Description
Sweet caramel popcorn balls bring nostalgic carnival charm to homemade treats. Sticky kernels bind together with classic sugary magic, creating perfect handheld snacks for gatherings and celebrations you’ll adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons (90 ml) popcorn kernels
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- 1 cup (170 g) candy corn
- ½ cup (75 g) salted roasted peanuts
- 4 cups (160 g) mini marshmallows
Fats and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) peanut oil
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter
Cooking Accessories:
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot over medium heat, adding popcorn kernels and peanut oil. Sprinkle sugar evenly across the kernels. Cover with a tight lid and continuously shake the pot to prevent burning.
- Listen for popping sounds to slow down, indicating the popcorn is nearly complete. This process takes approximately 8 minutes. Quickly transfer the freshly popped corn to a cooking spray-coated large bowl.
- Gently fold candy corn and peanuts into the warm popcorn, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Clean the previous pot and return it to medium heat. Combine marshmallows and butter, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy liquid, which takes about 5 minutes.
- Carefully pour the molten marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and nut blend. Use a silicone spatula to coat every kernel thoroughly, creating an even, sticky layer.
- Lightly coat hands with cooking spray to prevent mixture from sticking. Once the mixture reaches a comfortable handling temperature, delicately shape into 3-inch (7.62 centimeters) spherical forms.
- Place formed popcorn balls onto parchment paper, allowing them to set and solidify at room temperature. The cooling process will help the balls maintain their structured shape.
Notes
- Cool Down Before Shaping: Wait a few minutes after mixing to let the marshmallow mixture slightly cool. This prevents burning your hands and helps the popcorn balls hold their shape perfectly.
- Coating Matters: Ensure every kernel gets completely covered with the sweet marshmallow mixture. Complete coverage means better-tasting and more cohesive popcorn balls.
- Ingredient Quality Counts: Select the freshest popcorn kernels and marshmallows available. Newer ingredients guarantee better texture, fluffier popping, and smoother melting.
- Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat while preparing the sugar and marshmallow mixture. Consistent temperature prevents burning and creates the ideal sticky coating for your treat.
- Storage Secrets: Place popcorn balls in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. Proper storage keeps them fresh and prevents sticking, ensuring delicious treats for several days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg