Move over regular popcorn, caramel popcorn, and even cracker jacks because I’ve got a recipe that’s going to steal the show. This glazed popcorn & cashew mix might just be one of the best snacks I’ve ever had…and I don’t say those things lightly. It all started when I was working on those fun little “non-cookie” holiday gift ideas last week. I thought glazed pecans or nuts would be a very tasty gift, but then I took the idea a step further and added popcorn to the mix. Bag up some of this stuff, tie on a bow, and you now have the perfect gift for neighbors, teachers, and even the mailman. Don’t forget to attach a recipe card so the recipient not only enjoys every last bite, but also knows it doesn’t contain a bunch of junk and additives (like those highly processed tubs of caramel popcorn). Just be sure you make some extra so you can enjoy it yourself…yum!
- 4 cups plain popcorn (about ¼ cup of kernels)
Hint: We use “The Popcorn Trick”for easy plain popcorn - ¾ cup raw cashews
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon dried cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Parchment paper recommended for baking
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- In a small pot over low heat melt the butter and honey together. Mix in the cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- Put the cashews in an extra large mixing bowl. Coat them with about a tablespoon of the butter/honey mixture.
- Spread the coated nuts onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and bake for 6 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in the same large bowl evenly coat the plain popcorn – minus any unpopped kernels – with the remaining butter/honey mixture.
- After the cashews have been in the oven for 6 minutes, take out the tray, add the popcorn to it, and mix it all up together. Stick the tray back in the oven and set the timer for 4 minutes.
- After 4 minutes open the oven and stir or shake the mixture around on the baking sheet. Set the timer for 2 more minutes.
- Once again open the oven and stir/shake the mixture so there are no hot spots that could get burnt. Set the timer for 1 more minute at which point the mixture will once again need to be checked/stirred.
- Repeat the process of checking/stirring the popcorn mixture every minute then take it out of the oven once it turns a dark brown (it can burn easily toward the end!). My total bake time was 6 minutes for the nuts then an additional 7 or 8 minutes once I added the popcorn.
- The popcorn and nuts will be slightly wet right out of the oven, but will harden as they cool.
Where did you buy the bags to make the gifts? Also wondering what size? I am searching, but not having much luck.
Thanks
Hi Jodi. You can find them easily online in various shapes and sizes. Target often has them in their “one spot”. Here is a link to a similar one: http://www.amazon.com/Unique-Industries-59023UNQ-Popcorn-Boxes/dp/B001K360PK. ~Amy
There are a lot of popcorn bags and boxes for sale on the web. Just do a search – “shopping popcorn bags” – everywhere from ebay to amazon to you name it, sells them! HTH!
Awesome recipe, and so much easier than anticipated. I doubled the batch and added some raw almonds in with the cashews. I also added just a dash of cayenne for a little kick. The texture after cooling was perfect – crunchy and delicious! Taking tomorrow to in-laws along with more traditional sides to provide a tasty snack for in-between meals, lol. Love your site!
I made it with maple syrup instead of honey for an easier comparison with a store bought bag of Cinn-brown sugar popcorn. The kids liked the store bought better. We dont eat much popcorn anyway, so it’s a fun treat.
How long will this stay fresh if you keep it in a sealed container? I am wondering how far in advance I can make and give out as Christmas gifts.
Hi Cindy. It should be okay up to a week. ~Amy
Do you think it will freeze ok?
Hi Erin. I really don’t know. I found conflicting answers when I searched. Sorry. ~Amy
This looks good!! We usually just make our popcorn, butter it, and toss it in a bag with cinnamon and coconut sugar.
This looks delicious!!!!
Do you the the Earth Balance spread would be okay instead of butter to be vegan friendly?
Hi. Our dairy free butter replacement is typically coconut oil. ~Amy
Hi! How much does this make? Just curious as to whether or not I should double/triple the recipe for our family coming in town. Thank you!!!
Hi there. It makes 4 cups. ~Amy
This is AWESOME!!!! I hope I can get it to the bags before my husband eats it all!!
Why would anyone only make one batch of this? I made a double batch but used pecans instead of cashews. Yum!
Another awesome recipe Lisa! I made this for my family on Christmas Eve and everyone raved about it! Delicious! Thank you for all you do!
I just made this minus the spices, plus a teaspoon of Sriracha. OMG. Deelicious.
This is going on our snack table for Super Bowl!!