Cook up the caramel on the stovetop - no candy thermometer needed!
Then pour over popcorn and shape into balls.
EASY CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS RECIPE
Popcorn balls remind me of my Grandma.Every year for Christmas she would make all the grandkids popcorn balls to give us with a present.
Even as we all grew and had our own children, she would often still make us a popcorn ball.
I'm not sure why, but it seems like popcorn balls are sort of an old-fashioned thing.
I'm not sure why. They are delicious. And they're the perfect treat to make ahead.
They would make a unique bake sale items or party favors. How fun would they be for a family movie nights?
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INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR HOMEMADE POPCORN BALLS
- popcorn kernels or microwave popcorn
- brown sugar
- corn syrup
- butter
- sweetened condensed milk
- vanilla extract
HELPFUL KITCHEN TOOLS
If you don't want to use microwave popcorn, consider purchasing a popper of some kind.
HOW TO MAKE POPCORN BALLS WITH CARAMEL
Begin by popping the popcorn. I use four bags of microwave popcorn.
If you want to pop kernels, you need about 1/2 cup of kernels which will make approximately 16 cups once popped.
Divide the popcorn into two large mixing bowls.
Tip: To keep the unpopped kernels from getting into your popcorn, pour the popcorn into a bowl. Gently shake it to allow the kernels to fall to the bottom. Then scoop the popcorn out with your hands and place it in another bowl. This is one extra dish to wash, but so worth it so you don't crack your teeth on an unexpected hard kernel!
Next, it's time to make the homemade caramel sauce. Place the butter, brown sugar and corn syrup in a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.
Stir until the caramel is smooth and creamy.
Pour the gooey caramel sauce over the popcorn, dividing the caramel between the two bowls.
Stir with a wooden spoon until the popcorn is evenly coated with the caramel.
Let the popcorn sit until it is cool enough to handle.
Generously grease your hands, either with butter or cooking spray.
Using your cupped hands, mold the popcorn into balls. Compact the popcorn enough to form a ball, but not so much that it crushes the popcorn.
I like to make them about the size of baseballs.
Place on a greased or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Allow to cool completely.
Wrap each ball in plastic wrap or place in sandwich bags.
Store at room temperature.
MORE CANDY RECIPES
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