Nutty Delight Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
Indulge in these delectable Nutty Delight Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls, combining the irresistible crunch of popcorn and peanuts with a sweet, gooey peanut butter coating. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a delightful treat for any occasion, these rich and satisfying bites are sure to please any crowd. With the added fun of colorful Reese's Pieces or M&M's, they create a beautiful presentation that invites sharing and enjoyment. Whip them up in no time, and enjoy a delightful mix of flavors and textures!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Popped popcorn
5 cups (Freshly popped)
Dry roasted peanuts
1 cup (Chopped)
Reese's Pieces or M&M's
1/2 cup (Chocolate candies)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated)
Light corn syrup
1/2 cup (Liquid)
Chunky peanut butter
1/2 cup (Creamy with peanut pieces)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Pure vanilla)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the popped popcorn, chopped dry roasted peanuts, and colorful candies. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
2
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and light corn syrup. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3
Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the chunky peanut butter and vanilla extract until completely smooth and well combined.
4
Immediately pour the peanut butter mixture over the popcorn blend. Using a spatula or large spoon, quickly stir to coat the popcorn mixture evenly, ensuring every piece is covered.
5
Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it is manageable. With your hands (lightly greased if desired), carefully shape the mixture into 10 balls, each approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
6
Place the formed popcorn balls on a parchment-lined tray. Let them sit at room temperature until they firm up completely.
7
Once firm, wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap for easy storage and sharing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Delight Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls?
They are a sweet and crunchy snack made with popped popcorn, chopped peanuts, and colorful candies held together by a gooey peanut butter and sugar coating.
How many popcorn balls does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 10 popcorn balls, each approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
What type of popcorn should I use?
The recipe recommends using 5 cups of freshly popped popcorn for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use store-bought pre-popped popcorn?
Yes, you can use store-bought popcorn as long as it is plain or lightly salted; ensure you measure out exactly 5 cups.
What kind of peanuts are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped dry roasted peanuts.
Which candies work best in these popcorn balls?
Reese's Pieces or M&M's are recommended for their color and chocolate-peanut flavor.
What is the base of the sweet coating?
The coating is made from a combination of granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and chunky peanut butter.
Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky?
Yes, you can use creamy peanut butter, though chunky peanut butter is suggested to add extra peanut pieces and texture.
How do I prepare the sugar and syrup mixture?
Combine them in a large saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
When should I remove the saucepan from the heat?
Remove the saucepan from the heat once the sugar and syrup mixture has reached a boil.
When do I add the vanilla extract?
The vanilla extract should be stirred in along with the peanut butter after the sugar mixture is removed from the heat.
How do I ensure the popcorn is evenly coated?
Immediately pour the hot peanut butter mixture over the popcorn blend and use a spatula to stir quickly until every piece is covered.
Is it necessary to grease my hands when forming the balls?
It is recommended to lightly grease your hands with butter or oil to prevent the sticky mixture from adhering to your skin.
How long should I wait before shaping the popcorn balls?
Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it is manageable and safe to handle with your hands.
Where should I place the formed popcorn balls to set?
Place them on a parchment-lined tray to prevent sticking while they firm up.
Do I need to refrigerate the popcorn balls to make them firm?
No, they should sit at room temperature until they firm up completely.
How should I store these treats?
Once firm, wrap each popcorn ball individually in plastic wrap for storage and to maintain freshness.
Can these be made in advance for a party?
Yes, these are perfect for advance preparation as they store well once wrapped in plastic.
Are these popcorn balls crunchy or soft?
They offer a delightful mix of textures, featuring the crunch of popcorn and peanuts with a gooey, satisfying coating.
Can I substitute the light corn syrup?
While light corn syrup is best for the texture, you could use honey or dark corn syrup, though the flavor and color will change.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size is one popcorn ball, with the recipe providing 10 servings in total.
What occasion is this recipe best for?
These are ideal for movie nights, parties, or any festive occasion requiring a shareable dessert.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 7 ingredients: popcorn, peanuts, candies, sugar, corn syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla extract.
Can I use different nuts?
Yes, you can substitute the dry roasted peanuts with almonds, cashews, or pecans if desired.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your specific candies and corn syrup to ensure no gluten cross-contamination.
How do I prevent the sugar from burning?
Stir the sugar and corn syrup mixture occasionally while it is heating to prevent it from burning at the bottom of the pan.
What happens if I boil the sugar mixture too long?
Boiling too long can make the sugar reach a higher temperature stage, resulting in popcorn balls that are very hard rather than gooey.
Can I use flavored popcorn?
It is best to use plain popcorn so that the peanut butter and sugar flavors remain the focus without clashing.
Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?
No, a thermometer is not needed; simply bringing the mixture to a gentle boil is enough.
How do I chop the peanuts?
You can roughly chop them with a knife or pulse them briefly in a food processor until they are in small pieces.