Caramel Popcorn Balls Easy Recipe: A Sweet and Simple Delight

Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade caramel popcorn balls with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests at parties, these caramel popcorn balls are sure to be a hit. Let's dive into the simple steps to create this delightful treat.

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

• 10 cups of popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

2. Prepare Your Popcorn

Pop your popcorn using your preferred method, whether it's on the stovetop, in an air popper, or in the microwave. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels and transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

3. Make the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, unsalted butter, and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Once boiling, continue to cook, without stirring, for about 4-5 minutes, or until the mixture reaches a deep golden caramel color.

4. Add Vanilla Extract

Once the caramel sauce reaches the desired color, remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up when the vanilla is added. Stir until the vanilla extract is fully incorporated into the caramel sauce.

5. Coat the Popcorn

Pour the hot caramel sauce over the popped popcorn in the mixing bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss the popcorn until it is evenly coated with the caramel sauce. Be careful as the caramel sauce will be hot.

6. Form the Popcorn Balls

Once the popcorn is evenly coated with caramel sauce, lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Take small handfuls of the caramel-coated popcorn and press them together firmly to form balls. Place the popcorn balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set.

7. Enjoy Your Caramel Popcorn Balls

Allow the caramel popcorn balls to cool completely before serving or storing. Once cooled and set, enjoy these sweet and crunchy treats as a snack or dessert. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or cellophane for a fun and portable treat for parties or on-the-go snacking.

Conclusion

With this easy caramel popcorn balls recipe, you can create a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're craving a sweet snack or looking for a fun and festive dessert to share with friends and family, these caramel popcorn balls are sure to satisfy. Follow the simple steps outlined above and indulge in the sweet, crunchy goodness of homemade caramel popcorn balls.