How to Make Classic Zebra Popcorn

For today’s popcorn recipe, we want to make our own zebra popcorn. 

This treat starts with crispy caramel corn that’s been baked to perfection, which is then drizzled in layers of white and dark chocolate (the zebra name comes from those fun stripes).

While it might seem complicated, you’ll be making this popcorn a lot in no time, with your trusty Popper and a little patience. Just follow everything below:

Zebra Popcorn Ingredients

• ½ cup kernels 

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ½ cup butter

• ¼ cup corn syrup

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup white chocolate chips

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

Zebra Popcorn Directions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 250°F.

Step 2: Preheat Popper

Set your stove to medium heat and allow your Popsmith to preheat for 1 to 2 minutes. 

Step 2: Pour Oil and Kernels

Add oil to the Popper and drop 2-3 kernels. When the first one pops, add in the rest then cover the pot.

Step 4: Pop

Turn the Popper’s crank clockwise as the kernels pop to get an even cook.

Step 5: Remove

Take the Popper off the heat when popping slows to 1-2 seconds between pops and pour the popcorn onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Make Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Then remove from heat and stir in baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the caramel over the popcorn, use a spatula to distribute the sauce evenly, and then place the baking sheet in the oven. Let the caramel corn bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, and let cool once done.

Step 8: Melt Chocolate

Melt white chocolate chips in 30-second microwave intervals until fully melted. Repeat the same process with the dark chocolate.

Step 9: Drizzle Chocolate

Drizzle the white chocolate over the caramel corn, then follow with the dark chocolate. Let the chocolate set.

Step 10: Enjoy

Pour your zebra popcorn into a huge bowl and dig in! 

More Zebra Popcorn Tips

• For the best zebra effect, use a piping bag or fork to drizzle more precise lines over the popcorn. 

• You can add other toppings like crushed nuts for extra texture and flavor.

• Have leftover popcorn? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and consume it within 3 days (if there’s still any by then, which we doubt). 

Sweet Success

Making zebra popcorn might take up more time and effort than other popcorn recipes, but it’s worth the extra minutes. Serve it at your next movie night or book club meeting, and everyone will be asking for seconds (as well as where you bought that gorgeous Popper from!).

Need more popcorn inspiration? Check out our blog for ideas. We’ve got everything from sweet popcorn ideas to spicy popcorn recipes.