Chocolate Popcorn Bars

These chocolate popcorn bars are ridiculously good. They’re similar to my chocolate cornflake cakes – but with a twist! Popcorn is one of my favourite foods (although I do say that about rather a lot of foods); so the combination of sweet popcorn with the creamy base and chocolatey topping is to DIE for. They’re also vegan, gluten free and don’t require any cooking! Yay!

So if you’ve ever asked a friend ‘how do you make a popcorn bar?”, and they’ve not been able to tell you, get strapped in, because you’re about to find out!

What Kind of Popcorn Do You Use For Chocolate Popcorn Bars?

When making your own chocolate popcorn bars, you typically want to use plain, air-popped popcorn without any added flavors or seasonings. This ensures that the popcorn’s natural flavor and texture can blend well with the other ingredients in the bars. You can pop the popcorn using a popcorn popper, stovetop method, or microwave.

Avoid using pre-flavored or pre-buttered popcorn, as these may introduce unwanted flavors and excessive oils that could interfere with the overall taste and texture of the bars. Instead, go for plain popcorn where possible and allow the other ingredients in your recipe to provide the desired flavors and coatings.

The Ingredients – Chocolate Popcorn Bars

1. Smooth Cashew Butter (8 tbsp): Cashew butter serves as a binding agent and adds a creamy texture to the bars. It’s rich in healthy fats, which help create a smooth consistency in the bars while contributing to their overall flavor and mouthfeel.
   
2. Coconut Oil (4 tbsp + 1 tbsp for melting chocolate): Coconut oil is a key ingredient for both the base and the chocolate coating. In the base, it acts as a source of healthy fat that helps solidify the bars when chilled. In the chocolate coating, it aids in melting the chocolate, making it smoother and easier to work with, while also enhancing the flavor and adding a slight coconut undertone.
   
3. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla extract is used to impart a warm and inviting flavor to the bars. It enhances the overall taste of the bars and complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.
   
4. Maple Syrup (2/3 tbsp): Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that adds a touch of sweetness to the bars. It also contributes moisture to the mixture, helping to bind the ingredients together and create a cohesive texture.
   
5. Salt (1 Pinch): Salt is an essential ingredient that enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. Even in sweet dishes, a small amount of salt can help balance and amplify the overall taste.
   
6. Popcorn: Popcorn adds a delightful crunch to the bars. Its airy texture provides a contrast to the denser base and chocolate coating, creating a more interesting mouthfeel.
   
7. Vegan Dark Chocolate (170 grams): Dark chocolate not only adds a rich and indulgent flavor but also provides the main coating for the bars. It melts smoothly when combined with coconut oil, creating a glossy and luscious chocolate layer that enrobes the other ingredients.
   
8. Coconut Oil (1 tbsp for melting chocolate): The additional tablespoon of coconut oil is specifically used to melt the vegan dark chocolate. As mentioned earlier, it aids in the melting process, ensuring that the chocolate is easy to spread evenly over the bars.

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How Do You Keep Popcorn Fresh in a Chocolate Popcorn Bar?

Keeping popcorn fresh in a chocolate popcorn bar involves preventing it from becoming stale, maintaining its crunchiness, and preserving its flavor. Here’s how you can keep your popcorn fresh…

1. Use Freshly Popped Popcorn: Start with freshly popped popcorn. Popcorn that has just been popped will have a better texture and flavor compared to popcorn that has been sitting around for a while.
   
2. Seal and Store: Once you’ve incorporated the popcorn into your chocolate popcorn bars, it’s important to seal the bars in an airtight container. Airtight packaging helps prevent moisture from getting in, which can lead to the popcorn becoming soggy or stale.
   
3. Desiccant Packs: Consider adding desiccant packs to the container. These packs help absorb excess moisture, keeping the popcorn and other ingredients dry and fresh. You can find desiccant packs in packaging of various products, or you can purchase them separately.
   
4. Room Temperature Storage: Store the chocolate popcorn bars at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, heat, or humidity, as these factors can degrade the quality of the popcorn.
   
5. Individual Wrapping: If possible, individually wrap or package the chocolate popcorn bars. This provides an extra layer of protection against moisture and air exposure, helping to keep the popcorn fresh.
   
6. Consume Within a Reasonable Time: While chocolate popcorn bars can stay fresh for a decent amount of time if stored properly, it’s still recommended to consume them within a reasonable timeframe to enjoy them at their best quality.
   
7. Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigeration can introduce moisture to the popcorn, potentially causing it to lose its crispness and become chewy. It’s generally best to avoid refrigerating chocolate popcorn bars.