Best 6 Old Fashioned Soft Popcorn Balls Recipes

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When you think of a classic movie theater experience, one of the first things that comes to mind is the irresistible aroma of freshly popped popcorn. The soft, airy texture and sweet, buttery flavor of popcorn balls are the perfect treat to enjoy while watching a movie or any other special occasion. If you're looking to recreate that nostalgic experience at home, this guide will provide you with a step-by-step recipe for making delicious old-fashioned soft popcorn balls. So gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and get ready to indulge in a delightful journey back in time with these classic popcorn balls.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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

MARSHMALLOW POPCORN BALLS



Marshmallow Popcorn Balls image

These are very easy popcorn balls to make. The marshmallows make them similar to crispy rice cereal bars that are so popular. Made with marshmallows, these are sweet, crispy, and chewy. Everyone's favorite combination!

Provided by Kory H.

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ cup unpopped popcorn
6 tablespoons butter
5 cups miniature marshmallows

Steps:

  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Set aside.
  • Add vegetable oil to a 4 quart saucepan, and heat over high heat. When oil is hot, add popping corn. Keep pan moving constantly. When corn stops popping, remove from heat. Put popcorn in prepared pan.
  • Melt butter In a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in marshmallows and cook until melted, stirring constantly. Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn and mix with spoon to coat evenly.
  • Let mixture cool slightly. Smear butter on your hands or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Mix popcorn with your hands so that it is evenly coated.
  • Form popcorn into 8 balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 237.2 calories, Carbohydrate 34.7 g, Cholesterol 22.9 mg, Fat 11 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 86.7 mg, Sugar 18.2 g

OLD FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS



Old Fashioned Popcorn Balls image

I made these with my grandmother for years. They are soft and delicious- and NOT made with marshmallow fluff! If using bag popcorn- make sure it is not buttered and use 2-3 bags.

Provided by mrsteacher22

Categories     Candy

Time 1h10m

Yield 20 balls

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 -3 cups popcorn
2 cups sugar
1 cup white Karo
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon vanilla

Steps:

  • Heat popcorn in oven at 300 degrees.
  • Stir and cook sugar, karo, water, butter and salt until sugar is dissolved.
  • Continue cooking WITHOUT stirring until mixture reaches 270 degrees on candy thermometer, (can use a kitchen thermometer) or until syrup forms a soft ball in cold water.
  • Add vanilla and pour slowly over popcorn.
  • Mix well.
  • Dip hands in water and form balls.
  • Wrap in plastic wrap and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 169.9, Fat 4.7, SaturatedFat 2.9, Cholesterol 12.2, Sodium 138.9, Carbohydrate 33.7, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 24.6, Protein 0.1

OLD-FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS



Old-Fashioned Popcorn Balls image

Popcorn always make a crowd-pleasing snack...but you can make it into a chewy, sweet delight with this classic recipe.-American Pop Corn Co., Sioux City, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Snacks

Time 35m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup light or dark corn syrup
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a baking pan and keep warm in a 200° oven. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, water, butter and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. , Continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches 270° on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat. Add vanilla; stir just enough to mix. Slowly pour over the popcorn. Cool just enough to handle. Shape with buttered hands.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 213mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (21g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

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

OLD FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS RECIPE



Old Fashioned Popcorn Balls Recipe image

Learn how to make popcorn balls the traditional way with real caramel you make yourself. A fun and delicious treat for the holiday season made easy with these simple directions. A new Halloween tradition the whole family will enjoy.

Provided by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

Categories     Appetizer

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup un-popped)
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup butter

Steps:

  • Start by popping the corn.
  • Place 1/4 cup oil over medium-high heat with three kernels of corn. As soon as the corn pops, remove from heat, add 1/2 cup of un-popped corn and cover with a lid. Allow to set for 20-30 seconds for the kernels to come up close to popping temperature. Place back over medium-high heat and pop the corn shaking the pan occasionally.
  • You need 8 cups of popped corn. Spend little time getting rid of un-popped kernels. The easiest way is to shake the container and moving the top layer to another pan.
  • Prep a large pan and a wooden spoon or rubber spatula with PAM, and transfer popcorn to the pan. This is the point to add nuts or candy if desired-about 1 cup and mix in well.
  • In a non-stick pan, add 3/4 cup white sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark), 1/2 cup light Karo corn syrup, 1/2 cup water, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Place over medium-high heat with a candy thermometer and cook to 260°, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and add 3/4 cup butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and place back over low heat until butter melted.
  • Now for the hot part. Slowly pour the hot syrup over the popcorn while mixing with the PAM coated spoon.
  • Continue to stir for a few minutes until cooled some. Spray your hands with PAM or butter. Be VERY CAREFUL since you can get burnt so test very carefully before proceeding and only proceed if you feel safe. I kept the cold water running in the sink if needed.
  • Form the popcorn into balls of about 1 cup each by scooping with a measuring cup with a heavy coat of PAM. Place on wax paper or cooking mat to shape. Work quickly and use more PAM as needed - about every two balls. So scoop, dump, shape, cold water on hands if needed, a spray of PAM if needed (cup and hands), then repeat QUICKLY until done. DO NOT OVER-COMPRESS AND MOVE QUICKLY.
  • Allow to finish cooling. You can wrap with plastic wrap, and they should keep 3-4 days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 408 kcal, Carbohydrate 63 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, Cholesterol 48 mg, Sodium 148 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 46 g, UnsaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving

Tips:

  • For a rich caramel flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
  • Add a pinch of salt to the caramel mixture to balance the sweetness.
  • Use fresh popcorn for the best results. Stale popcorn will not hold its shape as well.
  • If the caramel mixture becomes too thick, add a little bit of water and stir until smooth.
  • Work quickly when shaping the popcorn balls, as the caramel mixture will start to harden as it cools.
  • If you have trouble shaping the popcorn balls, try using a spoon or your hands to press the mixture into shape.
  • Roll the popcorn balls in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or other toppings before they harden for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.

Conclusion:

Old-fashioned soft popcorn balls are a delicious and nostalgic treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make these popcorn balls at home and enjoy them with your family and friends. So next time you are looking for a sweet and satisfying snack, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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