A gooeyness of caramel and melted marshmallows all intertwined with popcorn… then rolled up in to a ball of absolute decadence!
These are also known as “Sticky Popcorn”. This is what my sister and I called it, growing up. It was always a special treat when we were younger. Now, my boys think it’s a special treat when I make it.
Each piece of the popped popcorn is covered inside and out with the creamy, caramel-y, marshmallow-y and sticky mixture. It stays sticky. It doesn’t get hard like some caramel popcorn. Just saying.
As you probably know by now, I don’t really use candy thermometers.
I like it simple.
So, with this recipe… no candy thermometer.
These Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn Balls are simple!
Have your popcorn already popped and off to the side in a large bowl. The largest bowl you have.
Place a large heavy duty sauce pan on medium high heat. Bring the granulated sugar, brown sugar, light corn syrup, water, cream of tartar, and butter to a boil. Whisk the mixture the whole time. With all the sugars going on in this, you don’t want it to burn.
After it has boiled for about 4 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. You will then see the boiling action rising! Turn off burner and take the pan off the heat. Stir in the marshmallow until they have all melted.
Pour over the entire bowl of popcorn and stir. Allow it to cool for a bit to where you can start forming into balls.
Tip: When forming the sticky popcorn into balls, spray hands with non cooking spray. Or rub butter all over your hands like lotion! It help form it into a tight ball rather than all over your hands.
Ta-da!
You could even skip the ball action and eat it straight out of the bowl!
Enjoy, my friends!
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- 1 cup granulate sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon tartar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 13-14 cups popped popcorn
- Fill a large bowl with all of the popped popcorn and set off to the side.
- Place a large heavy duty sauce pan on medium high heat. Whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, light corn syrup, water, cream of tartar, and butter and bring to a boil.
- Boil for 4 minutes and add baking soda. Take off heat and stir in the marshmallows until melted through the mixture.
- Pour over the bowl of popped popcorn and stir until all coated.
- Allow to cool before forming into balls. (Or you could skip forming and eat straight out of bowl.)
- Store in an air tight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.
- Makes about 12 popcorn balls.
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** Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn Balls were featured with Pencilled Daydream:
I love how you displayed these popcorn balls. And I love plain caramel marshmallow popcorn balls. I’m not a fan of too much candy and other stuff in them, so these are perfect!
Sometimes, simple is good! Thanks, Ashley!
Love doing popcorn balls especially with marshmallows. The kids love them too but I have not had it with caramel! must try!!
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet recently posted…Less Laundry, More Linking #14
The kids would love these, Nancy! (And, you too!)
What a perfect halloween treat, great job Gloria!
Happy Valley Chow recently posted…Sous Vide Fajitas
Thank you, Eric! Hope you and your sweetie had a fun Halloween!
I WANT A STICKY POPCORN BALL RIGHT NOW!! Girl, these look so good. We (boys and I) would call this, “an easy eat” for sure!!
Oh….and I love the tip to rub butter into my hands like lotion!
tahnycooks recently posted…Pumpkin Cinnamon Chip Scones
Tahny, I think these are just an easy eat for myself (my boys didn’t get a chance at much of these!)… so hard to resist!
These are totally adorable! I swear the older lady down the street used to make these for halloween
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting recently posted…Beyond the First Year
Funny you mention that, Julianne… cz there was an old lady that made these for us when we would go out to Trick or Treat when we were little! So, these really remind me of Halloween. (=
Gloria recently posted…Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
These popcorn balls look like so much fun, they’d be a favorite throughout the holiday season!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl recently posted…Happy Halloween From Brooklyn!
Pamela, I even make these as a treat when I take all my nieces and nephews out to the movies…yes, I’m THAT kind of Aunt that sneaks in the goodies for all of the kiddos! Years ago, I made my oldest son stand clear far away so the clerk couldn’t smell the hot pizza that was in the backpack while I was buying the tix! (=
I can see why it’s special for you and your sister Gloria! I want some of this too! I love the straws and the bows you decorated these popcorn balls with. So pretty and Halloween-y. 🙂 Hope you had a great Halloween!
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker recently posted…Peanut Butter Cup Snack Cake
You are so sweet, Anne! I hope you had a fun night as well!
These popcorn balls are so cute and festive too. I love how they don’t get hard (so glad you mentioned that). 🙂 Awesome tip too. I do the same when I make rice krispie treats. Um…I might eat them right out of the bowl. Don’t judge me. 😉
Tina @ Tina’s Chic Corner recently posted…Pumpkin Coffee Cake
I just can’t stand to bite into a hard popcorn ball… it has to be soft and gooey but still hold it’s form. I’m picky like that! I’m a bowl eater all the way, Tina… frosting is one of my weaknesses! (=
Gloria recently posted…Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich
Oh my goodness, I love how adorable and fun these popcorn balls are! I can see why they have such a special place in your heart and you now make it for your sons 🙂 We LOVE all popcorn snacks and this would sure turn into a family favorite too! I love how the festive straws and bows, hope you had a great Halloween 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing Gloria, pinned and have a great weekend!
Kelly recently posted…Pumpkin Patch Chocolate Reese’s Mini Cupcakes
I hope you had a fabulous Halloween with your family as well, Kelly! (=
These are the best looking popcorn balls I have seen! I’ve never made popcorn balls before- but I am definitely going to give this recipe a try!
Shannon {Cozy Country Living} recently posted…Beef & Four Cheese Lasagna Casserole
You’d love these, Shannon! I’m actually thinking of maybe putting the Christmas festiveness on these and give them away to some of my neighbors during the holidays. (=
I’m so glad you shared this recipe! Brings back great memories….can’t wait to make some for myself. And I am all about no candy thermometers! 🙂
Danelle recently posted…Link Party: Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes
I think either the candy thermometers intimidate me…or they are just a hassle. Maybe it’s the fact that by not having to use one…it leaves a little wiggle room so there’s no having to throw it all away if I mess up! Thanks, Danelle!
These are so cute & festive! I love the variety of sticks & that spooky ribbon!
Allie | Baking a Moment recently posted…Apple Rose Tart with Maple Custard and Walnut Crust (Gluten Free)
Thank you so much, Allie! (=
How many popcorn balls does this make if I make them 2 1/2 inches in diameter? Thanks!
Marianne, I’m going to estimate about 25-30 being 2 1/2 inches each. Have fun making them and have a Merry Christmas! (=
I have fun with, cause I found just what I used to
be taking a look for. You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt!
God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
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how many pops does this make?
This will make about a dozen popcorn balls. 🙂
Could you add orange food coloring to this recipe so they look like pumpkins? Thanks!
Of course! Those would be fun!