This Strawberry Shortcake Popcorn Is Basically Dessert in a Bowl

Who says dessert has to wait until after dinner? We’re fans of skipping straight to the good stuff, and once you try this strawberry shortcake popcorn, you’ll feel exactly the same way. It’s everything you love about the dessert — sweet, fruity, and buttery — just in a bowl you can pass around at a spring brunch, take to a picnic, or finish before the opening credits roll. 

Now grab your Popper and follow along:

Strawberry Shortcake Popcorn Ingredients

• ½ cup popcorn kernels 

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed

• ½ cup shortbread cookies, crushed

• 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Strawberry Shortcake Popcorn Directions

Step 1: Preheat Popper

Set your stove to medium heat and allow your Popsmith to preheat for 1-2 minutes. Don’t skip this step — it’s crucial for crisp popcorn.

Step 2: Add Coconut Oil 

Add coconut oil to the Popper and allow it to melt.

Step 3: Toss in Kernels

Drop 3 kernels into the pot. When the first one pops, add in the rest and cover the Popper.

Step 4: Pop

Turn the Popper’s crank clockwise while the kernels pop to prevent burning. If it feels stuck or hard to turn, give the pot a gentle shake to release any kernels that got stuck behind the spinner.

Step 5: Remove

When popping slows to 1-2 seconds between pops, take the Popper off the heat and pour the popcorn into a parchment-lined baking sheet. 

Step 6: Melt Chocolate

Melt white chocolate in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth. Then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 7: Coat

Pour the melted white chocolate over the popcorn and use a spatula to coat it evenly.

Step 8: Sprinkle Toppings

While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the shortbread crumbles, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and salt over the popcorn.

Step 9: Enjoy

Let the popcorn sit until the chocolate is fully set, then break into clusters, transfer your strawberry shortcake popcorn into a big bowl, and dig in! 

More Strawberry Shortcake Popcorn Tips

• No shortbread cookies on hand? Graham crackers or golden Oreos make solid substitutes.

• Want a pinker popcorn? Add a tiny drop of red food coloring to the melted white chocolate before you coat the popcorn.

• This popcorn packages beautifully in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon — perfect for Mother's Day or a spring bridal shower favor. 

• Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within 3 days. 

This One’s a Keeper

A dessert and a snack in one? Don’t mind if we do. Whether you’re passing it around at brunch or snacking solo, you’ll find that this strawberry shortcake popcorn will be something you’ll reach for again and again. 

Your Popper’s just getting started! Check out our blog for more fun popcorn recipes and snacking inspiration.