The ultimate sweet and salty snack: crunchy popcorn coated in a silky, two-ingredient Nutella glaze, baked into irresistible clusters. It’s the perfect movie night or holiday treat.
This is not your average popcorn. We’re transforming simple popcorn into a gourmet, crave-worthy treat by coating it in a luxurious glaze made from just Nutella and a touch of coconut oil. Baked until crisp, it forms into addictive sweet-and-salty clusters that are impossible to put down.
Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect upgrade for your next movie night, a unique holiday gift, or a spectacular party snack that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
The Science of the Simple Glaze & Clustering
The magic lies in a two-ingredient glaze that behaves like chocolate. Nutella provides the flavor, sugar, and fat, while a small amount of refined coconut oil (or another neutral oil) thins it just enough to make it pourable and coat every nook and cranny of the popcorn. When heated and stirred together, they form a fluid, homogenous sauce.
As this warm glaze coats the popcorn and then cools in the oven, it sets firmly, binding the kernels into those delightful clusters. The optional sea salt sprinkled on top is crucial—it cuts the sweetness and amplifies both the chocolate and popcorn flavors, creating the perfect balance.
Ingredients
For the Popcorn & Glaze:
- 10 cups plain popped popcorn (about ½ cup unpopped kernels or 1 standard microwave bag, unflavored)
- ¾ cup (225g) Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread
- 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil (or vegetable/canola oil)
Essential Additions:
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus more for finishing)
- Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper
Optional Mix-Ins & Toppings (Add after baking):
- ½ cup roasted, salted peanuts or hazelnuts
- ¼ cup mini marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- A dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder
Instructions
1. The Prepared Popcorn Base: Pop your popcorn using your preferred method. Place the 10 cups of plain, warm popcorn in an extra-large mixing bowl. Pick out and discard any unpopped kernels. If using microwave popcorn, ensure it is completely plain (no butter or salt). Lightly grease a large, rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.
2. The Liquid Nutella Glaze: In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine the Nutella and coconut oil. Heat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each, until the mixture is completely smooth, fluid, and pourable—about 60-90 seconds total.
Alternatively, you can melt them together in a small saucepan over the lowest possible heat, stirring constantly.
3. Coating the Popcorn: Immediately pour the warm, liquid Nutella glaze over the popcorn in the large bowl. Using two large spoons or a silicone spatula, gently but thoroughly fold and toss the popcorn until every single piece is evenly coated with a shiny layer of the glaze. Work quickly before the glaze begins to set.
4. Baking for Crisp Clusters: Spread the coated popcorn in a single layer onto your prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with the ½ teaspoon of flaky sea salt. Bake in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 15 minutes.
5. Cooling into Perfect Clusters: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. The popcorn will be glossy and warm. Do NOT stir it. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour.
As it cools, the glaze will harden, naturally forming the popcorn into the characteristic clusters. Once completely cool and crisp, break it apart with your hands into desired cluster sizes.
Pro-Tips for Snack Perfection
- Start with Plain Popcorn: Butter or salt on pre-made popcorn will make the final product too salty or greasy.
- Remove Unpopped Kernels: This is a tooth-saving essential step!
- Work Fast with the Glaze: The glaze sets as it cools. Have your popcorn ready and your baking sheet prepared before you melt the Nutella.
- Low and Slow Baking: The low oven temperature gently crisps the popcorn without burning the sugar in the Nutella.
- The No-Stir Rule: Resisting the urge to stir during baking and cooling is what allows the clusters to form.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For maximum crunch, add optional nuts or marshmallows only to the portion you plan to serve immediately, as they can soften over time.
- Gift Idea: Package cooled clusters in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a delicious homemade gift.
