Healthy Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch Popcorn

When it comes to pregnancy cravings, I only have a moment's notice before they strike. And they usually strike hard.

With my first pregnancy, I couldn't stomach anything sweet until the middle of second trimester. I'm talking things like yogurt, berries, maple syrup, ice cream, and even cinnamon.

During this pregnancy, all I want is sweet things (aren't hormones just fascinating?), but I also want lots of salt. It's a great craving to have haha.

My nutritionist brain is determined to combat these sweet and salty cravings with as many nourishing choices as possible, and today's recipe is a perfect solution to my "problem."

This cinnamon toast crunch popcorn is the perfect snack: it's got that perfect combination of sweet cinnamon sugar with just enough salt to balance it out and it's packed with plant based protein and fiber.

Pregnant or not, this recipe is a must-make for the whole family!

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Why you'll love this recipe

Easy to make: all you need is four simple ingredients and five minutes of prep.

Perfect for cravings: the combination of salty popcorn with the sweet cinnamon flavor is unreal and sure to satisfy any late-night craving!

Actually healthy: this entire recipe is gluten free, vegan, and refined sugar free with 12 grams of fiber so you can feel good about eating the whole bowl!

Easy snack idea: enjoy as a pre-bedtime snack, party snack, movie night treat, or bring it to the kids' next sleepover.

Great for meal prep: make a double batch and you've got a healthy on-the-go snack for the week.

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Ingredients you'll need

If you haven't tried the new cinnamon toast crunch popcorn snack, it's basically like the cinnamon toast crunch cereal and buttery popcorn had a baby. Sounds good, right?

The only problem is that popcorn isn't even the first ingredient in the nutrition facts and it's made with granulated sugar, corn syrup, brown sugar syrup, rice flour, soy lecithin, and canola oil. These are all inflammatory ingredients that will spike your blood sugar and mess with your gut microbiome.

So, I created my healthy homemade version that still has that great texture and epic cinnamon sugar combination but with clean ingredients!

And I promise it's even better than the store bought snack brand!

Here's what you'll need to make your cereal popcorn:

• Whole popcorn kernels: you can buy these in the snack section at any major grocery store or here on Amazon. I prefer making my own popcorn because you get all the health benefits and no artificial ingredients. You'll need a popcorn machine though, and I promise it's worth the investment, so grab yours here!
• Stevia: an all natural zero calorie sweetener that I always keep stocked in my pantry. Some readers have commented that they don't like the flavor of Stevia, so feel free to use any zero-calorie sweetener you like.
• Cinnamon: I'm sure you have this in your pantry right now. It's full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which are good for your gut and your brain. Don't skimp on the cinnamon!
• Salt: measure with your heart! But don't skip the salt because it balances out the sweet cinnamon sugar and makes the popcorn truly amazing.
• Cooking spray: I recommend using an olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil cooking spray because they contain heart healthy fats, but any spray will work.

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How to make cinnamon sugar popcorn

Step 1: pop the popcorn

Add half your popcorn kernels to your popcorn maker. Be sure not to add anything to these kernels just yet!

Let them pop into the largest mixing bowl you have until the cycle finishes, then repeat with the remaining kernels.

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Step 2: make the "cinnadust glaze"

In a small bowl, whisk together the Stevia, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: mix the popcorn

Spray the top layer of popcorn with cooking spray, then sprinkle some of the cinnamon sugar over the popcorn. Toss to combine, then repeat in batches until all the delicious cinnamon sugar is gone.

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Frequently asked questions

Where do I buy a popcorn popper?

This popcorn machine is the one I use and I absolutely love it. It's small and simple to use, and it doesn't take up a lot of space in my pantry. I haven't made popcorn with another type of popper, so if you have another one follow the directions for your machine.

Can I make this recipe with bagged popcorn?

Sure, but you might be able to taste that buttery flavor and it won't be as nourishing. If you really want to, you could pop 3 individual bags of popcorn, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Can I use regular sugar instead of Stevia?

I don't recommend this because the granulated sugar won't stick to the popcorn, even with cooking spray. The Stevia works because it's more similar to a powder than a granule.

Can I make this popcorn recipe in the air fryer?

Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and line the basket with aluminum foil. Add 1/4 cup of kernels at a time in an even layer to the basket, spray with cooking spray, then cook for 5 minutes. Proceed with the rest of the recipe.

How do I store homemade popcorn?

Store in an airtight container like a ziploc bag for up to one week at room temperature.

Is cinnamon toast crunch popcorn the same as kettle corn?

Typical kettle corn is made with a sugar reduction, oil and salt, and it's popped in a kettle. This healthy cinnamon sugar popcorn is dusted with zero calorie sugar, cinnamon, and salt, and it's made in a popcorn popper.

Can I share this popcorn with my kids?

Popcorn is one of the biggest choking hazards for young children, so it's not recommended to give popcorn to kids under three years old.

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More healthy snack recipes

Sugar Free Birthday Cake Muddy Buddies

Healthy Mint Chocolate Protein Donuts

Healthy Lemon Blueberry Granola

5 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Healthy Dirt Cups (sugar free!)

If you normally reach for regular buttered popcorn, you have to give this sweet popcorn flavor a try! It tastes just like cinnamon toast crunch in popcorn form and it's made with nourishing ingredients, so no need to feel guilty about how much you eat!

Be sure to leave a star rating and review below if you try the recipe so other readers know how you liked it. I love seeing my recipes in you home!