Unicorn Popcorn Recipe

Last Updated on July 29, 2023 by ellen

Make a batch of this unicorn popcorn recipe today. This is a cute idea for a unicorn themed birthday party or for anyone that loves colored popcorn.

Unicorn Popcorn Recipe

Unicorn popcorn is a fun way to turn air popped popcorn into a wonderful treat for a unicorn birthday party. Unicorns are such a popular theme right now whether you have a child that’s in love with unicorn Fingerlings toys or a teen that’s obsessed with them.

This unicorn popcorn recipe provides a fun way to incorporate the mythical creature into your themed party. Unicorns are full of vibrant colors so there are so many ways you can use food dye for this treat.

The easiest way is to use blue and pink candy melts to add a colorful drizzle over your plain bagged popcorn. To make this more colorful, you can use 5 or 6 different colors of candy melts.

What makes this unicorn popcorn?

This style of popcorn is typically known as unicorn popcorn because it has a variety of pastel colors just like unicorn horns and manes do.

I have also seen it called Easter popcorn, pastel popcorn, and even baby shower popcorn. If you want to have a unicorn themed party, keep reading for a few ideas.

What is unicorn popcorn made of?

Unicorn popcorn is made by mixing white corn with melted color candy melts, pretzels, and a variety of different pastel candies.

You can use your favorite variety of candy melts to add the colors when you are melting them in the microwave. I always use Wilton and find they are the best quality.

For this recipe, I used pink, purple, blue and yellow melts for bright colors that pop out against the white popcorn base. You can change up the colors if you want to.

What flavor is unicorn popcorn?

Unicorn popcorn flavors will depend on the color of candy melts you use. In this case, it will be vanilla flavored with chocolate from the pastel M&Ms.

What is the best popcorn for unicorn popcorn?

You cannot use butter popcorn or microwave popcorn that has seasonings, oil, or butter added. The coating will not attach properly. Instead, you need plain popcorn kernels that you’ll pop in an air popper.

What are candy melts?

Candy melts are a chocolate candy coating that is used for cake pops and other candies. You can find them at most craft supply stores or even in the baking aisle of your local grocery store. If you cannot find them locally, try buying from Amazon.

Can I make unicorn popcorn with food coloring?

Yes, you can buy plain white chocolate candy melts and then add food dye to make your own colors. It will take a bit longer to make, but you can make blue candy with blue food coloring just as easily as using blue candy melts.

Just be sure for the same pink effect that you don’t use too much red color. Otherwise, you won’t see the same shade as with a cup of pink candy melts.

You may also want to try pink food spray. I haven’t tried it myself but have heard good things. Just use the pink food spray to change the plain popcorn kernels different colors.

You can find pink food spray here on Amazon.

Equipment

• Air Popper Popcorn Maker
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Small microwave safe bowl

Unicorn Popcorn recipe ingredients

Unicorn popcorn yield: 4 to 6 servings

• Popcorn kernels
• Multi-colored pastel Wilton candy melts (I get them here.)
• Pastel candy sprinkles or unicorn sprinkles
• Pretzel sticks
• Easter M&Ms

How to make unicorn popcorn

1. Line the cookie sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
2. Pop popcorn and set it in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet(s).
3. Distribute the Easter M&Ms and Pretzel Sticks evenly along with the popcorn, nestling into place.
4. Melt each color candy melt for 25 seconds in the microwave, stir and reheat as needed, then drizzle over the popcorn.
5. Repeat with each candy melt color, ensuring that the popped popcorn is completely covered.
6. While the candy melts are still wet, evenly distribute the sprinkles over top.
7. You can coat the other side with a second drizzle if you want to. Just drizzle half on each side.
8. Toss the popcorn gently to mix and coat the other side.
9. Allow the candy melts to set for 25 minutes before breaking up the popcorn to store or serve.

How to melt candy melts

Place them in a small microwave safe bowl and microwave for 25 seconds at a time. Stir until they are smooth and completely melted. You can reheat the candy melts if you need to. Be sure not to overcook them or they won’t be smooth.

It helps to prep the candy melts by dividing out all of the colors separately before you begin. You can change up the colors you use in my unicorn popcorn recipe depending on what themed your party food is.

This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

Can I use bagged popcorn for ease of making this?

If you can find no butter popcorn that is bagged, you can try it with this unicorn popcorn recipe. It’s a delicious treat. But if the popcorn has any sort of additives, the melted candy may not stick as well. Be sure to use plain bagged popcorn.

Recipe tips

• Don’t heat too long or you will make the candy melts clumpy. You can then add a bit of coconut oil or shortening to thin them out.
• Let the unicorn popcorn dry completely before you begin.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Be sure to add sprinkles while the candy melts coating is still wet.
• Dry completely before serving

What else can I serve for a unicorn themed birthday party

Any food that can be dyed pastel colors would work for a unicorn themed party. Here are a few unicorn party ideas.

• Pink and blue cupcakes (top with pink and blue sprinkles)
• Cake (add a couple drops of red food coloring for pink)
• Pretzel rods dipped in white chocolate
• Layered pudding cups (add sprinkles between the layers)

Or, you may enjoy this Banana Pudding Fluff.

More unicorn party ideas

If you enjoyed this unicorn popcorn recipe, you might want to try a few of these unicorn themed birthday party ideas.

• Make a unicorn horn
• Unicorn fluffy slime (This is an awesome idea for hands-on fun.)
• Unicorn sprinkles bath salts
• Make a unicorn mask
• Unicorn party ideas on a budget

Or try these fun things to do with food coloring.

• Boneless skateboard toys

Yield: 6

Unicorn Popcorn Recipe

Print

Make a batch of this unicorn popcorn recipe today. This is a cute idea for a unicorn themed birthday party or for anyone that loves colored popcorn.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 3-4 cups Popped Popcorn
• 1/2 cup Easter-themed M&Ms
• 1/2 cup Pretzel Sticks
• 2 Tablespoons of Candy Melts each in 5-6 different pastel colors (total of 2/3 to 3/4 cup candy melts)
• 1 Tablespoon Easter Sprinkles

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Pop popcorn and set it in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet(s).
3. Distribute the Easter M&Ms and Pretzel Sticks evenly along with the popcorn, nestling into place.
4. Melt each candy melt for 25 seconds, stir and reheat as needed, then drizzle over the popcorn.
5. Repeat with each candy melt color, ensuring that the popcorn is completely covered.
6. While the candy melts are still wet, evenly distribute the sprinkles over top.
7. Allow the candy melts to set for 25 minutes before breaking up the popcorn to store or serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 489Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 531mgCarbohydrates: 60gFiber: 8gSugar: 25gProtein: 11g

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this, tag me on Instagram so I can see (@ellenblogs)