Christmas Munch Popcorn – Step into the world of holiday treats! Today I’m excited to share a recipe that has become a staple, in our home during Christmas; Christmas Munch. This delectable snack captures the essence of the season with its blend of popcorn, white chocolate, and colorful candies. It’s not only incredibly easy to whip up. Also makes for a treat whether you’re hosting cozy holiday get-togethers or simply enjoying some quality time by the fireplace.
I can still vividly recall the first time I made Christmas Munch. It was a chilly December evening. I wanted to surprise my loved ones with something truly special. As the sweet aroma of melted chocolate intertwined with the satisfying crunch of popcorn filled our home there was a warmth in the air. The sparkle in my husband’s eyes upon taking that bite and my child’s contagious giggles, as they picked out their M&Ms from the mix, made it all even more memorable and heartwarming. From that moment it became a holiday tradition for us.
What makes this Christmas Munch truly special?
What sets Christmas Munch apart? Firstly its simplicity and quick preparation make it an ideal last-minute treat for any occasion. Secondly, its versatility gives you room to customize it according to your preferences. Last but certainly not least its perfect balance of savory flavors guarantees that both kids and adults will find it irresistibly delicious. So go ahead. Indulge, in this Christmas Munch – a treat that brings joy to every gathering!
What You Need To Make This Christmas Munch Recipe?
Popcorn: The foundation of our Christmas Munch! I always lean towards homemade popcorn because it just adds that extra touch of love. Remember, lightly buttered and a pinch of salt are key here. It’s not just about the crunch but the way the buttery goodness helps the other ingredients cling to each kernel. It’s like each popcorn is getting a little festive hug!
White Cake Mix Powder: This is the secret star of the show. It might sound unusual, but trust me, it’s the game changer! It adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of cake flavor that transforms ordinary popcorn into a holiday treat. Every time I scoop in the cake mix, I feel like I’m sprinkling a little bit of Christmas magic.
White Chocolate: Think of this as the blanket of snow covering our munch. I prefer using high-quality white chocolate because it melts smoother and tastes richer. It’s like drizzling a layer of sweet winter wonderland over our snack.
Christmas Sprinkles: These are not just decorations; they’re tiny bursts of joy. I love the pop of color they bring – reds, greens, and whites dancing together. It’s like we’re decorating a Christmas tree, but it’s edible and way more fun!
Holiday M&M Candies: The colorful jewels in our festive crown. I handpick each color to make sure our Christmas Munch looks as merry as it tastes. These candies add a lovely chocolatey bite amidst the crunch and sweetness, making every handful a delightful surprise.
Steps To Make Christmas Munch:
Step 1: Start by lining a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper – it makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Take a large bag (a paper shopping bag works wonders) and toss in your popcorn, M&Ms, and cake mix powder. Give it a good shake – it’s fun and gets everything nicely coated. Remember, buttered popcorn works best for getting that cake mix to stick!
Step 3: Spread this festive mix onto your prepared sheet pan. Then, take your melted white chocolate and generously drizzle over the popcorn. Toss it gently with a spatula, getting that chocolatey goodness everywhere.
Step 4: Now for the fun part – sprinkle half of your Christmas sprinkles over the top. Drizzle with the remaining chocolate and go wild with more sprinkles.
Step 5: Patience is key – let it cool and harden for about 30 minutes. Once set, break it into pieces, and voila! Store it in an airtight container and enjoy it whenever the craving hits.
Tip:
For an evenly coated and flavor-packed Christmas Munch, the trick lies in how you mix the popcorn with the white chocolate and cake mix. Instead of just tossing everything together in a bowl, use a large paper shopping bag. This might seem a bit unconventional, but it works wonders!
Here’s what you do: put your popped popcorn, M&Ms, and cake mix powder into the bag, then gently shake it. This method ensures that every piece of popcorn gets an even coating of cake mix and chocolate, without any powdery spots or overly clumped areas. The spaciousness of the bag gives the ingredients room to move and mix thoroughly.
When you pour in the melted white chocolate, do it in stages. Drizzle some, shake a little, then drizzle more. This step-by-step approach allows the chocolate to spread more uniformly, giving you that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite.
Using a paper bag for mixing not only creates a better snack but also makes cleanup a breeze. Once you’re done, you can just recycle the bag – no sticky bowls to wash! This pro tip is all about making your Christmas Munch as delightful to prepare as it is to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Of course! You’re welcome to try out types of chocolate. It might be interesting to experiment with milk or dark chocolate to give it a twist.
How long can I store Christmas Munch?
If stored in an airtight container Christmas Munch should stay fresh for a week. Although I must admit it’s quite tempting and hard to resist for that long!
Can I add nuts or other ingredients?
Certainly! Feel free to personalize it according to your taste. Adding dried fruits could provide some texture and enhance the overall flavor.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Christmas Munch
Ingredients
- 8-10 c lightly buttered popped, and salted popcorn (homemade or microwave)
- 1/2 c white cake mix powder
- 16 oz white chocolate melted (or almond bark or candy melts)
- 1/2 c Christmas sprinkles
- 1 c holiday M&M candies
Instructions
- Line a sheet pan, with parchment or waxed paper.
- In a bag mix together the popcorn, M&Ms and cake mix powder. Shake the bag thoroughly to ensure a coating on the popcorn.
- Spread the popcorn mixture onto the pan.
- Drizzle half of the melted chocolate over it then gently toss. Sprinkle half of the Christmas sprinkles on top. Repeat this process with the remaining chocolate and sprinkles.
- Let the mixture cool and harden, for 30 minutes.
- Once set break up your munch into pieces. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and enjoy them whenever you like!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
