How to Make Caramel Popcorn Balls - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's something irresistibly nostalgic about caramel popcorn balls. These little treats bring back memories of old-fashioned fairs, Halloween parties, and family movie nights. They're sweet, sticky, and oh-so-satisfyingly chewy. Plus, they're a cinch to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time in the kitchen.

Whether you're looking for a fun and festive treat to make with the kids, or a delicious snack to package up and give as gifts, these caramel popcorn bal...

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Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 ½ cups unpopped popcorn
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 15
  • Yield: 15 popcorn balls

  • Pour 1 tablespoon of oil into a 4-quart saucepan; heat over high heat. Add 1/2 cup of popping corn; keep pan moving constantly until corn stops popping, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and transfer popped corn into a dish; set aside and keep warm. Repeat until all corn has been popped.
  • Stir sugar, condensed milk, corn syrup, and butter together in a medium saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil and simmer until it reaches 240 degrees F (115 degrees C) on a candy thermometer. Stir in vanilla.
  • Pour caramel over popped corn and stir to coat.
  • Lightly grease your hands and shape popcorn mixture into 15 balls; let cool completely.
  • Nutrition

    322 cal.

    • Total Fat: 10g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 13mg
    • Sodium: 51mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 55g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 25g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 57mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 168mg