I can’t wait to tell you about my absolute favorite Halloween treat! This magical Hocus Popcus popcorn transforms ordinary movie night snacks into a spellbinding sweet and salty creation that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe.
With just a few simple ingredients and some Halloween candy, you’ll create a colorful masterpiece that disappears faster than you can say “Abracadabra!”
Want to know my secret trick that makes this treat extra special? It’s all in the timing of when you add those candies…
Ingredients
- Popcorn kernels
- Butter
- White chocolate
- Candy corn
- Halloween sprinkles
- Mini chocolate chips
- Orange food coloring
- Purple food coloring
- Assorted Halloween candy
- Salt
Recommended Tools
Getting ready to make Hocus Pocus Halloween Popcorn is so much easier when you have the right tools on hand. Whether you’re melting chocolate, mixing candies or creating that perfect sweet and salty combination, these kitchen essentials will help you create a magical Halloween treat that everyone will love.
- Large Mixing Bowl
Essential for tossing together popcorn, candies and chocolates without making a mess.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl
Perfect for melting chocolate and candy melts quickly and easily.
- Baking Sheet
Provides a flat surface for spreading out popcorn mixture to cool and set properly.
- Parchment Paper
Prevents sticky chocolate-covered popcorn from adhering to your baking sheet.
- Silicone Spatula
Helps fold and mix ingredients together while scraping every bit of melted chocolate from the bowl.
- Measuring Cups
Ensures you get the right proportions of popcorn, candies and chocolate for balanced flavor.
- Air Popper
Makes fresh popcorn without oil for a healthier base for your Halloween treat.
Instructions
1. First, pop your 8 cups of popcorn. To keep things simple, I recommend using microwave popcorn or a popcorn maker. Just make sure to remove any unpopped kernels—nobody wants to crack a tooth on Halloween!
2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, 16 oz marshmallows, and 2 tsp vanilla extract. Melt them together over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
Don’t rush this step! Patience makes perfect marshmallow magic.
3. Once everything is completely melted and smooth, remove from heat. Working quickly, pour this gooey mixture over your popcorn and stir until every piece is coated.
Be careful—it’s hot!
4. Add in 1 cup Halloween-colored M&Ms, 1 cup candy corn, and 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces. Fold them in gently so they don’t melt from the warm marshmallow mixture.
5. Spread your bewitched popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
Don’t crowd it—give those sweet treats room to breathe!
6. Before the mixture sets completely, sprinkle 2-3 tbsp Halloween sprinkles on top for that extra festive touch.
7. Let your Hocus Pocus Halloween Popcorn cool completely (about 30 minutes) before breaking into chunks and serving.
8. Store any leftover popcorn (if there’s any!) in an airtight container for up to 3 days—though I bet it won’t last that long!
Pro Tips
Line your work surface with parchment paper before making Halloween popcorn to catch any spills and make cleanup a breeze when working with sticky caramel or candy melts.
Substitutions & Variations
Personalizing your Hocus Pocus Halloween Popcorn allows you to create unique treats that match your taste preferences while maintaining the spooky Halloween spirit.
- Color Change: Swap the traditional orange and purple candy melts for green and black to create a witch-themed popcorn mix that captures the essence of the Sanderson sisters’ cauldron.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the chocolate coating for a surprising heat that balances the sweetness and adds a devilish kick to your Halloween treat.
- Nutty Variation: Incorporate toasted pecans, almonds or walnuts along with the popcorn for added crunch and a rich flavor profile that complements the sweet candy coating.
- Cereal Blend: Mix in chocolate cereal pieces, rice cereal or pretzel sticks with your popcorn before coating for varied texture and additional flavor dimensions.
- Allergy-Friendly Version: Use sunflower seed butter candies instead of peanut butter cups and substitute dairy-free chocolate chips to create a treat that’s safe for guests with common food allergies.
- Adult Remix: Sprinkle a small amount of sea salt and add crushed coffee beans to the chocolate coating for a sophisticated flavor combination that appeals to grown-up palates.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
Properly storing your Hocus Pocus Halloween Popcorn ensures you’ll enjoy that magical crunch for days after your spooky celebration!
I recommend keeping any leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature—it’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
Don’t refrigerate it! That’ll make your popcorn soggy faster.
If candies start melting, pop the container in the fridge for just 15 minutes before serving again.
Order Pre-Portioned Ingredients
Hocus Pocus Halloween Popcorn
A festive Halloween popcorn mix with candy corn, pretzels, and chocolate coated in white chocolate with spooky sprinkles.
- 8 cups popped popcorn
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup candy corn
- 1 cup chocolate candy pieces
- 16 oz white chocolate or candy melts
- Halloween sprinkles
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine popcorn, pretzels, candy corn, and chocolate candy pieces.
- Melt white chocolate according to package directions until smooth.
- Pour melted white chocolate over the popcorn mixture and gently stir until everything is coated.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Immediately top with Halloween sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- Allow to cool completely until the chocolate hardens (about 30 minutes).
- Break into pieces and serve in individual treat bags or a large bowl.
