The perfect sweet and salty snack for movie night!
When game day rolls around, I am all about some appetizers. I like to whip up apps that I know people will appreciate. Every once in a while, my friends actually take their eyes off the game to close their eyes and savor the scrumptious snacks!
OK—so maybe that doesn’t happen too often. But certain snack recipes almost always invite that response. From clean-eating nachos to avocado hummus dip and faux-fried chicken wings, I like to keep my menu healthy and delicious.
But on football Sundays, you can’t really dish up apps without the addition of something sugary sweet. I mean technically you could, but why neglect desserts when you don’t have to?
In the past, I couldn’t control myself around sweet treats. I’d go all in, and oftentimes end up regretting it. Not to mention my waistline wouldn’t be too pleased with my choices.
Recently, however, I have stumbled across the ultimate sweet treat that wont compromise your healthy eating goals: Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn.
The name should say enough, as it involves combining 3 of the greatest foods out there: chocolate, peanut butter and popcorn. Popcorn keeps the snack light and crunchy, while the dynamic peanut butter and chocolate duo add mouthwatering decadence to the snack.
If you like caramel corn or kettle corn, prepare to have your taste buds blown away by this decked-out popcorn recipe.I basically have to hide it from me- it’s that addicting. This gobble-worthy snack wont go unfinished. We guarantee.
Most loaded popcorn recipes contain massive amounts of sugar, corn-syrup, and other less-than-desirable ingredients that come at a caloric price. I mean we’re basically talking Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups meet popcorn, so what do you expect?
Well, this brilliant recipe stands apart from all the others. First, it actually calls for feel-good ingredients your waistline will appreciate. Let’s take a look at what’s inside…
Unseasoned popped popcorn
Believe it or not, plain popcorn (not the butter-drenched kind you get at the movies!) contains powerful antioxidants, whole grains, and fiber, all of which make it a pretty substantial food. Not to mention popcorn by itself weighs in at around 30 calories a cup, making it a high-volume, low-calorie snack.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains a laundry list worth of health benefits. Naturally high in saturated fats, the powerful oil may help to boost immunity, enhance weight loss efforts, and improve digestion. Studies conflict regarding whether or not coconut oil is heart healthy. A Harvard report suggests that although coconut oil adds flavor to recipes, it’s a good idea to use it sparingly. You be the judge but sure to do your research first.
Peanut butter
The nutritious nut butter has more to offer than its irresistibly rich, creamy character. Peanut butter packs a protein punch, as well as carrying valuable amino acids, fiber, healthy fats, and magnesium for fortified bones and muscles.
Semi-sweet chocolate
We prefer the Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips, a gluten-free, vegan, and paleo brand that tastes amazing and contains nothing but clean ingredients you can enjoy sans guilt. Cacao, the main ingredient in chocolate, actually carries antioxidants and magnesium for a healthy heart and brain function.
And that’s it- all good things in this delectable recipe! At last, a secretly nutritious sweet tooth satisfier that wont sabotage your healthy eating goals. So go on-treat yourself!
Popcorn acts as a casual snack fit for any occasion; but when decorated and transformed into a glorious sweet treat, it can double as an impressive dessert. Dish up this popcorn recipe for game day parties, potlucks, gatherings, or just to have on hand for when a sweet tooth strikes. Let us know what you think!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn
Ingredients
For the Popcorn
- 8 cups popped popcorn unseasoned
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
For the Chocolate Drizzle
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
For the Popcorn
- Spread the popped popcorn in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan, melt together the coconut oil, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Once melted and well combined, drizzle over the popped corn and gently toss the popcorn until each kernel is coated in the peanut butter. Let cool.
For the Chocolate Drizzle
- In a small saucepan, melt together the coconut oil and chocolate chips until smooth. Drizzle over the peanut butter popcorn and let cool.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Have you made this recipe?
Tag @skinnyms on Instagram or hashtag it #skinnyms
For more scrumptious recipes and healthy lifestyle tips, like us on Facebook, follow us on Pinterest, and subscribe to our newsletter.
We need your feedback! Let us know what you thought about this article or anything else on the site.
Hi – I would normally NEVER comment or question what a cook has written about their recipe, however I’m confused over something I’ve read in your recipe ingredient description. My husband recently Recently had a massive heart attack which thankfully he is recovering from. I’m desperately In search of tasty healthy heart recipes to lower Bad cholesterol. What has be confused is the description of coconut oil as a saturated fat that LOWERS bad cholesterol. According to the American heart association that is absolutely not true. Saturated fats Increased your LDL cholesterol. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Michelle, There are differing studies and opinions about the benefits of coconut oil. You’ll notice the paragraph you mention has been updated
with a report from “Harvard School of Public Health”. There is the school of thought that 100% of oils, including evoo, should be avoided if
there is a history of heart disease and/or diabetes. Bottom line, be informed and make the decision you and your husband feel most comfortable with.
Thank you so much for the question and best to you and your husband. Keep the questions and comments coming… 🙂
Does the maple flavor come through in the final product?
Sheila, Only slightly. The peanut butter and chocolate are mainly what you’ll taste. What I love about this recipe, is the combination of all the ingredients. YUM!