Easy Caramel Popcorn Balls Recipe: A Sweet and Crunchy Treat

Caramel popcorn balls are a classic treat that combines the irresistible flavor of caramel with the crunch of popcorn. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a fun snack, these treats are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Let's dive into a simple and delicious recipe for caramel popcorn balls.

Ingredients

For the Popcorn:

  • Popcorn Kernels: 1/2 cup (makes about 10-12 cups of popped popcorn)
  • Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (for popping the kernels)

caramel popcorn balls recipe easy

For the Caramel Sauce:

  • Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick)
  • Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed
  • Light Corn Syrup: 1/4 cup
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 can (14 ounces)
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

Step 1: Pop the Popcorn

  1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. Pop Kernels: Add the popcorn kernels to the pot, cover, and shake occasionally. Once the popping slows down, remove from heat and let it finish popping. Transfer the popped popcorn to a large mixing bowl, making sure to discard any unpopped kernels.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

  1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
  2. Add Ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar, light corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt.
  3. Cook Caramel: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes until the caramel reaches a thick, glossy consistency.
  4. Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Popcorn and Caramel

  1. Pour Caramel: Slowly pour the hot caramel sauce over the popped popcorn, stirring constantly to ensure all the popcorn is evenly coated.
  2. Cool Slightly: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, just enough to handle but not harden.

caramel popcorn balls recipe easy

Step 4: Form Popcorn Balls

  1. Grease Hands: Lightly grease your hands with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Shape Balls: Scoop a handful of the caramel-coated popcorn and press it together to form a ball. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Cool Completely: Let the popcorn balls cool completely at room temperature.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the caramel popcorn balls are fully cooled and set, they are ready to be enjoyed. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Tips for the Perfect Caramel Popcorn Balls

  • Uniform Size: Use an ice cream scoop to ensure all popcorn balls are the same size.
  • Mix-Ins: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or candy pieces to the popcorn before coating with caramel for extra flavor.
  • Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts (like almond or maple) in place of vanilla for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Caramel popcorn balls are a delightful treat that brings back nostalgic memories and creates new ones. This easy recipe ensures a fun and delicious snack that everyone will love. Whether for a holiday party or a simple family gathering, these caramel popcorn balls are sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and indulge in a sweet, crunchy delight!




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