Making caramel popcorn balls doesn't have to be hard work...In fact, with the right recipe, it's something that you can actually enjoy!
The best part about popcorn balls? You can make and eat them anytime that you want. As a snack during a movie, as a fun treat after dinner, or just because you've decided that you've had a long day and all that's going to make you feel better is having a delicious and yummy popcorn ball.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Sweet & Salty: Grandma's Chocolate Caramel Popcorn Balls bring together the perfect balance of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crispy popcorn.
- Nostalgic Flavor: A timeless treat that will remind you of childhood memories and family gatherings.
- Perfect for Parties: These irresistible popcorn balls are a fun and tasty snack that will disappear quickly at any gathering.
Grandma's Chocolate Caramel Popcorn Balls
Did your grandma have a fantastic recipe when you were a child? Today I am sharing Grandma's caramel popcorn balls. This is a tasty and fun treat for popcorn lovers and will go down well on movie night. (or any time that you want!)
🥚Ingredients Needed for Making Popcorn Balls
- 8-10 cups of cooked popcorn
- ⅛ cup honey
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 2 cups brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- Stick of butter
- 6 pieces of dark chocolate
- 6 pieces of white chocolate
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🌈 Substitutions and Variations
- Popcorn Base: Use air-popped popcorn for a healthier option or opt for flavored popcorn for an extra zing.
- Sweeteners: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Butter Alternatives: Try using coconut oil or plant-based butter to make the recipe dairy-free.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the treat by drizzling melted caramel or white chocolate over the popcorn balls.
🔪How to Make Popcorn Balls Easy
Cover a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper and lightly spray with oil.
If popping your own popcorn use as little oil as possible.
If using prepared popcorn use low salt.
Put popcorn into a large bowl and set aside.
In a saucepan place the remaining ingredients at a medium heat.
Bring to a boil and stir for about 2 min.
Do not overcook.
Be very careful the mixture is hot
Let it sit for 2 min and pour over the popcorn
Using a large spoon stir until coated.
Let mixture sit for a couple of minutes
Using spray oil, spray your hands, and form the popcorn into balls.
Popcorn will be hot
Place onto cookie sheet
When cool put sticks into popcorn. Be careful not to split the ball.
Melt the dark and white chocolate in separate bowls.
Decorate with melted chocolates
Once the chocolate has hardened you can display your popcorn balls ready for eating.
Enjoy. (See? Told you that this recipe was so simple and easy!)
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👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Use fresh popcorn and carefully remove unpopped kernels to ensure a satisfying crunch.
- Be cautious when handling the hot caramel mixture; consider using buttered hands or a spoon to shape the balls safely.
- Enhance the treat by drizzling melted dark and white chocolate over the cooled popcorn balls.
💭 FAQs
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Yes, but opt for plain, unsalted microwave popcorn to control the flavor and salt content.
Add colorful sprinkles, drizzle with melted white chocolate, or incorporate holiday-themed decorations before the chocolate sets.
Absolutely! They store well and can be prepared up to a week in advance.
💖 Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite treats to serve with Grandma's chocolate caramel popcorn balls:
- Mini Fruit Kabobs: Skewer strawberries, grapes, and pineapple for a refreshing contrast to the sweet popcorn balls.
- Cheese and Cracker Platter: A selection of cheeses with whole-grain crackers offers a savory balance to the sweetness.
- Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The combination of salty pretzels and sweet chocolate complements the popcorn balls perfectly.
🍜 Your Kids Will Love These
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below! Alternatively, bookmark it in your browser or save to Pinterest.
Grandma's Chocolate Caramel Popcorn Balls
Ingredients
- 10 Cups Cooked Popcorn
- ⅛ Cup Honey
- ¼ Cup Light Corn Syrup
- 2 Cups Brown Sugar
- ½ Cup Water
- 1 Stick Butter
- 6 Pieces Dark Chocolate
- 6 Pieces White Chocolate
Instructions
- Cover a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper and lightly spray with oil. If popping your own popcorn use as little oil as possible. If using prepared popcorn, use low salt.
- Put popcorn into a large bowl and set aside.
- In a saucepan place the remaining ingredients at a medium heat. Bring to a boil and stir for about 2 min. Do not overcook.
- Be very careful, the mixture is hot. Let it sit for 2 min and pour over the popcorn.
- Using a large spoon stir until coated. Let mixture sit for a couple of minutes.
- Using spray oil, spray your hands, and form the popcorn into balls. Place onto the cookie sheet.
- When cool, put sticks into popcorn. Be careful not to split the ball.
- Melt the dark and white chocolate in separate bowls. .
- Decorate with melted chocolate.
- Once the chocolate has hardened you can display your popcorn balls ready for eating.
Notes
- Use fresh popcorn and carefully remove unpopped kernels to ensure a satisfying crunch.
- Be cautious when handling the hot caramel mixture; consider using buttered hands or a spoon to shape the balls safely.
- Enhance the treat by drizzling melted dark and white chocolate over the cooled popcorn balls.
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