Caramel Popcorn Balls Delight
These Caramel Popcorn Balls Delight are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion! A friend gifted me this fantastic recipe, and I decided to whip them up for a Valentine's Day bake sale. To my surprise, they were gone within moments! The sweet, buttery caramel coating hugs each fluffy popcorn kernel, creating a nostalgic treat that’s both fun to eat and share. These popcorn balls make for an excellent dessert for parties, holidays, or just a sweet snack. Plus, they are easy to make and will surely impress your family and friends!
30
Servings
110
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (unsalted)
Brown Sugar
3 cups (packed)
Karo Syrup
1 cup (light or dark)
Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 (14 ounce) can (Eagle Brand)
Vanilla Extract
1 tablespoon (pure vanilla)
Popped Corn
4-6 quarts (plain, unsalted)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and Karo syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it comes to a full boil.
2
Once the mixture begins to boil, continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes without stirring. This will help achieve the desired caramel consistency.
3
After 5 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
4
In a separate large bowl, prepare your popped corn by removing any unpopped seeds. A handy tip is to use two bowls: transfer the popcorn back and forth between them to separate the seeds effectively.
5
Pour the hot caramel mixture over the popped corn and gently mix together until all the popcorn is well-coated.
6
Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, and then take handfuls of the mixture to form compact balls.
7
Place the popcorn balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely before serving or storing.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
17g
Carbs
1
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramel Popcorn Balls Delight?
It is a sweet and buttery treat consisting of fluffy popcorn kernels coated in a smooth caramel mixture, perfect for snacks or parties.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 30 popcorn balls.
How many calories are in each popcorn ball?
There are 110 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients for the caramel coating?
The coating is made from butter, brown sugar, Karo syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
How much butter is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
What type of brown sugar should be used?
Use 3 cups of packed brown sugar.
What kind of Karo syrup is recommended?
You can use 1 cup of either light or dark Karo syrup.
What brand of sweetened condensed milk is suggested?
The recipe suggests using one 14-ounce can of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk.
How much popcorn do I need?
You will need between 4 to 6 quarts of popped corn.
Should the popcorn be salted or flavored?
The recipe calls for plain, unsalted popped corn.
How long should the caramel mixture boil?
After it reaches a full boil, continue cooking it for exactly 5 minutes without stirring.
Should I stir the mixture while it boils?
No, do not stir the mixture during the 5-minute boiling period to ensure the correct consistency.
When do I add the vanilla extract and condensed milk?
Add these ingredients after removing the saucepan from the heat, following the 5-minute boil.
How do I easily remove unpopped kernels?
A helpful tip is to transfer the popcorn back and forth between two large bowls to let the seeds settle at the bottom.
How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to my hands?
Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray before forming the balls.
What should I use to set the popcorn balls on while they cool?
Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each popcorn ball contains 5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 17g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in one popcorn ball?
There is 1g of protein per serving.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized as Candy.
Is this recipe suitable for a bake sale?
Yes, it is excellent for bake sales and was specifically noted as a hit for Valentine's Day events.
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Yes, the recipe allows for either light or dark Karo syrup.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.
What heat setting should I use for the saucepan?
Use medium heat to cook the butter, sugar, and syrup mixture.
Is this snack kid-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a kids treat and is fun for the whole family.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include popcorn, candy, snack, dessert, caramel, party food, and Valentine's Day treat.
Does the recipe include fiber or sodium information?
No, the provided data indicates that fiber and sodium values are not available.
Should the caramel be hot when poured over the popcorn?
Yes, pour the hot caramel mixture over the popcorn immediately after mixing in the milk and vanilla.
How do I form the balls?
Take handfuls of the coated popcorn and press them together into compact balls.
Is it easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is described as easy to make and sure to impress.