Deluxe Caramel Crunch Popcorn Balls
These delightful Deluxe Caramel Crunch Popcorn Balls are a fantastic treat that will have kids and adults alike clamoring for more! Perfect for school parties, movie nights, or simply as a fun afternoon activity, this recipe turns plain popcorn into a sensational sweet and crunchy snack. Feel free to enhance the flavor by adding chopped almonds or peanuts for an extra crunch. The delicious caramel coating binds the popcorn into perfect bite-sized balls that are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Gather your little helpers in the kitchen and start creating these irresistible treats today!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Popped popcorn
8-10 cups (Air-popped or microwave, unseasoned)
Granulated sugar
1/2 cup (None)
Brown sugar
1 1/2 cups (Packed)
Light corn syrup
1 cup (None)
Water
1 cup (None)
White vinegar
2 teaspoons (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Butter
1/2 cup (Unsalted, cut into pieces)
Almonds or peanuts (optional)
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by popping the popcorn using an air popper or microwave. Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl, ensuring it is unseasoned and free of any kernels.
2
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, light corn syrup, water, white vinegar, and salt. Stir the mixture together over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
3
Once boiling, continue stirring constantly until a small amount of the mixture dropped into very cold water forms a hard ball (this is known as the hard ball stage, approximately 250°F or 120°C).
4
Reduce the heat to low and carefully stir in the butter until completely melted, mixing thoroughly into the caramel.
5
Pour the hot caramel mixture over the popped popcorn in the bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir to coat all of the popcorn evenly with the caramel.
6
Allow the popcorn to cool for a few minutes until it is safe to handle. Butter your hands to prevent sticking, and then shape the mixture into balls, pressing firmly to make sure they hold their shape.
7
If desired, mix in chopped almonds or peanuts at this stage for added texture and flavor.
8
Place the finished popcorn balls on a parchment-lined tray to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe for Deluxe Caramel Crunch Popcorn Balls?
This recipe creates a sweet and crunchy snack by coating unseasoned popped popcorn in a homemade caramel sauce made from sugars, corn syrup, and butter.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What category of food is this recipe?
It is categorized as a dessert.
How much popcorn is required?
You will need 8-10 cups of popped popcorn.
What type of popcorn should I use?
It is best to use unseasoned popcorn prepared in an air-popper or microwave.
What kinds of sugar are used in the caramel?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 1/2 cups of packed brown sugar.
How much light corn syrup is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of light corn syrup.
Why is white vinegar added to the mixture?
2 teaspoons of white vinegar are added to the syrup mixture to help achieve the proper consistency.
What is the hard ball stage?
The hard ball stage is reached when the syrup mixture hits approximately 250°F (120°C) or forms a hard ball when dropped in cold water.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cut into pieces.
Are there any optional ingredients for extra crunch?
Yes, you can add 1/2 cup of chopped almonds or peanuts for extra flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the popcorn balls from sticking to my hands?
Butter your hands before shaping the popcorn into balls to prevent sticking.
When should I add the butter?
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter once the syrup mixture has reached the hard ball stage.
How do I ensure the popcorn is evenly coated?
Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir the popcorn while pouring the hot caramel over it in a large bowl.
Where should I place the balls to cool?
Place the finished popcorn balls on a parchment-lined tray to cool completely.
Should the popcorn be seasoned before adding caramel?
No, the popcorn should be unseasoned and free of any kernels.
How much water is added to the syrup?
The recipe uses 1 cup of water.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the sugar mixture.
Can I make these for school parties?
Yes, these treats are perfect for school parties, movie nights, or afternoon snacks.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Start by popping the popcorn and placing it in a large mixing bowl.
Do I need to stir the boiling mixture?
Yes, once the mixture comes to a boil, you must stir it constantly.
What temperature should the caramel reach?
The caramel should reach approximately 250°F or 120°C.
When do I add the optional nuts?
Mix in the chopped almonds or peanuts during the shaping stage if desired.
How long should I wait before shaping the balls?
Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes until it is safe to handle.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is described as a treat kids will clamor for and a fun activity for little helpers.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include popcorn, caramel, dessert, snack, party food, treats, and kids.
Should I use a specific type of pan?
A medium-sized saucepan is recommended for boiling the sugar mixture.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but salted could be used if you adjust the added salt accordingly.
Do I need a thermometer?
While a thermometer helps identify 250°F, you can also use the cold water test.
Are these easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as easy and provides straightforward steps for creating the balls.