Sweet Spicy Popcorn Crunch or Balls
Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, and crunchy in this indulgent Sweet Spicy Popcorn Crunch or Balls recipe! Perfect for movie nights, parties, or festive gifting, this treat transforms freshly popped popcorn into a flavorful delight coated in a buttery caramel syrup spiked with brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and a hint of vanilla. Optional chopped nuts like peanuts or pecans add a delightful layer of texture, while the cayenne offers a subtle kick that perfectly balances the sweetness. Whether you serve it loose and crunchy or shape it into charming popcorn balls, this snack is easy to make, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. Don’t forget to enjoy these sweet and spicy bites while they’re fresh—or store them for up to three days to keep the fun going!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 0.75 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as peanuts or pecans)
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup of popcorn kernels and cover with a lid. Shake the pot occasionally to ensure all kernels pop evenly. Once popping slows down, remove the pot from heat and transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl, discarding unpopped kernels.
If using nuts, mix 1/2 cup of chopped nuts with the popcorn in the bowl and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir in 1 cup of light corn syrup and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. The mixture will bubble slightly—this is normal.
Immediately pour the hot syrup over the popcorn and nuts in the bowl. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to carefully toss and coat the popcorn evenly.
Let the mixture cool slightly for 3–4 minutes, or until it's safe to handle. Lightly grease your hands with oil or butter, then shape the coated popcorn into balls about 2–3 inches in diameter, pressing gently to compact them. Be careful, as the syrup may still be hot.
Place the popcorn balls on a sheet of wax or parchment paper to set completely, about 15–20 minutes.
Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
371 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.5 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.8 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 16 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 212 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.1 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 46.1 g | ||
| Protein | 3.4 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 31 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 147 mg | 3% | |
*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.
