Popcorn Balls Fit for More Than Just Kids
Indulge in a nostalgic treat with a sophisticated twist by trying these "Popcorn Balls Fit for More Than Just Kids." This recipe elevates the classic childhood favorite with a rich caramel coating made from butter, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk, perfectly balanced with a hint of sea salt and vanilla. Customize your popcorn balls with optional mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, these chewy, sweet, and delightfully crispy treats are perfect for gatherings, gifting, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed as a fun family project or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these gourmet popcorn balls are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 10 cups Popped popcorn
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 1 cup Light corn syrup
- 0.5 cup Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon Sea salt
- 0.5 cup Mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 0.5 cup Chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds, optional)
Instructions
Begin by preparing your workspace: lay out parchment or wax paper on your countertop or baking sheets where the popcorn balls will cool.
In a large, lightly greased mixing bowl, add the popped popcorn. If desired, sprinkle in the mini chocolate chips and chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Once the butter is fully melted, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Let it cook for roughly 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches the soft-ball stage (around 235°F – you can measure this with a candy thermometer).
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture over the popcorn in the bowl. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the popcorn until it is evenly coated in the caramel mixture.
Allow the mixture to cool for 1-2 minutes, until it is still warm but cool enough to handle.
Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray and begin forming the coated popcorn into balls, about the size of a softball or as desired.
Place the formed balls onto the prepared parchment or wax paper to cool completely (approximately 20 minutes).
Once cooled, the popcorn balls can be wrapped individually in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3670 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 184.8 g | 237% | |
| Saturated Fat | 83.8 g | 419% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 300 mg | 100% | |
| Sodium | 1482 mg | 64% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 523.4 g | 190% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.0 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 451.7 g | ||
| Protein | 37.4 g | 75% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 700 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 8.6 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 1492 mg | 32% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
