Cherry Jello Popcorn Recipe with Candy Coating

Name: Cherry Jello Popcorn Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 8 cups popped popcorn; 1/4 cup butter; 3 TBSP light corn syrup; 1/2 cup sugar; 3 oz Cherry Jello

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With just 5 ingredients, this easy cherry Jello Popcorn recipe is full of fruity flavor and baked to crunchy, candied perfection!

It’s the perfect sweet snack or fun dessert idea for families! And it’s super easy to make!

Close up of Jello popcorn on a counter in front of a bowl full of popcorn.

This post was originally published on February 8, 2013 and has now been updated with new images and tips to make this Jello popcorn perfectly every time!

Why this recipe works

Popcorn is a favorite crunchy snack for young and old. Adding a candy-coated flavoring, made from flavored Jello, makes it extra special and can take it into new, sweet territory.

This candy popcorn recipe is perfect for people who don’t feel like they are great in the kitchen or want to get into the science of making homemade candy.

My baker friend, Kristin, showed me just how easy it is to make even flavored popcorn even if you don’t have any baking skills.

This Cherry Popcorn can be made without a candy thermometer (thanks to the corn syrup) and is flavored easily by using Jello. This recipe, in particular, uses cherry Jello. It’s tangy and fruity and you will totally crave it!

Jello is a quick and easy way to make tasty treats. I’ve used it to make my popular Strawberry, Jello and Angel Food Cake Dessert. It also works great for making Poke Cupcakes!

You know I love my desserts, and this one is so super easy to make. And it’s pink! Who doesn’t love to eat pink especially on Valentine’s Day.

Popcorn is also a pretty inexpensive thing to make and it’s easy to make in large quantities making it a great idea for parties. Trust me, once you taste this Jello popcorn, you won’t be able to put it down!

You’ll also want to make my Caramel Popcorn (it’s baked, buttery and crunchy magic) and my White Chocolate Cake Mix Popcorn.

A photo of an apple spice dump cake with text around it to get the free recipe.

Ingredient Notes

Labeled ingredients to make flavored popcorn with cherry jello

Scroll to the printable recipe card for full measurements.

Popped popcorn
Butter
Cherry Jello (but you can also use other Jello flavors!)
Sugar
Corn Syrup

I have a microwavable bowl that I use with kernels to pop my own but you can also use plain microwavable popcorn bags if you have to.

You can also use the pre-popped bags you find at the store. Just use something that is as plain as possible. You don’t want extra salt and butter.

Like my favorite Caramel Corn recipe, this Jello popcorn uses light corn syrup. It’s what helps to give it that crunchy candy coating when baking that is so delicious.

While we used Cherry Jello, this recipe works with any of their flavors.

Step-by-step instructions

Pink Jello powder in a suace pan with a spatula.

Place butter and corn syrup in small saucepan on medium heat and stir until butter is melted.

Add sugar and Jello. Stir to combine and until Jello and sugar crystals are completely dissolved.

A pink candy mixture melted in a sauce pan.

Let it come to a boil on medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

When I tested the mixture (carefully, because it’s still pretty much hot molten sugar), it still felt a bit grainy to me. But I used it anyway and the finished popcorn was fine.

NOTE: Hot sugar is dangerous. It really clings to whatever it gets on, so if that is your finger, it can burn. Take caution!

Popcorn in a baking pan starting to be coated in pink coating.

In a disposable baking pan or another large mixing bowl, mix popped popcorn and flavored candy coating until well coated.

Do the best you can as the sugar mixture starts to cool quickly and makes it difficult to mix.

Bake the Jello popcorn in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and stir again.

The re-melted coating continues to cover the popcorn as you stir. Use the spatula to scrape up any pools of the coating from the bottom and get it all over the popcorn.

Continue baking for 5 more minutes, then stir again.

Bake one last time for 5 minutes then remove from the oven.

This time, continue to stir for about 5 minutes as it cools to keep the candy popcorn from hardening into one big clump.

Close up of pink candy coated popcorn in a baking dish.

Let it cool completely then break any larger chunks into smaller pieces. Trust me, you’re going to want to grab huge chunks of this candy popcorn and shove them in your face.

Tips and tricks

Make sure the butter is completely melted before adding the Jello and sugar.
Stir frequently so the sugar doesn’t burn.
Using a large disposable roasting pan makes stirring easy so that you aren’t flinging sticky popcorn all over the place. It also makes clean up a breeze!
The baking is what takes this from a sticky candy-coated mess to a crunchy treat! Do NOT skip this step!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you store candy popcorn?

Use an air-tight container to store this Jello popcorn. Any plastic storage container works as long as the lid fits nice and tight. I’ve tried storage bags, and it’s not the best. Especially since my kids will sneak tastes and then leave all kinds of air inside the bags.

How long does candied popcorn last?

A long time if kept in the airtight container. I don’t want to be gross, but I’ve kept this for more than a week. And I’m sure it could go longer but we ate it all. Sorry, not sorry.

Where do you buy candy popcorn?

It’s so easy to make candy popcorn. But if you don’t want to make it yourself? No problem! Amazon has lots of flavored popcorns that you can buy!

A bowl holding Cherry flavored popcorn on a counter.

This super easy cherry Jello popcorn is a delicious sweet snack for Valentine’s Day (especially because it’s pink!). Or any day. Or baby showers. Kid’s love this, in case you had any doubts.

Cherry Fun Dip Flavored Whipped Cream is a unique treat that your kids will love.
Make this Edible Confetti for Your Kid’s Drinks and put a smile on their face.
Surprise them with a Donut Tower for Breakfast!

Flower decorated cake with text around it.

If you love this Jello popcorn recipe, you’ll probably also love this yummy Marshmallow Candy Popcorn! If you’re looking for something a little more savory, check out my Popcorn Seasonings I created.