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Caramel Popcorn Balls Recipe

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3.8 from 3 reviews

This recipe for Caramel Popcorn Balls offers a delightful sweet treat made by coating popped popcorn with a rich, buttery caramel mixture. Quick to prepare and perfect for snacking or gifting, these popcorn balls combine the perfect chewiness and flavor with simple ingredients and microwave cooking.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 24 popcorn balls
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Microwaving
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Popcorn

  • 10 cups popped popcorn (e.g., Skinny Pop)

Caramel Sauce

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare: Lay a piece of wax or parchment paper on the counter or on a baking sheet to place the popcorn balls later. Place 10 cups of popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Make caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup light corn syrup. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving for 2 more minutes to achieve a chewy caramel texture. For crunchier popcorn balls, microwave an additional 1 minute. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda until fully incorporated.
  3. Coat popcorn: Pour the hot caramel mixture over the popped popcorn. Stir thoroughly until all the popcorn is evenly coated with the caramel. Allow the mixture to cool slightly to make it easier to handle.
  4. Shape popcorn balls: Grease your hands with butter, or use wax paper or gloves to prevent the sticky caramel from adhering. Shape the coated popcorn into 2-inch diameter balls. Wrap each popcorn ball individually in plastic wrap or store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be kept for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Use freshly popped popcorn without unpopped kernels for best results.
  • Adjust microwave cooking time if needed to achieve your preferred texture—less time for chewy, more for crunchy.
  • Greasing hands is essential to prevent sticking while shaping the balls.
  • Popcorn balls can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
  • For a gluten-free treat, ensure the popcorn and all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/caramel-popcorn-balls-recipe/