Description
Sweet caramel popcorn balls bring nostalgic carnival memories to your kitchen with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Crisp kernels coated in golden caramel create irresistible treats perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup unpopped kernels)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup light corn syrup
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Binding Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Sort through the popcorn, discarding any unpopped kernels and transferring the popped corn to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the caramel sauce by melting butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt, stirring consistently until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Allow the caramel to simmer for 5 minutes without disturbing, creating a rich, golden syrup that will bind the popcorn together.
- Remove the caramel from heat and vigorously whisk in vanilla extract and baking soda, which will cause the mixture to foam and become light and aerated.
- Gently drizzle the hot caramel over the popcorn, using a spatula to fold and coat every kernel thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of the sweet glaze.
- Wait approximately 3-4 minutes for the caramel to cool slightly, allowing for easier handling without burning your hands.
- Lightly grease your palms with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, then carefully form the caramel-coated popcorn into compact, uniform balls measuring 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Transfer the freshly shaped popcorn balls onto a parchment-lined surface, allowing them to cool and solidify completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure popcorn is completely free of unpopped kernels to prevent unexpected hard bites while enjoying the treat.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for even caramel cooking and prevent burning during the boiling process.
- Grease hands generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticky caramel from clinging and make shaping easier.
- For a gluten-free version, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially corn syrup and vanilla extract.
- Cool popcorn balls completely before storing to maintain their crisp texture and prevent moisture buildup.
- Experiment with adding chopped nuts or drizzling melted chocolate for gourmet variations of this classic snack.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent staleness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg