Enjoy a delicious twist on a classic dessert with this easy Banana Popcorn recipe. This snack mix has an irresistible banana pudding flavor and is loaded with sweet vanilla cookies.
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Banana Pudding Popcorn
I have been making unique chocolate-covered popcorn for years, and it's become a monthly tradition. Popcorn can be transformed into various flavors, such as Nutella, Neapolitan, Key Lime, and many more.
My husband loves banana pudding. So, I decided to try something new by incorporating those flavors into a batch of crunchy popcorn.
Did you know that popcorn could taste like pudding? It might sound surprising, but it's true! Mixing white chocolate, instant pudding, Nilla wafers, and dried bananas creates a snack mix that tastes like the classic pudding dessert.
Fun Fact: I actually created this banana popcorn flavor in 2012 before it became popular. Today, quite a few shops sell this unique flavor, but I like to think I was the first to come up with it.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This sweet snack will take your movie nights to the next level of snacking. Everyone will go bananas over this fun treat, so I suggest making a double batch.
- Easy to make. Despite its gourmet appearance, this popcorn recipe is surprisingly easy to make. All you need are a few simple ingredients plus 5 minutes.
- Fun flavor combo. This snack combines the sweetness of banana pudding with salty, crunchy popcorn.
- Great for sharing. Serve it in a bowl or hand it out in small bags. It doesn't matter how you serve it because everyone will want more.
Main Ingredients
You only need six ingredients to make banana pudding popcorn. It comes together in minutes and disappears just as quickly!
- Popcorn - Any air-popped, store-bought, or microwave popcorn will work, although we prefer the salted butter variety.
- Marshmallows - Minis are the perfect size for this treat. If you only have large ones, cut them into smaller pieces with scissors before using them.
- White Chocolate Candy Melts - I like using Ghirardelli melting wafers because they melt and taste better. You can also use white almond bark or chips instead of candy coating.
- Banana Pudding - A box of instant dry powdered adds flavor to the melted chocolate.
- Nilla Wafers - The mini vanilla wafers are the best size for this handheld snack mix.
- Dried Banana Chips - Incorporates the natural sweetness of the bananas without making a soggy mess. Freeze-dried bananas would also be great.
How To Make Banana Popcorn
This banana popcorn recipe is simple and quick. Combine all the ingredients and enjoy.
- Mix the popcorn and marshmallows in a large bowl. Melt the white chocolate according to the package directions. Pour it over the popcorn mixture and stir until everything is coated.
- Stir in the Nilla wafers and banana chips, then dump the mixture onto a wax paper-lined tray. Refrigerate it for 5 minutes to help it set faster.
Storage Recommendations
Chocolate-covered popcorn is best if served within 24 hours of making it, but it lasts 3-4 days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips and Tricks
- For the best taste and crunch, use fresh popcorn. You can use an air popper, microwave popcorn, or the stovetop method with coconut oil.
- No one wants to break a tooth on your snack mix, so please take out any unpopped popcorn kernels before adding the chocolate.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to keep the chocolate from sticking to the pan.
- Serve the delicious snack in individual bags for a movie night, or package it in cute jars for a unique gift.
FAQs
Absolutely! Flavored popcorn can be made a day or two in advance. Store the crispy texture in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the crispy texture.
While traditional banana pudding is delicious, experiment with flavors like chocolate, butterscotch, or vanilla for a fun twist.
I do not recommend adding fresh banana slices to the popcorn because they will make the mix soggy.
More Chocolate Covered Popcorn
- Dark Chocolate Popcorn with M&M's
- Reese's Popcorn
- Banana Split Popcorn
- Zebra Popcorn
- S'mores Popcorn
- Almond Joy Popcorn
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Recipe
Banana Popcorn
Enjoy a delicious twist on a classic dessert with this easy Banana Popcorn recipe. This easy snack mix has an irresistible banana pudding flavor and is loaded with sweet vanilla cookies.
Ingredients
- 6 cups popped popcorn
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 - 10 ounces bag white melting wafers
- ¼ cup instant dry banana pudding mix
- 1 cup mini Nilla wafers + 25 additional cookies, crushed into crumbs
- 1 cup dried banana chips
Instructions
- Combine the popcorn and marshmallows in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Microwave white melting wafers according to package directions. Add the pudding mix and stir completely. Pour over the popcorn and toss until completely coated.
- Add the crushed cookies slowly while mixing. Stir in the Nilla wafers and banana chips. Spread it on a wax paper lined tray and refrigerate for 5 minutes or until set. Store in an airtight container on the counter
Notes
- For the best taste and crunch, use fresh popcorn. You can use an air popper, microwave popcorn, or the stovetop method with coconut oil.
- No one wants to break a tooth on your snack mix, so please take out any unpopped popcorn kernels before adding the chocolate.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to keep the chocolate from sticking to the pan.
- Serve the delicious snack in individual bags for a movie night, or package it in cute jars for a unique gift.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 327Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 224mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 2gSugar: 23gProtein: 3g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
This post was first published in November 2012. It was updated and then republished in May 2024.
Jon Mckenzie
Can I use regular bananas instead of dried banana chips?
Jocelyn
No, regular bananas are soft and will turn brown and mushy, thereby ruining the popcorn. Stick to the dried banana chips please!
Jasmne Murray
I love the idea of the banana crunch popcorn. Happy New Year
Stephanie @ Macaroni and Cheesecake
Love this flavor combination! Sounds like a great treat to give away at Christmas!
Jocelyn
Thanks! It is definitely being made again for tins to giveaway!!
emily
oh yum!!! Thanks for linking up to Tasteful Tuesdays at Nap-Time Creations. You are going to be featured at the party this week! Stop by and check it out. http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2012/12/juneinspired-by-guest-post-delightful.html the link will be live tonight at 8:30 central time.
Michelle
Jocelyn,
You are a genus for sure in the kitchen! I can't wait to try the Banana Crunch Popcorn. YUM. Thanks so much for linking up to Creative Thursday. Can’t wait to see what you share this week! Have a wonderful rest of the week
Michelle
Holly Lefevre
This shop was right up your alley and man oh man this looks good!
Jocelyn
Yes, it was...I was so excited to be approved for this one:-)
Kelly
This recipe looks amazing!! I've been looking for a recipe for chocolate covered popcorn!
Chandra@The Plaid and Paisley Kitchen
This is a great snack and what a perfect gift in the little jars!
Karly
That popcorn looks amazing! So creative to put banana pudding mix in there.
Jocelyn
Thanks Karly! It opens up the flavor options to so many more fun popcorns:-)
Melanie
Oh you have done it again!! Cant WAIT to try this version of popcorn mix!!!!
Jocelyn
You definitely need to give this a try...very addicting:-)
Kristy
This looks amazing!!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel
I love that you're so fearless and creative in the kitchen, Jocelyn! I want the entire batch of this fun popcorn. Adding banana pudding to the white chocolate is such a BRILLIANT idea and I can only imagine how delish this tastes on its own, but I can't help but imagine possibilities with pb cups thrown in (I can't help that I have the mind of a food blogger, haha). What a great gift idea!
Joan@Chocolateandmore
Jocelym, I was all set just to say something nice like, ooohh, this looks so pretty. After all your title says banana. I don't do banana, but pudding mix might be another story. I buy the bells every year, and the eggs at easter. Just something about the cute shapes makes them taste better!
Joan@Chocolateandmore
haha, I can't fix my typo, ok, just pretend I was drinking when I left the comment and not a bad typer!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
Oh, I love this! Those bells are some of my favorites. I love all your popcorn. 🙂
Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking
I just bought some of those cute bells, still thinking what cake to hide them in 😉
And the banana popcorn?! Brilliant Jocelyn!
Angie@Echoes of Laughter
Oh my! Looks so good and your photos are so gorgeous! Your posts are so inspiring! Angie xo
Averie @ Averie Cooks
Ok I have seen tons of popcorn mixes and varieties over the years but never banana! Now this is creative and so fun!
Jocelyn
Thanks Averie. That means a lot to me coming from you:-) I am so glad you liked the fun popcorn!!!
Liz
Looks very festive! I'm always looking for new popcorn recipes...thanks!
Anita Kehn
The popcorn looks soooooooooooo yummy. How long will it keep? Are you making it now already to give at Christmas time?
Jocelyn
It will keep for about a week in a sealed container...although we always eat it before the week is up. I am giving this away now because of the post, but I will make more closer to Christmas too.
The Witch's Kitchen
I just made some chocolate covered popcorn yesterday for the first time. My boys are now addicted!
Can't wait to try this new one on them.