering.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples in your kitchen right now, making it an economical choice for a large yield snack.
- Customizable sweetness: You can control the amount of chocolate and butterscotch drizzle to suit your personal preference, whether you like a light touch or a heavy coating.
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn: This requires approximately 1/2 cup of unpopped kernels. Ensure they are popped fresh for the best texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This provides the base sweetness and helps create the sticky syrup texture needed to coat the popcorn.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Essential for preventing crystallization and ensuring the coating stays smooth and pliable rather than turning into hard candy.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Use a standard commercial brand rather than natural varieties, as the oil separation in natural peanut butter can affect the setting process.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: These provide a rich, deep chocolate flavor that cuts through the intense sweetness of the syrup.
- 1 cup butterscotch chips: The signature flavor of a scotcharoo, adding a buttery, caramelized note that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of high-quality vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle aromatic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: This is crucial for balancing the sugar; the salty pop highlights the peanut butter and chocolate notes beautifully.
Directions
Step 1
Scotcharoo popcorn makes every moment feel velvety. Begin by preparing your popcorn foundation. Place your 10 cups of popped popcorn into the largest mixing bowl you own. It is vital to take a moment here to sift through the popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels, also known as “old maids,” to save your teeth from a nasty surprise later.
Step 2
Set up your workspace for the syrup making. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and the light corn syrup. Place the pan over medium heat, preparing to stir frequently.
Step 3
Bring the sugar and syrup mixture to a gentle boil. You want to stir this constantly to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly and to prevent the mixture from scorching on the bottom of the pan. Once it reaches a boil, immediately remove the pan from the heat source.
Step 4
Now, add the flavor elements to the hot syrup. Stir in the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Use a sturdy spoon or whisk to mix this vigorously until the peanut butter has fully melted and the mixture is completely smooth and uniform in color.
Step 5
Working quickly while the mixture is still hot, pour the peanut butter syrup over the prepared popcorn in the large bowl. Use a large spatula to toss the popcorn gently. The goal is to fold the mixture over the kernels repeatedly until every piece of scotcharoo popcorn is evenly coated.
Step 6
Prepare the drying surface. Spread the coated popcorn out onto a large baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Try to spread it into a single layer as much as possible to allow for easier drizzling and setting.
Step 7
It is time to make the signature topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the butterscotch chips. Microwave them in 30-second intervals, making sure to stop and stir thoroughly between each interval until the mixture is completely glossy and smooth.
Step 8
Finish the treat with the decadent drizzle. Use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture generously over the spread-out popcorn. Let the popcorn sit undisturbed for about 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set before breaking it apart and serving.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
While the classic recipe is a masterpiece, you can easily customize this scotcharoo popcorn to suit your taste buds. One popular twist is to add a cup of mini pretzel twists or pretzel sticks into the popcorn bowl before pouring the syrup. This adds an extra layer of salty crunch that complements the sweet butterscotch beautifully.
If you are a chocolate lover, try switching up the chips used in the drizzle. You can use milk chocolate for a sweeter profile or dark chocolate for a more sophisticated, bitter contrast. You could even sprinkle flaky sea salt over the wet chocolate drizzle for a gourmet “salted caramel” effect that elevates the entire dish.
For a festive holiday version, consider adding sprinkles to the wet chocolate before it sets. Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, or orange and black for Halloween. You can also mix in extras like M&Ms or chopped peanuts after the drizzle has set for added texture and color appeal.
Pairings
This sweet and salty snack pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For a cozy night in, serve it alongside a tall glass of cold milk, which helps balance the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate. Hot chocolate or a warm latte also works well, echoing the creamy flavors of the popcorn.
If you are serving this at a party, it sits well next to savory appetizers. The sweetness of the popcorn acts as a palate cleanser between bites of salty chips or spicy dips. It creates a well-rounded snack table where guests can alternate between savory and sweet flavors effortlessly.
For a movie night spread, pair this popcorn with tart fruit elements to cut through the sugar. Fresh apple slices, grapes, or strawberries provide a refreshing, juicy contrast to the dense, chewy texture of the popcorn. The acidity of the fruit brightens up the palate and makes the rich chocolate taste even better.
Serving ideas
Presentation can make this simple snack feel extra special. For a party, serve the popcorn in individual paper cones or colorful muffin liners. This makes it easy for guests to grab a portion without getting their hands sticky and adds a fun, carnival-like vibe to your dessert table.
If you are gifting this treat, pack it into clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon. It makes for an adorable edible gift for teachers, neighbors, or friends during the holidays. You can also place it in decorative tins, which helps keep it fresh while looking beautiful on a counter.
For a casual family gathering, simply pile the popcorn high in a large, wide-rimmed serving bowl. The chaotic drizzle of chocolate and butterscotch looks appetizingly rustic. Place a scoop or tongs nearby so everyone can serve themselves without making a mess.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Proper storage is key to maintaining the crunch of your scotcharoo popcorn. Once the chocolate has completely set, break the popcorn into clusters and transfer them to an airtight container. A plastic tupperware or a glass jar with a tight seal works best to keep humidity out.
Store the container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate the popcorn, as the cold environment can introduce moisture, causing the popcorn to become soft and chewy in an unpleasant way. When stored correctly, the popcorn will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing this popcorn is generally not recommended. The freezing and thawing process can alter the texture of the popcorn, making it stale or soggy. It is a treat best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Make-ahead
This recipe is excellent for making ahead of time, especially for parties. You can prepare the entire recipe up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors actually have a chance to meld slightly, and the coating becomes perfectly set, making it less messy to eat.
If you are pressed for time, you can pop the popcorn a day in advance and store it in a large trash bag or airtight container. Then, on the day of serving, you only need to spend 10 minutes making the syrup and drizzling the chocolate. This splits the work and ensures the coating is fresh.
When making ahead for a crowd, ensure you have enough counter space to let the popcorn set. It needs to be spread out in a single layer to dry properly. If you stack it while the chocolate is wet, you will end up with one giant, inseparable brick of popcorn.
Common mistakes when making Scotcharoo Popcorn
- Burning the sugar mixture: The sugar and corn syrup can go from boiling to burnt very quickly. Do not walk away from the stove, and remove it from the heat the second it reaches a full boil.
- Using natural peanut butter: Natural peanut butter often separates and lacks the stabilizers needed to keep the coating smooth. Stick to standard creamy peanut butter for the best consistency.
- Leaving unpopped kernels: Nothing ruins a bite of soft, chewy popcorn like biting down on a rock-hard kernel. Take the extra minute to sift through your popped corn thoroughly.
- Overheating the chocolate: Chocolate burns easily in the microwave. Stick to short 30-second bursts and stir vigorously in between, even if the chips don’t look melted yet; the residual heat helps melt them.
- crowding the pan: If you pile the popcorn too high on the baking sheet to set, the pieces at the bottom won’t get any chocolate drizzle. Use two baking sheets if necessary to keep a thin layer.
Final notes
This scotcharoo popcorn is more than just a snack; it is a texture experience that combines the best parts of a candy bar with the lightness of popcorn. It is the kind of recipe that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort, making you look like a kitchen pro.
I encourage you to try this for your next movie night or get-together. It is a fantastic way to switch up the usual routine, and the combination of chocolate and butterscotch is a timeless classic that never fails to bring a smile to people’s faces.
Remember to work quickly when the syrup is hot, and have fun with the drizzle. Cooking should be enjoyable, and there is nothing quite as satisfying as creating a massive tray of sweet, crunchy goodness to share with the people you love.
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Scotcharoo Popcorn
A sweet and salty twist on the classic midwestern treat, combining crispy popcorn with a rich peanut butter coating and a decadent chocolate butterscotch drizzle.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn (approximately 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Place the popped popcorn in a very large mixing bowl, taking care to remove any unpopped kernels.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning, then immediately remove from heat.
- Stir in the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is completely smooth and combined.
- Pour the hot peanut butter mixture over the popcorn and toss gently with a spatula until the popcorn is evenly coated.
- Spread the coated popcorn onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture generously over the popcorn and let it set for about 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For easier cleanup, spray your spatula with non-stick cooking spray before mixing the sticky popcorn.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg