Best 12 Easy Caramel Popcorn Balls Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Caramel popcorn balls are a delightful and nostalgic treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a sweet snack to enjoy at home or a festive addition to your next party, these popcorn balls are sure to please. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create these delicious treats that are sure to be a hit with people of all ages. So gather your popcorn kernels, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla extract, and let's get started on making some easy caramel popcorn balls!

Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!

CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Caramel Popcorn Balls image

I've been a fan of popcorn since my mother used to grow corn in our garden. I've shared this special treat for years. Friends and family often request it during the holiday.-Anne Welsh, Greenwood, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Snacks

Time 20m

Yield 10 popcorn balls.

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 cups popped popcorn
3 cups crisp rice cereal
42 caramels
3 tablespoons water
1 cup salted peanuts
1/8 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Combine popcorn and cereal in a large bowl; set aside. , In a heavy saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe dish, heat caramels and water until the caramels are melted. Stir in peanuts and salt; mix well. Pour over popcorn mixture and toss to coat. , With buttered hands, shape into 3-in. balls. Reshape if necessary when partially cooled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320 calories, Fat 13g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 350mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (29g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Caramel Popcorn Balls image

Easy to make and delicious. Kids Love them.

Provided by Suzanne

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 7

5 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 ½ cups unpopped popcorn
¼ cup butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Add 1 tablespoon of the oil to a 4 quart saucepan, and heat over high heat. When oil is hot, add 1/2 cup of popping corn. Keep pan moving constantly. When corn stops popping, remove from heat. Place popped corn in oven to keep warm. Repeat until all corn has been popped. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan with a candy thermometer inserted, combine butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Stir well and bring to boiling over medium heat. Stir in condensed milk; simmer, stirring constantly, until thermometer reads 238 degrees F (114 degrees C). Stir in vanilla.
  • Pour caramel over popped corn and stir to coat. Butter hands lightly; shape popcorn into balls about 3 1/2 inches in diameter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 322.1 calories, Carbohydrate 54.8 g, Cholesterol 12.8 mg, Fat 10.4 g, Fiber 4.9 g, Protein 5.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 51 mg, Sugar 25 g

CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Caramel Popcorn Balls image

The kids love helping me make these. They are wonderful for school party treats. Also, you can add almonds or peanuts for an extra flair.

Provided by Mom2Eight

Categories     Dessert

Time 30m

Yield 12 balls

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 -10 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup water
2 teaspoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter

Steps:

  • Put popped corn in large bowl. Combine sugars, syrup, water, vinegar and salt in a 2 quart sauce pan. Heat to boiling over medium high heat, stirring frequently. Once it starts boiling stir constantly until small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water forms a ball (hard ball stage). Reduce heat to low and stir in butter until melted. Pour syrup over popcorn in bowl, stirring until well coated. Let cool slightly. Butter hands and shape into balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 305.8, Fat 8, SaturatedFat 4.9, Cholesterol 20.3, Sodium 190.9, Carbohydrate 61.3, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 42.7, Protein 0.8

CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Caramel Popcorn Balls image

These caramel popcorn balls are made in the microwave in just 15 minutes! Covered in sweet, gooey caramel and perfectly chewy and crunchy.

Provided by Jamielyn Nye

Categories     Dessert

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 7

10-12 cups popped popcorn (, I used skinny pop)
1/2 cup butter (, cut into pieces )
1 cup light brown sugar (, packed )
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch salt

Steps:

  • Lay a piece of wax or parchment paper on the counter or on a baking sheet. Place popped popcorn in a large bowl. Set aside.
  • Place butter, brown sugar and corn syrup in a microwave safe bowl. Cook for one minute. Stir and cook two additional minutes for chewy popcorn balls. If you like crunchy popcorn balls, cook an additional minute. Remove from microwave. Stir in vanilla and baking soda.
  • Pour caramel over popcorn and stir until well coated. Allow to cool slightly.
  • Grease hands with butter (or use wax paper or gloves) and shape the popcorn into 2-inch balls. Wrap each ball with plastic wrap or store in a zip top bag or airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 popcorn ball, Calories 97 kcal, Carbohydrate 15 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 4 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 62 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 12 g

CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Caramel Popcorn Balls image

Your Halloween party needs these sweet and crunchy popcorn balls from Food Network.

Provided by Marcela Valladolid

Categories     dessert

Time 35m

Yield 6 to 8 popcorn balls

Number Of Ingredients 12

Chocolate sprinkles
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Melted chocolate
Rainbow sprinkles
Mini chocolate chips
Chopped nuts
Nonstick cooking spray
1 bag plain microwave popcorn
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup honey

Steps:

  • Grease a large mixing bowl and baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the popcorn according to packaging instructions and dump into the prepared mixing bowl. Combine the brown sugar, honey and butter in a medium heavy pot and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it boils. Continue to cook, stirring only occasionally, to prevent it from sticking, until a sugar thermometer inserted reaches 300 degrees F, about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the baking soda and salt, stirring rapidly. Immediately pour the caramel over the popcorn, tossing to coat. Cool until the mixture is cool enough for handling, about 5 minutes. Using a bowl of water to dampen hands, shape the popcorn into balls about 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the caramel popcorn balls on the prepared baking sheet and pierce with a lollipop stick or skewer.
  • Then drizzle the popcorn balls with the melted chocolate and decorate.

EASY CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Easy Caramel Popcorn Balls image

These popcorn balls are heavenly! Everyone I've shared them with becomes hooked instantly!

Provided by redamber

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 (2.9 ounce) bags microwave popcorn, popped
1 cup brown sugar
⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ cup corn syrup
¼ cup butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Pour popcorn into a large bowl.
  • Combine brown sugar, condensed milk, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until a candy thermometer reads 234 degrees F (112 degrees C), about 5 minutes. Pour over popcorn; stir to coat evenly.
  • Scoop some of the popcorn mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gather and twist the plastic wrap to shape into a ball. Place popcorn ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; repeat with remaining mixture. Let cool until set, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300.1 calories, Carbohydrate 49.5 g, Cholesterol 15.9 mg, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 244.1 mg, Sugar 30.9 g

GRANDMA'S CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Grandma's Caramel Popcorn Balls image

My mom made these delicious popcorn balls when I was growing up. While doing my Christmas candy and cookie baking, I came across her recipe. I made the family recipe for the first time this year. My daughters, grown with their own families, asked why I hadn't made these sooner. Thirty plus years later, this recipe will now be a family tradition at Christmas.

Provided by Kim1520

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 quarts popped popcorn
2 cups evaporated milk
2 cups white sugar
1 cup dark corn syrup (such as Karo®)
1 cup margarine
⅛ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Sort through popcorn, discarding unpopped kernels.
  • Combine evaporated milk, sugar, corn syrup, margarine, and salt in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; stir constantly until caramel reaches 246 degrees F (119 degrees C) on a candy thermometer, about 5 minutes.
  • Pour some popcorn into a very large bowl. Pour in some of the caramel; stir until evenly coated. Add remaining popcorn and caramel in batches, stirring well after each addition.
  • Scoop some of the popcorn mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gather and twist the plastic wrap to gently shape into a ball. Place popcorn ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; repeat with remaining mixture. Let cool until set, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340.2 calories, Carbohydrate 43.2 g, Cholesterol 7.3 mg, Fat 18.5 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.9 g, Sodium 356.8 mg, Sugar 27.1 g

CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS, HOMEMADE AND OLD FASHIONED



Caramel Popcorn Balls, Homemade and Old Fashioned image

These old-fashioned Halloween treats are surprisingly easy to make and oh so yummy! The shown weight of the popcorn pkg is a guess, just use standard size pkg's.

Provided by Annacia

Categories     Dessert

Time 35m

Yield 1 big batch

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 (3 ounce) bags microwave popcorn, naturally-flavored
1/4 cup butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Pop corn in the microwave using package's directions one bag at a time, removing any unpopped kernels.
  • popped corn in warm (not hot) oven to keep warm and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan with a candy thermometer inserted, combine butter, sugar, and corn syrup.
  • Stir well and bring to boiling over medium heat.
  • Stir in condensed milk; simmer, stirring constantly, until thermometer reads 238 degrees F (114 degrees C).
  • Stir in vanilla.
  • Pour caramel over popped corn and stir to coat.
  • Butter hands lightly; shape popcorn into balls about 3 1/2 inches in diameter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 3375.8, Fat 75.7, SaturatedFat 41.8, Cholesterol 191.4, Sodium 852.4, Carbohydrate 657.2, Fiber 37.1, Sugar 372.6, Protein 50

KRAFT CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Kraft Caramel Popcorn Balls image

Make and share this Kraft Caramel Popcorn Balls recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Ann McMaster

Categories     Dessert

Time 10m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

28 Kraft caramels
2 tablespoons water
2 quarts popped corn, salted

Steps:

  • Melt caramels with water over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  • Pour over popped corn; toss until well coated.
  • With hands slightly moistened with cold water, form into balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 265.6, Fat 10.2, SaturatedFat 2.2, Cholesterol 3.3, Sodium 270.8, Carbohydrate 42.9, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 30.9, Protein 3.2

EASY CARAMEL POPCORN



Easy Caramel Popcorn image

This is habit-forming, it is soooo good and so simple to make, you can also use unskinned almonds or use whatever nut you desire --- you may also add 1/3 cup molasses for a stronger caramel flavor :)

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 8

24 cups popped corn (1 cup unpopped)
1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups whole peanuts (or use both) or 1 1/2 cups unsalted walnut halves (or use both)

Steps:

  • Set oven to 250 degrees F.
  • Put the popped corn in a large bowl.
  • Melt the margarine (or butter) stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt; bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  • Then boil for 5 minutes WITHOUT stirring (this is important DO NOT stir for 5 minutes!).
  • Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla.
  • Add in the nuts and stir to combine.
  • Pour the mixture over popped corn in bowl; mix well with a wooden spoon to combine.
  • Transfer to a large greased roasting pan, and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove from oven then cool.
  • Break into pieces.
  • Store in a tightly covered tin box.
  • Delicious!

BACON-CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Bacon-Caramel Popcorn Balls image

Have you ever been eating caramel popcorn and thought "This is good, but I wish it had pieces of bacon and I could play catch with it?" Well, then you'll love this easy-to-make, sweet, and savory treat. Wrap any leftover balls individually in plastic, and store in an airtight container.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Popcorn Candy

Time 50m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 7

12 ounces bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
8 cups popped popcorn
½ cup white sugar
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 pinch salt
4 teaspoons water, at room temperature
1 teaspoon unsalted butter, softened

Steps:

  • Cook bacon in a pan over medium heat until all the fat has rendered out, and all the pieces are well browned and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer into a strainer set over a bowl to catch the excess grease. Let bacon cool to room temperature.
  • Place popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Add cooled bacon and mix lightly until evenly distributed. Set aside until needed.
  • Pour white sugar into a small saucepan and set over medium heat. As soon as the sugar begins to melt and turn clear around the edges, carefully shake and swirl the pan. Do not try to stir the sugar with a utensil! Just occasionally shake and swirl the pan, which will mix the still granulated sugar into the melted sugar.
  • When almost all the sugar is melted, and the mixture is turning a light amber color, reduce the heat to low.
  • Once all the sugar is melted, turn off the heat, and add cold butter cubes to the pan all at once. Carefully shake and swirl the pan until the butter melts into the sugar. Do not use a whisk yet.
  • Add water and salt and use a whisk to mix until a smooth, thin caramel sauce forms. Some of the sugar may temporarily harden when you add the water, but just keep whisking until everything dissolves and you've achieved a smooth sauce. If it's not melting, turn the heat on low, and continue until it does.
  • Remove from heat and quickly, but carefully, drizzle caramel sauce over the bacon and popcorn while tossing with a lightly buttered spatula. Continue tossing until the popcorn is evenly coated with the caramel.
  • Lightly butter your hands, and as soon as the mixture has cooled down enough to stick together, form it into balls. Don't squeeze the balls too hard as you form them, or you will compress the popcorn and it will not be as light in texture. Transfer balls to a pan to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 716.7 calories, Carbohydrate 128.4 g, Cholesterol 19.4 mg, Fat 15.1 g, Fiber 23.3 g, Protein 23.7 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 279.6 mg, Sugar 12.1 g

GRANDMA'S CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Grandma's Caramel Popcorn Balls image

This was one of my favorite treats that my grandmother used to make for me and my brother. This is the exact recipe that I just inherited from my grandmother along with many other wonderful recipes I will be posting.

Provided by ChipotleChick

Categories     Dessert

Time 35m

Yield 15 balls, 15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 tablespoons butter or 4 tablespoons margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
7 1/2 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
5 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • Combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
  • Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Stir in condensed milk.
  • Simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a soft ball in cold water (takes just a few minutes). It will be between 234-238 degrees farenheit on a candy thermometer.
  • Stir in vanilla and remove from heat.
  • Pour over the popped popcorn and stir well.
  • Butter your hands lightly, and shape the popcorn into balls about 3 1/2 inches in diameter.
  • Makes about 15 balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 202.2, Fat 4.8, SaturatedFat 2.8, Cholesterol 13, Sodium 57.1, Carbohydrate 39.2, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 25.1, Protein 2.5

Tips:

  • Use fresh popcorn for the best flavor and texture.
  • Make sure the caramel is cooked to the right temperature.
  • Use a large pot to make the caramel so that it doesn't boil over.
  • Stir the caramel constantly to prevent it from burning.
  • Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the caramel.
  • Work quickly when adding the popcorn to the caramel, as it will start to harden quickly.
  • Use a large spoon or spatula to coat the popcorn evenly with the caramel.
  • Shape the popcorn balls into desired sizes and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  • Let the popcorn balls cool completely before serving.

Conclusion:

Caramel popcorn balls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a quick snack. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make these delicious treats that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a sweet and satisfying snack, give caramel popcorn balls a try. You won't be disappointed!

Related Topics