Churro Popcorn Recipe – Disney At Home

One thing I am missing like crazy from Disney Parks is the taste and smell of CHURROS!

A churro is a pastry made from fried dough and coated in a sugar and cinnamon mix. You can find them all over Disney Parks and served a number of different ways during limited time celebrations and on seasonal menus. Churros are arguably the most popular and sought-after Disney snack in the parks. You’ll find the typical churro served with a side of caramel sauce, but you’ll also find churro-inspired treats like the Churro Milkshake in Hollywood Studios and the S’mores Churros in Disney California Adventure too. Are you drooling yet?

I researched churro recipes, and while I’d love to fix an exact Disney Parks version (see here) I decided to recreate a lighter (and easier) version based off supplies I already had in stock at home. I carried the very essence of the churro over to another fan favorite – POPCORN!

Try my Churro Popcorn recipe! It’s a lighter take on the Disney fan-favorite Churro recipe, but the flavor and aroma of this delicious recipe will take your mind right to Main Street USA! I love sharing Churro Popcorn with my kids since corn is a whole grain and makes a great snack. It’s easy to make and takes less than 15 minutes to whip up. Check it out!

Ingredients

1/4 cup popcorn kernels (or 1 pack microwavable popcorn)
1 + 3 Tbsp coconut oil or butter
3 Tbsp light brown sugar
3/4 + 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
sea salt

Directions

1. Set oven to 300 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a sauce pan, heat 1 Tbsp coconut oil until melted, then add 1/3 cup popcorn kernels and allow to pop. Watch closely to prevent burning. About 5-8 minutes. Note: If using microwavable pop corn, simply prepare accordingly to package instructions. Set cooked popcorn aside in a large mixing bowl.
3. Over medium heat, melt 3 Tbsp coconut oil. Once melted, add in 3 Tbsp light brown sugar. Whisk to thoroughly combine. Add in 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon and 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract and whisk until well combined.
4. Pour mixture over popcorn kernels in bowl and gently toss to coat using a spatula.
5. Lay out popcorn mixture onto baking sheet. Place in oven for 4 minutes. Remove and gently toss, then bake an additional 4 minutes.
6. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy!

This recipe is vegan and gluten free! It is perfect for sharing with friends or family as a Disney Movie Night homemade snack. If your family is anything like mine, they’ll finish their share by licking the bowl clean!

Looking for more ways to get the taste and flavor of Disney Parks at home? Check out my DIY Dole Whip here and my favorite Disney Family Recipes here!