Description
These homemade Caramel Popcorn Balls are a sweet, crunchy treat combining fluffy popcorn with a rich, buttery caramel coating. Perfectly sweetened with brown sugar and enhanced with vanilla, these easy-to-make snacks are ideal for parties, holidays, or anytime you crave a nostalgic candy treat.
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 the baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Set aside to use later for cooling the popcorn balls.
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir constantly to ensure it melts evenly without burning.
- Add sugar, syrup, and salt: Mix in the packed light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and a pinch of salt with the melted butter. Continue stirring to combine all ingredients smoothly.
- Boil the caramel: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, let it cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes, until it reaches a light caramel color, indicating it’s ready.
- Add baking soda and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The caramel will foam up, which is normal and helps create a light texture.
- Coat the popcorn: Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the 10 cups of popped popcorn in a large bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently but thoroughly coat all the popcorn evenly.
- Shape the popcorn balls: Allow the coated popcorn to cool slightly until it is safe to handle. Grease your hands with butter or oil to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into balls about 3 inches in diameter.
- Set the popcorn balls: Place the formed popcorn balls on the prepared baking sheet. Let them cool completely to set and harden before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly popped popcorn without any added butter or salt.
- Greasing your hands well is key to shaping the popcorn balls without them sticking.
- Store popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and crunchy.
- To make smaller or larger popcorn balls, adjust the size accordingly but keep in mind the cooking and setting times stay the same.
