Description
Sweet caramel popcorn balls deliver nostalgic carnival magic with crispy, buttery kernels bound by golden syrup. Sticky clusters of homemade goodness invite you to indulge in this classic treat that sparks childhood memories.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup unpopped kernels)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup light corn syrup
Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredient:
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Meticulously sift through the popped kernels, discarding any unpopped or burnt pieces to ensure a pristine base for the caramel coating.
- Construct the caramel foundation by melting butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth, golden base.
- Introduce brown sugar, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt to the melted butter, stirring consistently as the mixture transforms into a bubbling, rich caramel.
- Allow the caramel to reach a rolling boil without disturbing its surface, letting the ingredients meld and intensify for approximately 5 minutes.
- Remove the caramel from heat and infuse it with vanilla extract, then swiftly incorporate baking soda, watching the mixture expand and become delightfully airy and light.
- Gently cascade the molten caramel over the prepared popcorn, using a spatula to ensure each kernel receives an even, glistening coating.
- Pause momentarily to let the mixture cool slightly, preventing potential burns during the shaping process.
- Lubricate hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, then carefully mold the caramel-coated popcorn into compact spheres, roughly 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
- Transfer the freshly formed popcorn balls onto a parchment-lined surface, allowing them to cool and solidify completely before indulging in their sweet, crunchy goodness.
Notes
- Always remove unpopped kernels to prevent unexpected crunchy surprises and potential dental mishaps while enjoying your caramel popcorn balls.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise caramel consistency, ensuring your mixture reaches the perfect golden-brown color without burning.
- Grease hands generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticky caramel from clinging to your fingers during ball formation.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the corn syrup and vanilla extract.
- Store popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crispy texture and sweet caramel coating.
- Create variation by adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch and flavor complexity.
- Cool popcorn balls completely on parchment paper to prevent them from sticking and maintain their perfect spherical shape.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 303
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 56 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 33 mg