Valentine's Day calls for something sweet, shareable, and just a little bit special. This chocolate cherry popcorn delivers on all three. Dark chocolate, tart cherries, and a hint of almond transform popcorn into a dessert that's perfect for a romantic date night at home. Your Popper makes it easy.
Chocolate Cherry Popcorn Ingredients
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½ cup popcorn kernels
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2 tablespoons coconut oil
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1½ cups dark chocolate chips (60% cacao)
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½ teaspoon almond extract
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1 cup dried cherries, chopped
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2 tablespoons cocoa powder for dusting
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Pinch of sea salt
Chocolate Cherry Popcorn Directions
Step 1: Preheat
Set your stove to medium heat and let your Popper preheat for 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Pour Oil and Kernels
Add coconut oil into the Popsmith and drop 3 kernels. When the first one pops, toss in the rest and cover the pot.
Step 3: Turn
Turn the Popper’s crank clockwise while the kernels pop to prevent burning.
Step 4: Remove
Take the Popsmith off the heat when popping slows to 1-2 seconds between pops and spread the popcorn into a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Melt Chocolate
While popcorn cools slightly, melt dark chocolate in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between each. Stir in almond extract once smooth.
PRO TIP: Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to the melted chocolate for a smoother chocolate coating — this makes it easier to drizzle and creates a glossy finish.
Step 6: Combine
Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the popcorn, tossing gently with a spatula. Then sprinkle the chopped dried cherries.
Step 7: Dust and Salt
Lightly dust your Valentine’s Day popcorn with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve, then add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Step 8: Dig In
Wait for the chocolate to set, break the chocolate cherry popcorn into clusters, and serve with wine!
More Chocolate Cherry Popcorn Tips
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If you can’t find dried cherries, freeze-dried cherries are a good alternative and add extra crunch. Another option is to use cherry-flavored Craisins.
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Making this popcorn for Galentine’s? Package it in heart-shaped boxes or clear bags tied with velvet ribbon for a gorgeous party favor.
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Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container and eat within 5 days.
Love at First Bite
We hope you give this chocolate cherry popcorn a try! It’s super easy to put together and even easier to fall in love with. But consider yourself warned — one batch is never enough.
Want more Valentine’s Day popcorn ideas? Explore our sweet popcorn recipes and find endless inspiration in our blog.
