By a Pro: Gourmet Sweet Popcorn | Unusual Dessert Table Food

the idea

From banana pudding and birthday cake, to pumpkin spice and cookies & cream, these gourmet sweet popcorn flavors will ensure this ‘filler’ option is anything but dull

cinnamon bun flavored gourmet sweet popcorn

apple pie flavored gourmet sweet popcorn

the how

Choose size from 7 oz to 3 gallon bags
Choose from flavors including cinnamon french toast, caramel cappuccino, key lime, toasted marshmallow, maple pancake, s’mores, cereal & milk, strawberries & cream, chocolate & banana, and more

birthday cake flavored gourmet sweet popcorn

the why

This Idea

Original; guests are often impressed by, and grateful for, something new or different
Entertaining; quirky and unexpected treats / flavors are fun for guests
Surprising; unexpected treats / flavors ensure your dessert table feels fresh and exciting
Experiential; tasting strange, unconventional, or adventurous treats / flavor combinations creates a memorable experience for party guests
Unusual; whether they love it or hate it, they certainly won’t be bored by it
Creative; adds a creative twist to familiar or everyday treats and ‘filler’ items
Refreshing; unusual flavors can make less special treats more appealing
Wow-factor; lends a fun, exciting, and innovative feel to your dessert table
Discovery; allows guests to keep discovering new and notable elements as party unfolds
Talking point; guests will discuss and share, which creates buzz and atmosphere
Memorable; guests remember creative, unusual, or unexpected elements
Different; a less common dessert table treat to impress guests

pumpkin spice flavored gourmet sweet popcorn

white chocolate salted caramel flavored gourmet sweet popcorn

the why

variety of dessert table treats

Feeding v Entertaining; special event party food should have two objectives:
Feeding; 70% should be crowd-pleasing, familiar, and palatable ‘safe’ options intended to leave guests feeling well-fed
Entertaining; 30% should be to treat your guests, surprise them, indulge them, impress them, share experiences with them, and even help them discover new things
Unusual; 10% of that 30% should be quirky, unfamiliar, adventurous, fun treats that get people talking
Visual; 10% of that 30% should be visually arresting treats that contribute to presentation and add wow factor
Favorite things; 10% of that 30% should be treats that reflect your own personality and taste

strawberry shortcake flavored gourmet sweet popcorn

peppermint bark flavored gourmet sweet popcorn

ADVICE FROM A PRO

Matt’s tip

“For quirky and unusual treats like this, that lots of party guests will likely want to try, I’d recommend serving them in a way that helps controls portion size.

If you just put these out in a bowl, guest are likely to scoop up handfuls, and there might not be enough to go around.

One way to do this is to serve in disposable treat cones (see my post here), treat cups (see here), or mini tasting bowls (see here).

For a bit of fun , you could display with food tents that read ‘Guess the Flavor’ on the outside face and the answer written on the inside.

Be sure to check out my other posts about gourmet savory popcorn and boozy liquor popcorn“.