Colorful Galaxy's Edge Popcorn

This Star Wars-inspired popcorn mix brings the flavors of Batuu right to your home kitchen. The colorful sweet and spicy combination mimics the famous Outpost Mix found at Kat Saka's Kettle in Galaxy's Edge at Disney parks, creating a snack that's visually stunning and bursting with unexpected flavor combinations.

I first made this during a Star Wars movie marathon with my nephews, and their faces lit up brighter than a lightsaber when they saw the colorful popcorn. Now it's our official movie night tradition whenever the saga continues.

Ingredients

• Mushroom popcorn kernels provide the ideal sturdy base for holding the sweet coatings without breaking
• Coconut oil delivers a subtle sweetness that enhances both the grape and cinnamon flavors
• Grape Purple Glaze Pop creates that signature purple color and sweet grape flavor iconic to the Disney version
• Red Hot Cinnamon Glaze Pop adds the spicy counterpoint that makes this mix addictively balanced
• Chili powder amplifies the heat element for those who want an extra kick of spice
• Salt balances the sweetness when added to the cinnamon popcorn for perfect flavor harmony

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Grape Popcorn

Heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil in Whirley Pop over medium heat without preheating the burner first. This prevents burning and ensures proper melting. Once oil is completely melted, immediately add 1/4 cup popcorn kernels and sprinkle the Grape Purple Glaze Pop directly over them. Close the lid securely and begin turning the crank continuously with a steady rhythm to prevent sticking and ensure even coating.

Monitor Popping Progression

Listen carefully as popping increases then peaks in a rapid succession of pops about 3 minutes into cooking. Remove from heat immediately after this popping "grand finale" slows to prevent burning the delicate glaze. Continue turning the crank for about 10 seconds after removing from heat to ensure the remaining heat doesn't burn the popcorn at the bottom.

Release and Cool Purple Batch

Gently shake the Whirley Pop from side to side to separate any clumps before carefully pouring the vibrant purple popcorn into a large bowl. The popcorn will have a beautiful candy coating and should separate into individual pieces as it cools slightly.

Clean Equipment Thoroughly

Wash the Whirley Pop immediately with warm soapy water to remove all traces of the grape glaze before it hardens. Dry completely with a towel to prevent any moisture from affecting the next batch. This step is crucial for flavor separation.

Create Cinnamon Popcorn

Repeat the exact same cooking process using the remaining 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1/4 cup popcorn kernels, and Red Hot Cinnamon Glaze Pop. The timing should be similar to the purple batch, requiring close attention during the final popping stage.

Season and Combine

While the red popcorn is still warm, sprinkle with chili powder and salt to taste, enhancing the spicy cinnamon flavor profile. Add this seasoned red batch to the bowl containing the purple popcorn and gently fold together with a large spoon until evenly distributed, creating a visually striking galaxy of colors.

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The specialized Glaze Pop products are what truly transform this from regular colored popcorn into something magical. When I first attempted this recipe with regular sugar and food coloring, the results were disappointing. Investing in these specific ingredients creates that authentic Disney experience that transports you straight to Black Spire Outpost.

Storage Secrets

The vibrantly colored popcorn maintains its best texture and flavor when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Unlike regular popcorn that might last a week, the sugar coating on this specialty popcorn means it should be consumed within three days for optimal enjoyment. Separate layers with parchment paper if stacking in storage containers to prevent the different flavors from sticking together too much. Avoid refrigeration as this can make the candy coating sticky and compromise the delightful crunch.

Ingredient Alternatives

If you cannot find Glaze Pop products, you can attempt a substitute by combining granulated sugar with food coloring and flavor extracts. Mix 3 tablespoons sugar with 1/4 teaspoon grape flavoring and purple food coloring for the purple batch. For the red cinnamon version, combine 3 tablespoons sugar with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon oil and red food coloring. These substitutions will not create the exact same candy shell but will provide similar flavors and colors. For those avoiding artificial colors, freeze dried fruit powders can create natural colorings though the vibrancy will be less dramatic.

Theme Park Connection

This colorful treat debuted when Star Wars Galaxy's Edge opened in both Disneyland and Disney World in 2019. In the Star Wars universe, Kat Saka is a Batuuan farmer who collects exotic spices and grains from across the galaxy to create her signature popcorn offerings. The Disney Imagineers specifically designed this unusual flavor combination to reinforce the alien world experience, giving guests something familiar yet distinctly different from Earth snacks. The original park version sometimes changes colors and flavors seasonally, but the sweet and spicy contrast remains the signature element.

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Recipe Q&A

→ What makes this popcorn different from regular popcorn?

This popcorn features two distinct flavors - grape purple and red hot cinnamon - combined to create a sweet and spicy mix. It uses mushroom popcorn kernels which pop into round shapes that hold the flavoring better, and specialized Glaze Pop coatings that create the distinctive colors and flavors found at Disney's Galaxy's Edge.

→ Can I make this without a Whirley Pop popcorn maker?

While a Whirley Pop is recommended for even coating and preventing burning, you could attempt this with a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. You'll need to shake the pot frequently to prevent burning and ensure even flavor distribution, though results may vary.

→ Where can I find the special Glaze Pop ingredients?

Grape Purple and Red Hot Cinnamon Glaze Pop can be found online through specialty popcorn suppliers, Amazon, or gourmet food stores. If unavailable, you could experiment with mixing powdered grape drink mix or cinnamon candy flavoring with sugar, though the authentic color and flavor would differ.

→ How long does this popcorn stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this flavored popcorn typically stays fresh for 2-3 days. The flavored coating helps preserve freshness longer than plain popcorn. For best results, cool completely before storing to prevent condensation that could make it soggy.

→ Can I make this more or less spicy?

Absolutely! The spice level is customizable by adjusting the amount of chili powder added to the red cinnamon portion. For a milder version, omit the chili powder entirely. For extra heat, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to create your preferred balance of sweet and spicy.

→ Why use mushroom popcorn kernels specifically?

Mushroom popcorn kernels pop into round, ball-like shapes rather than the irregular butterfly shapes of regular popcorn. This rounded structure provides more surface area for the flavoring to adhere to and makes the popcorn sturdier, preventing breakage when mixing the flavors together.