Vanilla Popcorn
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This healthy vanilla popcorn recipe is such a delicious snack! It’s a great budget recipe at just $.20 per serving. The sweet, salty flavor is irresistible!
One of the easiest whole grain snacks to make is popcorn. I have a whole list of popcorn flavors in my arsenal, including fiesta popcorn, chocolate popcorn, maple gingerbread popcorn, and pumpkin popcorn.
This vanilla popcorn recipe is the perfect snack for a movie night or a road trip. The salty and sweet flavors are irresistible together. Sweetened by dates, this recipe contains nothing but whole food ingredients that you can feel good about eating.
How to Make Vanilla Popcorn
Ingredients
- Popcorn kernels – Choose organic kernels if possible.
- Coconut oil – I use Costco organic coconut oil.
- Medjool dates – These are larger dates that need to be pitted before proceeding with the recipe.
- Pure vanilla extract – I also stock up on vanilla extract at Costco.
- Almonds – Plain almonds, roasted or unroasted, will work well in this recipe.
- Salt – I use sea salt on this vanilla popcorn.
Step One: Pop the Popcorn
I use an air popper to pop the popcorn. You can use whatever popping method you prefer.
Step Two: Prepare the Vanilla Popcorn Topping
In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the coconut oil, dates, vanilla, almonds, and water. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step Three: Roast the Popcorn
In a large bowl, combine the popcorn with the sauce and sprinkle with salt. Pour the popcorn into a large roasting pan and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the mixture every 2 minutes. The popcorn is done when all the pieces are no longer soggy. Cool on a wire rack, then store at room temperature in an air-tight container.
Vanilla Popcorn Tips
Flavor Variations: I use two teaspoons of vanilla extract and about a half teaspoon of salt to get a nice flavor contrast. You can adjust these quantities to suit your tastes. Add a bit of almond extract for more almond flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions: This vanilla popcorn recipe is dairy-free and vegan. You can substitute butter for the coconut oil if you’re not avoiding dairy. You can also use pure maple syrup in place of the Medjool dates.
Trail Mix Options: The almonds add a bit of protein to this popcorn. For a bigger protein boost, you can mix in some whole almonds or peanuts to make a basic trail mix. Dried fruit is a nice addition as well.
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup organic popcorn kernels
- 2 tbs. coconut oil
- 2 Medjool dates
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tbs. almonds
- 1 tbs. water
- 1/2 tsp. salt or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- Pop the popcorn. I use this air popper, but you can use whatever method you like.
- If your coconut oil is solid, melt it in a saucepan over low heat (or microwave on half power).
- In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the coconut oil, dates, vanilla, almonds, and water. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- In a large bowl, combine the popcorn with the sauce and sprinkle with salt. Stir to coat evenly with the topping. Pour the popcorn into a large roasting pan and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, and stir/toss the mixture every 2 minutes. The popcorn is done when all the pieces are no longer wet.
- Cool on a wire rack, then store in an air-tight container at room temperature.
Approximate Nutrition Info
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Vanilla Popcorn Price Breakdown
This recipe yields about 13 cups of popcorn and costs a total of $1.19, or $.20 per 2-cup serving. Vanilla almond popcorn is a healthy, delicious snack to take with you on the road or pack in a lunchbox.
I absolutely love this idea! I make popcorn for a snack all the time, but I never thought to use coconut oil for a little added flavor! And the almonds are perfect for an extra crunch, thanks for a great recipe!
Thank you, Lauren! I love making flavored popcorn for my kids (and myself!). Even if the snack cabinet is empty, as long as we have popcorn kernels, we’re good to go.
this looks sooo good! a healthy and delicious dessert
Thank you, Katie!
I’ve never made popcorn like this! And as a serious popcorn lover, I’ll be trying this soon!
Thanks so much, Karman! I hope you like it.
Oooh, this popcorn lover is in love with this ReDux and the many different popcorn combos like yours here (and so excited that you’ve posted all the links in one spot to your other yummy sounding popcorns.) Need to buy some more kernels now!
Thanks, Deanna! I’m a big snacker so I’m excited about all these great healthy snack recipes.