Maple syrup popcorn is an easy three-ingredient snack made without white sugar or corn syrup. Learn how to make maple popcorn using stovetop, air-popped, or microwave popcorn. This popcorn with maple syrup is perfect for movie nights, gifting, or a sweet treat that tastes like caramel corn with maple syrup.
🍿 Maple Popcorn Recipe
This maple butter popcorn is one of the simplest ways to flavor popcorn with minimal effort. You only need a few ingredients for this popcorn maple syrup recipe:
- 6 cups air-popped popcorn
- ½ cup 100% pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons butter (or coconut oil for a vegan version)
- Sea salt (optional)
You can use freshly popped kernels or pre-popped plain popcorn. For the stovetop method you’ll want a small saucepan and a candy or kitchen thermometer; parchment paper is helpful for cooling the finished popcorn.
➕ How to Make Maple Popcorn on the Stove
Follow these simple steps to make sweet maple popcorn:
Place the popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. In a non-stick saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup and butter. Heat until the mixture reaches the soft-crack stage (about 270°F / 132°C), whisking occasionally. The mixture will bubble and thicken as it cooks.
Working quickly but carefully (the syrup is extremely hot), pour and stir the maple mixture over the popcorn until pieces are evenly coated. The syrup sets fast, so mix promptly to coat as much popcorn as possible.
Spread the coated popcorn in a single layer on parchment paper. Sprinkle with sea salt if you like. Allow it to cool and harden for about 10 minutes, then break into clusters and enjoy. In hot or humid conditions, chill in the fridge to set. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a couple of days for best texture.
How can I add flavor to my popcorn?
Salt is my favorite finishing touch—sweet and salty is a classic pairing. Other tasty additions include:
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Peanuts
- Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds
- Crumbled cooked bacon
👩🏻🍳 More Popcorn Recipes
If you enjoy flavored popcorn, try other popcorn recipes and cooking methods for variety and convenience.
Watch How to Make It!
Maple Popcorn Recipe (How to Make Maple Syrup Popcorn)
Ingredients
- 6 cups popcorn
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons butter(use coconut oil for a vegan maple caramel corn)
Instructions
-
Put the popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. In a non-stick pot over medium heat, combine the maple syrup and butter. Melt and heat to the soft-crack stage (270°F / 132°C), whisking occasionally.
-
Immediately stir the hot maple syrup mixture into the popcorn. Work quickly because the syrup hardens fast, and take care since the mixture is very hot.
-
Spread the coated popcorn on parchment paper in a single layer. Let it dry and harden for about 10 minutes, then break into pieces and enjoy.
Equipment
- Kitchen thermometer
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). Maple popcorn is a tasty sweet snack. Keep in mind maple syrup is an added sugar and is best enjoyed in moderation. Popcorn itself is a whole grain and naturally gluten free.
Nutrition information is for one serving.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes may not suit individual medical needs or preferences. Consult a registered dietitian or physician for personalized advice. Nutrition values are estimates and will vary by brands and portion sizes.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 37.5g
Protein: 1.5g
Fat: 6.1g
Fiber: 1.8g
Save This Recipe!
Enter your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes every week!
FAQs
Where to buy maple popcorn?
Maple popcorn is often sold at farmers markets, maple farms, and seasonal stalls. It’s more common in regions where maple syrup is produced, such as parts of the northeastern U.S. and Canada. If local options are limited, specialty food sellers and gourmet shops may carry it.
How many calories in maple popcorn?
Calories vary by recipe and portion. This maple popcorn recipe yields about 206 calories per serving (1/4 of the recipe).
Join our community! Subscribe for new recipes and follow on social channels for more ideas.