Elevate snack time with these Dairy‑Free Dark Chocolate Popcorn Bars—a clever, homemade twist on classic popcorn bar ideas, but packed with rich flavors and clean ingredients. Picture the best of popcorn balls fused with crispy treats, amplified by chopped pecans, dark chocolate chips, coconut chips, and dried cranberries—all bound together with honey and almond butter. These bars are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and snack-worthy enough to satisfy dessert cravings without opting for a traditional sweet—ideal for a healthier treat option.
Built to be both portable and indulgent, they’re easy to make in under an hour and perfect for on-the-go moments, lunchboxes, or as standout popcorn bar toppings at gatherings. Plus, you can customize their crunch and sweetness according to your taste—think extra nuts, seeds, or vibrant dried fruits.
Homemade Dark Chocolate Popcorn Bars
Recipe Details
Yield: 1 (13×9-inch) tray
Active Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Recipe Ingredients
- 7 cups popped sprouted popcorn
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup coconut chips
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- Generous 1/2 cup raw honey
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond butter
- Pinch sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Recipe Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine popped popcorn, chopped pecans, chocolate chips, coconut chips, and dried cranberries; set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring honey to a boil. Stir in almond butter and let bubble for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat, then stir in sea salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Pour the hot mixture over the popcorn mixture and stir thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Spray a 13×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray, then press the mixture firmly into the pan.
- Let cool, then flip the bar out of the pan and slice into squares.
- Store covered for up to 5 days.
Dark Chocolate Popcorn Bars Nutrition Facts
*Estimated per bar (assuming a 13×9 tray yields 24 bars).
| Serving Size | 1 bar |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 208 kcal |
| Protein | ≈ 3 g |
| Carbs | ≈ 23 g |
| Sugar | ≈ 15 g |
| Fiber | ≈ 2 g |
| Fat | ≈ 11 g |
Variations & Tips for These Popcorn Bars
- Nutritional boost: Add chia seeds or flax seeds for extra fiber and omega-3s.
- Lower sweetness: Reduce honey to ⅓ cup (from ½) if you prefer a less sweet treat.
- Fruit swap: Use dried cherries, blueberries, or raisins in place of cranberries for a different fruit note.
- No chocolate chips: Use melted dark chocolate drizzle instead of chips to coat bars lightly.
- Nut swap: Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts to adjust flavor and texture.
- Press firmly: Use parchment and press a second sheet on top to compact mixture evenly before cooling.
Popcorn Bar Pairings
- Cold glass of almond milk or oat milk — classic dunking companion.
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries) — bright, tart contrast.
- Espresso or black coffee — bitterness cuts sweetness and enhances chocolate.
- Salted nuts or nut mix — crunchy, salty partner to the sweet bars.
- Herbal tea (mint, rooibos) — light, soothing sip alongside bars.
Popular Times for Popcorn Bars
- Movie night or binge sessions — snackable bars that are easy to munch.
- Picnic or outdoor snacks — portable, non-melting treat if shaded.
- School or work lunch add-on — great for lunchboxes or snack breaks.
- Bake sale or fundraiser — appealing for folks wanting dairy-free, gluten-free treats.
- Popcorn bar dessert table — use as one of the popcorn bar toppings for parties.
Photo credit: Paul Delmont
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Merce Muse
Thrive Market Food Editor