Homemade Sweet Caramel Popcorn Balls Recipe: A Fun Treat!

Crisp autumn nights call for nostalgic caramel popcorn balls that dance with sugary memories.

These delectable treats blend salty crunch with rich, golden caramel in every delightful bite.

Kernels pop and transform into a sweet sensation that kids and adults can’t resist.

Each ball carries a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that makes snack time extraordinary.

Drizzled with warm caramel and shaped with care, these homemade treats bring comfort and joy to any gathering.

The simple ingredients and easy process make this recipe a delightful adventure for home cooks.

Roll up your sleeves and create a batch of these irresistible caramel popcorn balls!

Tools for Rolling and Shaping Sweet Popcorn

• Large mixing bowl: For preparing and tossing popcorn with caramel.
• Saucepan: To cook caramel mixture over medium heat.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring caramel and coating popcorn evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure ingredients.
• Parchment paper: For cooling and setting popcorn balls.
• Cooking spray or butter: To grease hands when shaping balls.

How to Make Sticky, Chewy Caramel Popcorn Balls

• Clear the Stage

Remove any unpopped kernels from the popcorn and set them aside, ensuring a smooth popping experience.

• Craft the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Blend in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Allow it to bubble without stirring for about 5 minutes, creating a rich, golden caramel base.

• Enhance the Flavor

Take the pan off the heat and fold in vanilla and baking soda. Watch the mixture transform with magical bubbling action, creating a light and airy caramel coating.

• Transform the Popcorn

Pour the hot caramel over the popcorn, using a spatula to ensure every kernel gets a delicious golden embrace. Mix thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with sweet, sticky goodness.

• Shape and Celebrate

Once the mixture cools slightly, grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Gently form the caramel-coated popcorn into delightful balls, about the size of a tennis ball. Place them on parchment paper to cool completely before devouring.

Add-Ins That Take This Snack to Another Level

• Let the caramel boil exactly 5 minutes for the perfect sticky texture that helps popcorn balls hold together without being too hard or too soft.
• Always grease hands with butter or cooking spray before shaping balls to prevent sticky caramel from clinging to your fingers and ensure smooth, easy formation.
• Use certified gluten-free corn syrup and verify all ingredients to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Wrap individual popcorn balls in wax paper or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together, keeping them delicious for 3-4 days at room temperature.
• Create smaller popcorn balls for children or add colorful sprinkles on top to make them more appealing and fun for young snackers.

Serve Popcorn Balls at Parties or Halloween

• Sweet Picnic Delights: Pack these caramel popcorn balls in individual wax paper wrappers for a charming outdoor treat that's perfect for summer gatherings.
• Movie Night Magic: Create a fun dessert platter with these caramel popcorn balls alongside chocolate drizzles or colorful sprinkles for extra excitement.
• Game Day Snack Station: Arrange popcorn balls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of nuts and candies, making a shareable spread that's sure to impress sports fans.
• Kid-Friendly Party Favor: Wrap each popcorn ball in clear cellophane with a ribbon, transforming them into adorable take-home treats for birthday parties or school events.

Storage Tips to Keep Popcorn Balls Intact

• Let popcorn balls rest on parchment paper at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure they set perfectly without falling apart.
• Keep caramel popcorn balls in a sealed container between layers of wax paper at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crispy texture.
• Wrap individual popcorn balls in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Prepare caramel popcorn balls a day in advance and store in a cool, dry place. This allows flavors to meld and makes party prep easier.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 12

Caramel Popcorn Ball Ingredient Guide

• Popcorn Kernels: Select fresh, high-quality kernels for the best flavor and crunch; ensures uniform popping and smooth ball formation.
• Vegetable Oil or Cooking Spray: Helps prevent popcorn from sticking and facilitates smooth popping process.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create smooth caramel texture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, molasses-like sweetness and contributes to caramel's golden color.
• Corn Syrup: Creates smooth, glossy caramel and prevents sugar crystallization.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, complex undertone to the caramel.
• Baking Soda: Creates light, airy texture in caramel and helps with volume.

• Parchment Paper: Provides clean surface for cooling and prevents sticking.
• Butter or Cooking Spray: Helps prevent hands from sticking while shaping popcorn balls.

Sweet Caramel Popcorn Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Sweet caramel popcorn balls deliver a nostalgic crunch that blends childhood memories with gourmet charm. Sticky kernels bound together by golden caramel create an irresistible treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup / 120 ml unpopped kernels)
• 1 cup / 227 g unsalted butter
• 2 cups / 400 g light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup / 120 ml light corn syrup
• ½ tsp / 2.5 ml salt
• 1 tsp / 5 ml vanilla extract
• ½ tsp / 2.5 ml baking soda

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Instructions

1. Kernel Preparation: Meticulously sift through popcorn, eliminating unpopped kernels and setting aside the perfect batch.
2. Caramel Crafting: In a saucepan, gently melt butter over medium heat, then incorporate brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, stirring consistently for 5 minutes without interruption.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Remove caramel from heat, vigorously stirring in vanilla and baking soda until the mixture transforms into a light, frothy concoction that bubbles with anticipation.
4. Popcorn Transformation: Drizzle the molten caramel over the prepared popcorn, using a spatula to ensure each kernel is lavishly and uniformly coated with the golden-brown glaze.
5. Artisan Shaping: Once the mixture slightly cools, lubricate hands with butter or cooking spray, then skillfully mold the caramel-kissed popcorn into compact, uniform spheres roughly 2-3 inches in diameter.
6. Cooling and Presentation: Arrange the freshly formed popcorn orbs on parchment paper, allowing them to cool completely before serving these delectable, glossy treats.

Notes

• Remove all unpopped kernels before coating to prevent unexpected hard bites and ensure smooth eating experience.
• Watch the sugar mixture carefully during boiling to prevent burning; use a candy thermometer for consistent results around 250-255°F.
• Always grease hands thoroughly with butter or cooking spray when shaping balls to prevent sticky caramel from clinging and burning fingers.
• Wrap individual popcorn balls in wax paper or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together, keeping them crisp for several days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg