Description
These homemade Caramel Popcorn Balls are a deliciously sweet and crunchy treat perfect for snack time or parties. Made with simple ingredients like popped popcorn, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla, this recipe coats the popcorn in a luscious caramel sauce that hardens into irresistible balls. Easy to make in just 20 minutes, these caramel popcorn balls are a fun and festive way to enjoy a classic sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Popcorn
- 10 cups popped popcorn (e.g., Skinny Pop)
Caramel Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the popcorn balls from sticking. Set aside for later use.
- Melt butter and combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and a pinch of salt, mixing until fully combined.
- Boil caramel mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Once boiling, allow it to cook, without stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes until it reaches a light caramel color.
- Add baking soda and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up due to the baking soda activation.
- Coat popcorn: Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn in a large bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to carefully but thoroughly coat all the popcorn with the caramel.
- Shape popcorn balls: Allow the coated popcorn to cool slightly until it’s safe to handle. Grease your hands with butter or oil to prevent sticking, then shape the popcorn into balls about 3 inches in diameter.
- Cool and set: Place the popcorn balls onto the prepared baking sheet and let them cool completely to set the caramel and harden the shape.
Notes
- Use freshly popped popcorn without unpopped kernels for best results.
- Greasing your hands well is key to shaping the popcorn balls easily without the caramel sticking.
- Store the caramel popcorn balls in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming sticky.
- If you prefer a softer caramel, reduce the boiling time slightly.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped nuts to the popcorn before adding caramel.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
