Vegan Classic Popcorn Balls
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this nostalgic treat reimagined for plant-based eaters—Vegan Classic Popcorn Balls! This recipe combines airy, freshly popped popcorn coated in a rich, caramel-like syrup made with granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and a hint of vanilla. Enhanced with vegan butter and coconut oil, these chewy yet crisp popcorn balls are beautiful in texture and packed with flavor. Quick to prepare in just 25 minutes and perfect for gatherings, holidays, or as a sweet snack, these retro-inspired treats are entirely dairy-free and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve as a fun dessert or wrap individually for festive gifts—it's the ultimate vegan indulgence.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup light corn syrup
- 0.25 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Start by preparing the popcorn. In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot with a lid.
Once you hear the first kernels popping, shake the pot occasionally to ensure even popping and prevent burning. Continue until the popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops.
Remove the pot from heat and transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring, and let it cook until it reaches 235°F (113°C) on a candy thermometer.
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the vegan butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Pour the hot syrup over the popcorn in the mixing bowl, gently stirring to coat all of the popcorn evenly.
Allow the mixture to cool just enough to handle, but not too much that it hardens. Carefully shape the coated popcorn into balls, working quickly and with lightly oiled hands to prevent sticking.
Place the popcorn balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow them to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1871 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.4 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.8 g | 149% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 690 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 349.4 g | 127% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.8 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 294.6 g | ||
| Protein | 8.2 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 16 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 209 mg | 4% | |
*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.
