You heard it right, we're using the Instant Pot to pop popcorn and melt candy for this simple and delicious Instant Pot Popcorn Candy. Who knew? The InstaPot makes better-than-microwave popcorn and keeps the Almond Bark melted for as long as needed. So convenient and fun with easy cleanup, too!
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The Versatile Instant Pot
The more I use it the merrier it gets! The experience is addictive.
I am so surprised, but I shouldn't be at the results of popping corn in the IP. And in this recipe, we're also using it as a double boiler to melt almond bark. Both uses have proved to be efficient and trouble-free methods. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
During these cold, wet days, I find myself using the Instant Pot more with recipes such as this 3 Bean Sweet-Heat Chili, and My Sister's Cowboy Stew In The Instant Pot. But there's more than just cooking soups and stews. I'm on a roll now as I'm discovering new cooking methods and recipes and I, want to share them with you. So stay tuned, there's more to come!
So let's get started with our Instant Pot Popcorn Candy
We first plug in the pot and press the saute' button to heat some coconut or vegetable oil. I prefer coconut oil. It tastes great! When the oil is hot the popcorn is added and the popping begins. You'll want to turn it off when the pot is half full so there are no burnt kernels at the end.
Another tip is to slightly lift the lid for a few seconds (I use a glass Instant Pot lid) several times during cooking to allow steam to escape. Any lid that fits the pot will do. The results are a crispy, tasty popcorn that's better than the microwaved process. Plus, you know exactly what's going into your food.
This was my first experience in using the Instant Pot as a double boiler. Successfully, the gentle simmer kept the bowl at a consistent temperature, melting the almond bark and keeping it dissolved until time to pour over the popcorn. There was no reheating the hardened candy in the microwave or adjusting the heat under a simmering pot on the stove.
The almond bark pours over the bowl of popped corn, with added Buttery-Salted Roasted Pecans and candied chocolates easily. After stirring the mixture together, it's time to pour it out onto a parchment-lined pan and let cool.
For the last beauty treatment, you can color some more melted almond bark and dripped it over the candy with a fork. If you'd like more bling, add some sprinkles to the warm candy before it hardens.
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Instant Pot Popcorn Candy
Popping corn and melting almond bark in the Instant Pot for this Instant Pot Popcorn Candy is easy, fun, and delcious!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 11 cups 1x
Ingredients
Popcorn
3 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable oil
½ cup popping corn kernels
1 teaspoon sea salt
Candy
10 cups popped corn
7 ounces vanilla almond bark or white chocolate chips
½ cup roasted pecans
½ cup candy-coated chocolates
3 ounces white almond bark
food coloring
Instructions
Popcorn
Plug in the Instant Pot and press the saute' button then place the oil in the pot.
After a few minutes the oil will get hot then add the kernels and the salt, stir and cover the pot with a glass lid.
Crack the lid occassionally to allow some of the steam to escape while popping.
When popped corn comes to about halfway up the side of the pot, turn it off leaving the lid on.
After the popping stops, pour popcorn into a large bowl to set aside.
Candy
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Pour water into the cleaned instant pot to the 5 cup mark and place a medium glass or stainless bowl over the top, push the saute' button and let the water come to a simmer. (Water should not be touching bowl.)
Place almond bark into the bowl and allow it to melt, stirring occassionally.
Mix pecans, and candy together with the popcorn in the large bowl.
Pour the melted almond bark over the popcorn mixture and stir until thoroughly coated.
Pour out candy onto parchment paper on the cookie sheet and allow to cool and harden.
Melt 3 ounces more of white choclate in glass bowl and stir in a few drops of desired food coloring.
Using a fork, stir the colored almond bark and drip some onto the top of the candy for decoration.
Notes
A six quart Instant Pot is used for this recipe.
Candy coated chocolates, pecans, and colored almond bark may be optional.
Candy may be bagged to be given as treats or stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sweets, desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Instant Pot Popcorn Candy
I told you it was quick and easy!
Making this Instant Pot Popcorn Candy is fun to give. Be prepared to make multiple batches, it tends to go fast. But you won't mind because cleanup is a breeze, and the compliments delightful!
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GK Chesterton
