July 17, 2026

Cherry-Almond Popcorn Clusters

Name: Cherry-Almond Popcorn Clusters
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 14
Ingredients: PAM® Original Non-Stick Cooking Spray; 1 bag (78 g) ACT II® Butter Microwave Popcorn; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 3/4 cup (188 ml) water; 1/4 cup (63 ml) light corn syrup; 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) distilled white vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g) salt; 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) almond extract; 1/2 cup (64 g) dried tart cherries; 1/4 cup (32 g) blanched slivered almonds, toasted; 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g) orange peel, optional

40

Prep Time Minutes
40
Total Time Minutes
11
Number of Ingredients
14
Servings

Tags:

Snack,
Christmas/Holiday Season,
Oven,
Act II

Ingredients

PAM® Original Non-Stick Cooking Spray
1 bag (78 g) ACT II® Butter Microwave Popcorn
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
3/4 cup (188 ml) water
1/4 cup (63 ml) light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) distilled white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g) salt
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) almond extract
1/2 cup (64 g) dried tart cherries
1/4 cup (32 g) blanched slivered almonds, toasted
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g) orange peel, optional

Directions

View photos

Step one

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray 15x11-inch (38cm x 28cm) jelly roll pan with cooking spray. Prepare popcorn according to package directions. Remove all unpopped kernels. Place popped corn in large bowl sprayed with cooking spray.
Step two

Spray sides only of medium saucepan. Add sugar, water, syrup, vinegar and salt; bring to boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 2 minutes stirring constantly with wooden spoon. Remove from heat; stir in almond extract. Pour over popcorn mixture, tossing gently to evenly coat. Spread onto prepared pan.
Step three

Bake for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Remove from oven; quickly stir in cherries, almonds and orange peel, if desired. Spread onto waxed paper to cool completely; separate into clusters with a fork. Store in tightly sealed container.