Description
These Caramel Popcorn Balls are a sweet and crunchy treat perfect for snacking or sharing. With a rich caramel coating and a hint of vanilla, they’re an irresistible homemade dessert that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat.
Ingredients
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10 cups popped popcorn (I used Skinny Pop)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
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1 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1/4 cup light corn syrup
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Prepare the popcorn:
Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl, ensuring there are no unpopped kernels. Set aside. -
Make the caramel:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir constantly and bring to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, allow it to boil for 3-4 minutes without stirring. -
Add baking soda and vanilla:
Remove the caramel from heat and carefully stir in the baking soda (the mixture will bubble up). Add the vanilla extract and stir until the mixture is smooth. -
Coat the popcorn:
Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and gently stir until all the popcorn is evenly coated. -
Form the popcorn balls:
Once the caramel popcorn mixture is cool enough to handle, lightly butter your hands and shape the coated popcorn into balls, about the size of a tennis ball.
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Cool and serve:
Place the popcorn balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow them to cool completely before serving.
Notes
If you want a bit of extra flavor, feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of sea salt over the finished popcorn balls.If you want a bit of extra flavor, feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of sea salt over the finished popcorn balls.
You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the popcorn mixture for added texture and flavor.
These popcorn balls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Popcorn, Popcorn Balls, Sweet Snack, Homemade Popcorn, Caramel Treats