Best 8 Grandmas Caramel Popcorn Balls Recipes

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Are you craving a sweet and nostalgic treat that will remind you of grandma's kitchen? Look no further than the classic caramel popcorn balls! These delightful treats are made with just a few simple ingredients and are sure to bring a smile to your face. With their crunchy popcorn centers and gooey caramel coating, these popcorn balls are the perfect snack for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary journey to create these timeless treats that will surely become a family favorite.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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

GRAMMY CARL'S POPCORN BALLS



Grammy Carl's Popcorn Balls image

Provided by Nancy Fuller

Categories     dessert

Time 50m

Yield 16 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

10 cups (4.4 ounces) popped popcorn
1 cup molasses
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for coating hands
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Steps:

  • Line a baking sheet with wax paper; set aside. Place the popcorn in a large bowl; set aside.
  • In a heavy medium pot, stir to combine the molasses, sugar, butter and vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the mixture reaches 260 degrees F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer, 5 to 8 minutes. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then pour over the popcorn; fold and mix to coat using a rubber spatula. Let the popcorn cool slightly.
  • Coat your hands well with butter and form the popcorn mixture into 1/2-cup balls, squeezing to keep the popcorn together. Place on the prepared baking sheet and let sit until completely cooled and hardened, about 20 minutes.

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.

GRANDPA'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandpa's Popcorn Balls image

Great, Great Grandpa Apell had a huge farm in Illinois with prize-winning corn. He made Popcorn Balls for all the Grandkids at Christmastime. He lived to be 106 and claimed workin' the farm and eatin' corn was the secret! This recipe is delicious!

Provided by 3KIDS5

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
½ cup butter
¼ cup water
salt to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
5 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water. Stir and heat to hard-crack stage or 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove from heat, add vanilla or vinegar; mix well.
  • Pour slowly over popped popcorn while stirring. Wait 5 minutes and shape into 3 inch round balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 457.7 calories, Carbohydrate 75.1 g, Cholesterol 24.4 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 317 mg, Sugar 48.9 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

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

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

GRANDMA'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandma's Popcorn Balls image

My Grandma made the BEST popcorn balls every year for Halloween. Everybody wanted her recipe and lucky me - I got it 30 years before she passed away. Now that I am a Grandma of 3, I look forward to making these for my grand children.

Provided by CindiJ

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 7m

Yield 12 balls, approx.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup sugar
1 cup Karo light corn syrup
2/3 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
4 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • In large pot mix well the sugar, Kayro syrup, vinegar and bring to boil. Continue until mixture reaches the Hard Crack Stage on candy thermometer.
  • Remove from heat and quickly stir in popped popcorn. Butter your hands and scoop enough coated mixture to form baseball sized balls.
  • You have to work quickly as the coating will harden very fast. When cooled, wrap in wax paper, twisting to close.
  • Preparation and cooking time does not include time to pop popcorn.
  • Cooking time varies with weather conditions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 197.1, Fat 1.5, SaturatedFat 0.7, Cholesterol 2.5, Sodium 25.6, Carbohydrate 46.8, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 24.4, Protein 1.4

Tips for Making Grandma's Caramel Popcorn Balls

  • Use fresh popcorn. Stale popcorn will not hold together well and will make for a less flavorful treat.
  • Cook the caramel to the right temperature. The caramel should be cooked to a temperature of 240°F (115°C). This will ensure that it is thick and gooey, and will hold the popcorn balls together.
  • Work quickly. The caramel will start to set as soon as it is removed from the heat, so it is important to work quickly to form the popcorn balls.
  • Use your hands to form the popcorn balls. This will help to ensure that the popcorn balls are evenly coated with caramel.
  • Roll the popcorn balls in sprinkles or chopped nuts. This will add a festive touch and make the popcorn balls more fun to eat.

Conclusion

Grandma's caramel popcorn balls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these nostalgic treats that will be enjoyed by people of all ages. So next time you are looking for a fun and festive snack, give Grandma's caramel popcorn balls a try!

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