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- 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels) - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/4 cup light corn syrup - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips - 1/2 cup crushed nuts (pecans or almonds) - Pinch of salt The base of our Caramel Crunch Popcorn Balls is simple yet delicious. You start with 10 cups of popped popcorn. This makes about 12 to 15 balls. You will need 1 cup of granulated sugar to make the caramel sweet and sticky. The 1/4 cup of unsalted butter adds creaminess. The light corn syrup, also 1/4 cup, helps the caramel stay smooth. A little science kicks in with the 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. It makes the caramel light and fluffy. The 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract gives a lovely flavor. Toss in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise inside. Lastly, 1/2 cup of crushed nuts adds crunch and texture. A pinch of salt balances all the sweet flavors perfectly. - Alternative types of chocolate (dark, white) - Various nuts (walnuts, peanuts) - Seasonal spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) You can personalize your popcorn balls with optional add-ins. Different chocolates like dark or white can change the taste. You can swap in walnuts or peanuts for a unique nut flavor. Seasonal spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, can add a warm twist. Each choice makes your popcorn balls special and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, use a large pot. Heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add about half a cup of unpopped kernels. Cover the pot and shake it gently. Keep shaking until the popping slows down. Once ready, transfer the popcorn to a big mixing bowl. If you prefer an air popper, follow its instructions. Just remember, air-popped popcorn may need a little oil or butter to help the caramel stick later. Grab a medium saucepan. On medium heat, combine one cup of granulated sugar, a quarter cup of unsalted butter, and a quarter cup of light corn syrup. Stir until the mixture boils and the sugar dissolves, about 4-5 minutes. Watch closely as the caramel changes color. You want a nice golden hue, but be careful not to burn it. When it reaches the right color, remove it from heat. Stir in half a teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The mixture will bubble, so be careful! Now, pour the hot caramel over the popped popcorn. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the caramel into the popcorn. Make sure every piece gets coated. Next, add half a cup of mini chocolate chips and half a cup of crushed nuts, like pecans or almonds. Mix well to spread them throughout the popcorn. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Grease your hands with butter or wear gloves. Grab small handfuls and shape them into balls. Squeeze tightly to form them. Finally, place the popcorn balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them cool completely to set. To make great caramel, you must avoid crystallization. Crystallization happens when sugar forms crystals instead of melting smoothly. To prevent this, do not stir the sugar while it cooks. Always keep an eye on the pot. When is your caramel ready? Watch for a golden color. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes of boiling. Use a candy thermometer if you want. It should reach 240°F for perfect caramel. Shaping popcorn balls can be tricky. To help them hold, lightly grease your hands with butter or oil. This keeps the mixture from sticking to your fingers. When forming the balls, squeeze tightly. This helps them hold their shape. If the mixture is too sticky, wait a few minutes until it cools slightly. For gifting, use clear bags tied with a ribbon. This way, people can see the fun popcorn balls. You can also use small boxes for a more stylish look. For parties, display the popcorn balls on a tiered stand. This adds height and interest to your table. You can also arrange them on a large platter, mixing in colorful candies or sprinkles for a festive touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Popcorn: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh popcorn kernels. Old kernels may not pop well and can result in a chewy texture. Control the Caramel Temperature: Be attentive while cooking the caramel. If it gets too dark, it can become bitter. The perfect shade is a light amber color. Mix Quickly: Once the caramel is poured over the popcorn, mix quickly to ensure even coating. This will help prevent the caramel from hardening before it’s fully distributed. Customize Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like dried fruit, pretzels, or other types of chocolate to create your own unique flavor combinations. {{image_2}} You can have fun with flavors in your caramel. Try adding a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel twist. It gives your popcorn balls a nice balance. You can also melt chocolate and drizzle it over the popcorn. This adds a rich taste. If you want to mix it up, toss in pretzels. They add crunch and a salty bite. Want a lighter treat? You can use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit. They work well in the caramel. You can also cut down on butter and corn syrup. Try using just a little butter or coconut oil. This helps reduce the fat while keeping the flavor. Popcorn balls are fun for any party! For Halloween, add orange and black sprinkles. You can shape them like pumpkins too. For Christmas, use red and green candies. You can make them into stars or trees. For birthdays, create fun shapes like hearts or animals. These ideas make your treats more special and fun! To keep your caramel crunch popcorn balls fresh, use airtight containers. These containers stop air from getting in. This keeps your treats crunchy and tasty. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap, but it might not keep them as fresh. Airtight containers are the best choice for long-term storage. To maintain freshness, store popcorn balls at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or heat. If you plan to keep them for a while, consider the fridge. However, refrigeration can make them a bit chewy. When stored in an airtight container, popcorn balls last about a week at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they may last up to two weeks. But remember, cold storage can change the texture. They might lose some of their crunchiness. You can freeze popcorn balls for later. To freeze, first, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, place them in airtight containers or freezer bags. This way, they won’t stick together. When you're ready to eat them, take them out of the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps them regain their shape and texture. Enjoy your tasty treat anytime! To stop your popcorn balls from sticking, you can grease your hands and workspace. Use unsalted butter or cooking spray. Before you start shaping the balls, coat your hands well. This will help the mixture slide off easily. Also, greasing your mixing bowl can help too. If the mixture sticks to your bowl, it can be hard to mix. Yes, you can use microwave popcorn for this recipe. Just be aware that pre-flavored popcorn may change the taste. For a classic flavor, use plain popcorn. This way, you keep the caramel flavor front and center. If you enjoy fun flavors, try making popcorn with different seasonings. Just remember, balance is key for this tasty treat! If your caramel hardens, don’t worry! You can re-melt it. Place it in a pot over low heat. Stir gently until it softens. You can also add a little water or cream to help it melt. Once it's smooth again, pour it over your popcorn. Just be careful, as hot caramel can burn! This recipe combines simple ingredients and clear steps to make delicious popcorn balls. You learned how to pop popcorn, create rich caramel, and shape tasty treats. Remember to try various flavors and add-ins for fun twists. Store your popcorn balls properly to keep them fresh. With a little practice, you can perfect your technique and impress others with your tasty snacks. Enjoy making these treats for yourself or to share!

Caramel Crunch Popcorn Balls

Deliciously sweet and crunchy popcorn balls coated in caramel, chocolate, and nuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 10 cups popped popcorn
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup crushed nuts
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Start by popping the popcorn. In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat, add the popcorn kernels, cover, and shake until popping slows. Once ready, transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, butter, and light corn syrup. Cook while stirring occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil and the sugar dissolves completely.
  • Allow the mixture to boil for about 4-5 minutes without stirring until it reaches a golden caramel color. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
  • Immediately pour the hot caramel over the popped popcorn. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the caramel into the popcorn until evenly coated.
  • Add in the mini chocolate chips and crushed nuts. Mix well to distribute them throughout the popcorn.
  • Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes until it's manageable to touch. Grease your hands with butter or wear cooking gloves. Grab small handfuls of the popcorn mixture and shape them into balls, squeezing tightly as you form them.
  • Place the popcorn balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them cool completely to set.

Notes

For best results, use fresh popcorn and let the caramel cool slightly before shaping.
Keyword caramel, dessert, popcorn, snack