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Caramel Popcorn Balls

By Ashlee Marie 60 Comments

As I’ve mentioned before we love family movie night! AND we love popcorn! We tend to trade off between flavors (candied, kettle, butter) but the one we make the MOST often is Caramel Popcorn! We make it TWO ways, either cooled off and in a bowl, more on the crunchy side…

caramel popcorn balls make great gifts for your family, friends and neighbors, printables included

OR more caramelly (what? caramelly is a word, right?) and soft and in BALL form! The great thing about caramel popcorn balls is everyone get’s the same amount, not fighting… The BAD thing about it is they tend to be more messy… BUT hello… more CARAMEL!

making soft gooey caramel popcorn balls are easy and a delicious treat and gift during the holidays

I made a video showing how I create the caramel popcorn balls, they are actually super easy and a ton of fun, and something even he kiddo’s can help with. And if yours are anything like mine they LOVE to help in the kitchen. Sometimes the stuggle is just finding something safe for them to help with!

We love caramel popcorn at our house, this recipe is easy to make, has a great buttery flavor and tastes divine. Let it cool and form into balls if you want to give some awa

Soooo which way would you serve it? more popcorn and crunch? or softer and more caramel? there is NO WRONG ANSWER! the good news is you can have it both ways! Go here to get the caramel popcorn ball labels (for neighbor gifts)!

3.57 from 108 votes
We love caramel popcorn at our house, this recipe is easy to make, has a great buttery flavor and tastes divine. Let it cool and form into balls if you want to give some awa
Print
Caramel Popcorn Balls
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

this ooey gooey caramel popcorn recipe is seriously the best! great flavor and easy to make

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: caramel corn, caramel popcorn, caramel popcorn balls
Servings: 8 large balls
Calories: 1360 kcal
Author: Ashlee Marie
Ingredients
  • 1 C butter
  • 1 C light corn syrup
  • 2 C packed light brown sugar
  • ½ C granulated sugar
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla
  • 8-12 C popped popcorn less will be messier, and gooier, but I like it, more for a looser caramel popcorn
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
  1. Bring the butter, syrup, and sugars to a boil, keep bubbling over med heat until it hits the softball stage (240 degrees - use a candy thermometer)

  2. Add the sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla and boil 1 more min - let it cool a few mins so it doesn't shrink the popcorn.

  3. pour over the popcorn and stir
gooey caramel popcorn
  1. serve immediately 

popcorn balls
  1. spread the popcorn out and let it start too cool
  2. spray your hands with cooking spray and portion it out into 8 sections and ball up.
  3. Continue to check back and ball and turn until they cool enough that they stay in their ball forms
crunchy caramel popcorn
  1. IF you want crunchy popcorn preheat your oven to 250 - spread it out in a pan and place in the oven and bake for like 20-30 mins, stirring occasionally, until it crisps up

Recipe Video

caramel popcorn balls

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Ashlee Marie

Ashlee Marie

CEO at Ashlee Marie Cakes
Ashlee Prisbrey is a self taught cake decorator and home chef turned blogger turned youtuber. On her blog and youtube channel she shares cake decorating tutorials, from scratch recipes, and themed party food (cause for her parties are all about the food). In addition to blogging and videos she travels around the country speaking at blog conferences. Last year she competed on Food Network, the Halloween Baking championship, a dream come true! Ashlee loves empowering women and moms, in the kitchen, in blogging or in life. Her motto is nothing is too hard with the right tips and tricks.
Ashlee Marie

@ashleemariecake

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Filed Under: christmas, desserts, Food Tutorials, Holidays, recipe videos, Recipes, short videos, Videos

Previous Post: « Candied Strawberries
Next Post: Spinach Artichoke Quiche »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie

    May 31, 2015 at 6:23 am

    I love caramel corn,but for some reason I’ve never tried to make it. This recipe sounds so easy and good I think I’m going to have to give it a try. Thanks !

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      May 31, 2015 at 4:21 pm

      it’s SUPER easy, let me know what you think when you try it!

      Reply
      • Carol Crill

        January 13, 2017 at 5:19 pm

        Stinks that you didn’t actually give the recipe. Jumped through hoops to get the video. Cut off at every attempt to access the recipe.

        Reply
        • Ashlee

          January 25, 2017 at 4:31 pm

          I’m so sorry to hear that! you commented right on the post where the recipe is located so now I’m worried something is wrong! were you on mobile and had to click the “read more” button? did it not work?

          Reply
  2. Lee Ann

    May 31, 2015 at 7:42 am

    Thanks so much for posting this recipe! Sounds delicious! 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      May 31, 2015 at 4:21 pm

      It really is! But I’m addicted to caramel!

      Reply
  3. Jenny

    October 21, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    Hey!
    Thanks for this great recipe – will these work to make a head for a party? How many popcorn balls does this recipe make? I am excited to try this yummy recipe!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      November 15, 2015 at 6:02 pm

      oh man, that’s a great questions! it depends on your ball size! I think I made 8 this size!

      Reply
  4. Maryann Stevens

    October 31, 2015 at 7:09 am

    These are the best popcorn balls that I have ever made. Chewy caramel, but not too sweet or hard like the ones that are made with marshmallows. Definitely worth making! Butter your hands!!!?

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      November 15, 2015 at 6:06 pm

      YAY! love hearing that! and yes very very VERY messy!

      Reply
  5. Olivia Vance

    November 11, 2015 at 4:53 pm

    This recipe is to die for! Thank you SO much! I loved how easy and fast they were to make. I cut up some apples to wipe up the extra caramel with– amazing!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      November 15, 2015 at 6:27 pm

      Mmmmm I pour any extra caramel on cake and ice cream, but apples is probably healthier!

      Reply
  6. jess

    November 20, 2015 at 7:59 pm

    OMG!! ilove caramel popcorn sooooo good i cant wait to try this but can you send or coment a list of the ingredients??

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      November 22, 2015 at 4:55 pm

      I love it to, but I’m confused by your request? you wrote this comment on a page with all the ingredients and recipe listed right on this page! It even has a print button.

      Reply
      • Wendy

        December 6, 2015 at 5:02 pm

        Now that is funny. Awesome I love popcorn balls my mom used to make them for kids on Halloween instead of buying candy.

        Reply
  7. Debbie B

    December 5, 2015 at 6:40 am

    This is great thanks. I am going to make them into cone shapes so I can serve(or sell them) in a fun easy to handle cone shape. I have some wonderful paper cones tht is for shaved ice treats, they are just a bit bigger than normal and I can spray the inside lightly with cooking spray. Less mess on the hands.

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      December 27, 2015 at 2:47 am

      sounds perfect!

      Reply
  8. constance emily

    December 5, 2015 at 10:17 am

    I’m going to make these. They look awesome! My question is, would it be ok to add peanuts to the carmel? Thank you

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      December 27, 2015 at 2:50 am

      I’d add the peanuts after you pour the caramel over the popcorn, then mix them together!

      Reply
  9. Darlene Penna

    December 6, 2015 at 9:24 am

    You mentioned a neat way to get the Unpopped kernels out. Pls share.

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      December 27, 2015 at 3:42 am

      there is a link in the video – here you go https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7htrTJZd8w

      Reply
  10. Mary

    February 5, 2016 at 9:16 pm

    Hi, Thanks for the recipe. In the video, you say “evaporated milk” but the ingredients list says condensed milk. I’m thinking it’s condensed milk? Could you confirm pls? Thanks

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 6, 2016 at 12:03 am

      yup, which is why in the video I have words that come pop up and say ‘oops I meant condensed milk”

      Reply
  11. Abby

    February 15, 2016 at 2:09 pm

    This looks super delicious! I’m going to give it a try with my siblings!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      March 1, 2016 at 7:47 pm

      yay! let me know what you think! it’s a favorite of ours for sure!

      Reply
  12. Anita

    February 16, 2016 at 5:49 pm

    Could this caramel be good for apples too??? Just thought I’d ask 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      March 1, 2016 at 7:55 pm

      sure!!! it is runnier than the caramel I use for carameled apples, but it could be good for drizzeling

      Reply
  13. Beep Bip

    April 27, 2016 at 10:21 pm

    Do u need sweetens condensed milk?

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      May 23, 2016 at 11:57 pm

      yes, it’s an important part of the recipe

      Reply
  14. cookie

    July 23, 2016 at 10:31 am

    Hi,

    I am from Canada. What is “karo syrup”?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Marsha

      September 12, 2016 at 11:53 am

      Karo is a name brand of corn syrup

      Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 15, 2016 at 12:14 am

      light corn syrup http://amzn.to/2ehtcPD

      Reply
  15. Tosha

    September 6, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    Have you ever tried the caramel sauce with rice krispie treats instead?

    Reply
  16. janet

    October 12, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    Thank you for the recipe and the great demo, that helped. The first time we made it we sizzled our hands.

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      January 29, 2017 at 1:22 am

      I sometimes wonder if I even have nerve endings in my fingers after burning them so often – sorry about that!

      Reply
  17. janet

    October 12, 2016 at 12:38 pm

    Where do you find the cute papers to wrap them in?

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      January 29, 2017 at 1:21 am

      the plastic bags? just at Michael’s or joann’s – the labels? I designed – and offer them here http://ashleemarie.com/neighbor-christmas-gifts-labels-free-printables/

      Reply
  18. Susan

    October 17, 2016 at 11:17 am

    This looks awesome! Thanks for the video. And I love your hair 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      January 29, 2017 at 1:06 am

      thank you so much! and I’m glad you liked it!

      Reply
  19. Jamie

    October 23, 2016 at 8:38 am

    How long will these stay fresh once made? How far ahead of time can I make them for gifts? Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      January 26, 2017 at 12:06 am

      you can make them as gifts but not like DAYS ahead, one day in my opinion- some people might say longer, but I prefer my caramel super fresh

      Reply
  20. Lourdes Crespo

    October 27, 2016 at 12:10 pm

    Great recipe!!! One question… The recipe asks for condensed milk or evaporated milk.? The ingredients in the printed says CONDENSED, but in the video, you say EVAPORATED.

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      January 26, 2017 at 12:00 am

      in the video I said it wrong – I added a title over the top of that shot that said “oops condensed milk” – but the new end cards erased it – grrrr anyway condensed

      Reply
  21. Marcie

    December 7, 2016 at 6:24 pm

    OMG!! SO I JUST MADE IT FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER…AND IT IS AMAZING….I HAD TO POST MYSELF ON THE BACK AND GIVE A SHOT OUT TO YOU..LOL…YOUR DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ARE AMAZING..
    THANKS CAN’T WAIT TO TRY ANOTHER RECIPE

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      January 25, 2017 at 9:54 pm

      awww thank you so much! so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  22. Janelle

    December 16, 2016 at 11:14 am

    super delicious! waiting for mine to cool now. is there a way to make them harden & keep their shape faster? putting mine in fridge before the party. what would you do?

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      January 25, 2017 at 8:23 pm

      you can use more popcorn and they’ll hold together quicker, but I like them goopier – so I just walk by and reshape every once in a while. but I don’t want mine hard – if you cook it a little longer the caramel will also be harder

      Reply
  23. Kathryn Dybwad

    December 17, 2016 at 10:30 pm

    OMG, my Pastor said he wanted popcorn balls. His wife was busy cooking for the Christmas fellowship after service so my husband and I got together and made these. Actually used 12 cups of popped popcorn. Never made caramel popcorn balls these turned out awesome. Thanks for sharing this recipe. I will continue to use it!!!!!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      January 25, 2017 at 8:13 pm

      yay! so glad you enjoyed them! and hope everyone else did too!

      Reply
  24. Penny

    December 20, 2016 at 7:56 pm

    Ashlee, How many ounces of condensed milk? What sized can should I buy? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      January 25, 2017 at 6:30 pm

      I’ve never seen multiple sizes of sweetened condensed milk – 14 oz is all I’ve ever seen or used – does that help?

      Reply
  25. Londa Caldwell

    December 23, 2016 at 7:25 pm

    I only have dark brown sugar. Will this work?

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      January 25, 2017 at 5:08 pm

      I’ve never tried it with dark brown sugar- the recipe should work just fine, but the flavor will be more molasses-y

      Reply
  26. Marty white

    October 4, 2017 at 4:57 pm

    my first time to make them super easy but took more than 8 cups of popped corn more like 12 cups had to pop corn to add to the caramel but THEY ARE GOOD

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 28, 2017 at 11:58 pm

      My sister uses 12 cups, I like mine more caramel, I’ll make some notes.

      Reply
  27. Dreama

    October 7, 2017 at 10:31 am

    What is the trick for getting rid of kernels?

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 28, 2017 at 11:11 pm

      http://ashleemarie.com/get-kernels-out-popcorn/

      Reply
  28. Sandy

    October 22, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    Hi Ashleemarie, I was looking for a cooking project to do with my granddaughter. Followed your recipe and video as directed. added 12 cups of popcorn and the balls were super soft and soggy. What did I do wrong? Thank you, Sandy

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 28, 2017 at 10:36 pm

      I’m so sorry to hear that. My guess would be that the caramel sauce wasn’t cooked quite enough. Did you adjust the candy thermometer to your altitude? also did it rain that day – barometer pressure is murder on candy making. AND sometimes candy making is just sensitive – every once in awhile it needs more or less popcorn!

      Reply

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