Candied Puff Corn (Crack Corn)

This Candied Puff Corn also sometimes called Crack Corn is so easy to make with 3 ingredients for a festive snack or dessert for any holiday or party. Customize it with sprinkles to make it themed to your event all year round!

My mom loves to make this Candied Puff Corn for all the holidays in our house. She sets it out with the snack plate or dessert for everyone to enjoy. Let me just say, there’s never any leftovers, it’s that delicious!

The best part is it’s 3 ingredients and quick to mix together in about 10 minutes before setting. We’ve brought it as a hostess gift to all different events over the years and everyone can’t wait to dig into it! Add your favorite themed sprinkles to customize. If you are looking for another easy sweet treat, my Saltine Cracker Toffee and Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are two others to try.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• 3 ingredient dessert. Yes, kids love to help with this and it’s ideal for beginner bakers!
• Add to any spread all year round. Pick a new sprinkle and it’s the star of any occasion.
• Make a double batch first! I promise, it will disappear before your eyes.

Ingredients

Scroll Down to the Bottom of this Post for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card 

• Butter puff corn: You’ll need a couple bags, I like the brand Chester’s.
• Vanilla candy coating: Easiest for coating in a delicious white chocolate and vanilla flavored candy.
• Sprinkles: For a festive touch!

Tools You’ll Need

• Large Bowl
• Spatula

How to Make Candied Puff Corn

1. Line a large baking sheet or countertop with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Melt the vanilla candy coating according to package directions, either in the microwave in 30-second intervals stirring between each, or in a double boiler, until completely smooth.

3. Pour the puffcorn into a large bowl. Pour the melted candy coating over the puffcorn and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated.

4. Spread the coated puffcorn in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet or countertop.
5. Immediately add sprinkles over the top before the coating sets.

6. Let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes until fully hardened. Break apart any clusters and serve.

Expert Tips

• Be sure to spread the crack corn out evenly on a baking sheet after tossing. This will help it cool into regular-sized pieces that are not too large of chunks.
• If you want to use regular white chocolate, just add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil when melting to turn it into a candy coating.
• Heat the candy coating gently whether on the stovetop or microwave. Too fast or hot of heat will cause it to seize.
• Have fun with toppings! I love sprinkles, but you could even add nuts, chopped chocolate, dried fruit, and more.
• Always let the crack corn fully harden before enjoying. It guarantees that addicting texture.

Variations

There are so many fun variations and ways I’ve made this candied puff corn! Here they are divided by different categories so it’s easy.

Holidays

• Christmas — red and green sprinkles with white vanilla coating for a festive holiday treat
• Valentine’s Day — pink candy coating with red and pink heart sprinkles
• Easter — pastel candy coating topped with Easter sprinkles or mini candy eggs
• Halloween — orange candy coating with black and orange sprinkles or candy eyeballs 
• Fourth of July — red, white, and blue sprinkles over vanilla coating 
• Thanksgiving — brown or orange candy coating with autumn leaf sprinkles
• St. Patrick’s Day — green vanilla coating with green sprinkles and gold star confetti

Seasons

• Summer Funfetti — bright rainbow sprinkles over vanilla coating 
• Fall Harvest — drizzle with caramel coating and top with cinnamon sugar before it sets
• Winter Wonderland — white vanilla coating with silver and white pearl sprinkles

Special Occasions

• Birthday Cake — vanilla coating with rainbow sprinkles and a dusting of edible glitter
• Baby Shower — pink or blue candy coating to match the gender reveal theme
• Bridal Shower — white coating with gold or rose gold sprinkles for an elegant touch
• Game Day — coat in your team’s colors for the ultimate football season snack
• Teacher Appreciation — package in a mason jar with a ribbon 
• Graduation — use your grad’s school colors

Mix-ins to Add

Here are other ideas of mix-ins too! You can make this as decadent or as simple as you want. We’ve made all of these versions and honestly it’s so difficult to choose a favorite:

• S’mores Puff Corn — replace half the puff corn with Golden Oreo pieces and mini graham crackers. After coating in vanilla candy coating, drizzle with melted milk chocolate and top with mini marshmallows and crushed graham cracker crumbs before it sets.
• Strawberries and Cream Puff Corn — toss puff corn in white vanilla coating, then immediately top with freeze-dried strawberry pieces, white chocolate drizzle, and pink sprinkles.
• Birthday Cake Puff Corn — mix puff corn with Golden Oreo crumbles before coating in vanilla candy coating. Top with rainbow sprinkles, white chocolate drizzle, and a dusting of yellow cake mix (cooked) for that true birthday cake flavor.
• Cookies and Cream Puff Corn — replace half the puff corn with crushed Oreos. Coat in vanilla candy coating, drizzle with dark chocolate, and finish with Oreo crumble on top before it sets.
• Turtle Puff Corn — after coating in vanilla candy coating, drizzle generously with melted caramel and milk chocolate, then top with chopped pecans and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
• Peanut Butter Cup Puff Corn — stir a few spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter into the melted vanilla coating before tossing with puff corn. Drizzle with milk chocolate and top with mini Reese’s Pieces before it sets.
• Cinnamon Roll Puff Corn — coat in vanilla candy coating mixed with a teaspoon of cinnamon, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze, and finish with cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Avoid freezing the candied puff corn since it will change the texture.

It’s the perfect hostess gift or dessert to bring to a party. Wrap in cellophane bags and tie with a pretty bow!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Dessert Recipes

• Coconut Delight
• Banana Split Ice Cream Sandwiches
• Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
• Saltine Cracker Toffee