caramel popcorn balls recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best caramel popcorn balls recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes, caramel popcorn balls. This sweet and salty treat has been a staple in our household for years, and I just can’t get enough of it. The combination of crunchy popcorn, sticky caramel, and a hint of vanilla is absolute perfection.

My kids love helping me make these in the kitchen, and they’re always a hit at family gatherings or as a quick snack after school. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. As an added bonus, caramel popcorn balls are a great way to use up leftover popcorn from movie nights or parties.

Simply melt some caramel in a saucepan, add in your desired mix-ins, and then shape the mixture into balls. Let them cool and harden before serving, and you’ve got a delicious and unique treat that’s perfect for any occasion. But what I think really sets caramel popcorn balls apart is the way they make you feel.

There’s something so nostalgic about biting into one of these chewy treats that just transports me back to my childhood. It’s like a taste of pure happiness in every bite. So if you’re looking for a fun and easy recipe to try with your family, look no further than caramel popcorn balls.

Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Caramel Popcorn Balls

4.9 from 1239 votes

Crunchy popcorn coated in a buttery caramel sauce and shaped into balls. These sweet treats are perfect for parties, holidays, or a fun snack.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Popcorn

12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 250°F.
2Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
3Place the popped popcorn in a very large bowl, removing any unpopped kernels.
4Set the bowl aside.
5In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
6Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to boil.
7Once boiling, stop stirring and let the mixture cook for 4 minutes without stirring.
8If using a candy thermometer, cook until the mixture reaches 250°F (hard ball stage).
9Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract.
10The mixture will foam up slightly.
11Pour the hot caramel over the popcorn and stir gently with a wooden spoon until all popcorn is evenly coated.
12Be careful not to crush the popcorn.
13Spread the coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
14Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the caramel is set and the popcorn is golden.
15Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes, until just cool enough to handle.
16Lightly butter your hands and shape the warm popcorn into 3-inch balls, pressing gently to hold together.
17Place the finished popcorn balls on a wire rack to cool completely.
18Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Candy thermometer (optional)
Large bowl
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 9g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 24g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

For best results, use fresh popcorn and work quickly while the caramel is still warm. If the mixture hardens too much, reheat in the oven at 250°F for a few minutes to soften.

Watch Video Of How Caramel Popcorn Balls Works

Caramel popcorn balls are one of those treats that are perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday party, or just a quick snack after school. They’re also incredibly easy to make and can be customized with all sorts of different flavors or mix-ins.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with only a few ingredients and no added preservatives, these treats are actually pretty healthy compared to some other snack options out there. To store your leftover caramel popcorn balls (and trust me, they’ll be leftover!)

, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating frozen caramel popcorn balls, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds until soft again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Popcorn Balls

What is the best type of popcorn to use for this recipe?

I recommend using a neutral-tasting popcorn variety, such as white or yellow popcorn. This will help the flavor of the caramel shine through without any competition from the popcorn itself.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?

While it’s technically possible to use store-bought caramel sauce, I highly recommend making your own from scratch for the best flavor and texture. Plus, it’s really not that much harder to make your own caramel than it is to grab a jar off the shelf!

How do I keep my caramel popcorn balls fresh for longer?

To keep your caramel popcorn balls fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for longer than that, consider freezing them – they’ll stay good for up to 2 months in the freezer!

Can I customize this recipe with different flavors or mix-ins?

Absolutely! Caramel popcorn balls are super versatile and can be customized with all sorts of different flavors or mix-ins. Some ideas include adding nuts like almonds or pecans, using different types of chocolate chips or chunks, or even adding dried fruit like cranberries or cherries.

How do I reheat my caramel popcorn balls if they get hard?

If your caramel popcorn balls get hard after being stored at room temperature for too long, simply place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften them up again.

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