Zebra Popcorn Recipe

If you love popcorn as much as my family, then you need to try this Zebra Popcorn Recipe. The popcorn is baked with a brown sugar glazed and then drizzled with chocolate for a delicious recipe.

We love gourmet popcorn and now we can easily make this popcorn recipe at home with simple ingredients. This snack recipe is perfect to wrap as a gift or for a movie night in.

You may also love this Cinnamon Popcorn Recipe and White Cheddar Popcorn.

What is Zebra Popcorn?

Zebra Caramel Popcorn is popcorn that has been mixed with a homemade caramel corn and then baked for flavor. Melted white chocolate chips and dark chocolate chips is melted and then drizzled over the popcorn for the ultimate recipe.

The combination of the two melted chocolate makes for a zebra caramel look.

Ingredients 

• Popped Popcorn – You can use store bought popcorn or make microwave popcorn.
• Brown Sugar – Learn How to Make Brown Sugar or check out The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Zebra Popcorn: 

• Step 1 – Heat oven and prepare baking sheet – Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.  You may need 2 baking sheets based on the size that you are using.  

Step 2 – Heat the caramel mixture – In a large saucepan, heat the butter until melted.  Then stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup.  Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. 

Step 3 – Continue Boiling – Then boil for approximately 5 minutes without stirring.  Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract.  The mixture will foam up when the baking soda is added. 

Step 4 – Place Popcorn on baking sheet – Place the popped popcorn on the baking sheets and remove any of the unpopped kernels. Pour this caramel corn drizzled over the popcorn and gently toss the popcorn to coat it with the mixture.  Bake popcorn and stir every 15 minutes.

Step 5 – Melt Chocolate – Place the white chocolate chips and dark chocolate chips in 2 separate microwave safe bowls.  Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted. 

• Step 6 – Melted white and dark chocolate – Add the melted chocolate to 2 separate ziplock bags and cut the corner off of the bag with scissors.  Drizzle both chocolates on top of the popcorn evenly.  
• Step 7 – Serve and Enjoy – Let the popcorn sit until the chocolate is set.  Break the popcorn into pieces and serve! 

Recipe Tips

• Caramel Mixture – Heat caramel mixture over medium high heat to boil so the mixture combines. Make sure to stir frequently. Heat and add the mixture over the popped popcorn.
• Chocolate Chips – We used white chocolate chips and dark chocolate chips but you can easily use semi sweet chocolate chips. Milk chocolate chips will also work with this recipe.
• Melting Chocolate – Melt the chocolate in the microwave and stir the chocolate after 30 seconds. This will ensure the chocolate melts and does not burn.
• Line the baking sheet – It is best to use foil or parchment paper to line the baking sheets. The mixture will be sticky before it sets. Clean up is much easier when you line the pans.
• Additions – Feel free to add some of your favorites to this recipe. Some ideas include: peanuts, almonds or any type of nut you prefer.
• Rest Popcorn – Popcorn needs to completely set before being stored. It will be sticky and hard to manage if you try to do this too soon.

How to Store Zebra Popcorn

Store in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 1 week.  

How Long Will it Last

Stored properly, the popcorn will last up to 7 days. After that, the popcorn will soften due to the chocolate and lose its crispy texture.

This is a great popcorn to make ahead of time or to give out as gifts.