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Popcorn Balls

Popcorn Balls

  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 8-10 popcorn balls 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These nostalgic and easy-to-make Popcorn Balls combine fluffy popcorn with a sweet, gooey binder, creating a perfect blend of crunchy and chewy textures. Ideal for parties, movie nights, or a quick treat, this recipe is simple, kid-friendly, customizable, and portable. Enjoy a deliciously sweet and crunchy snack that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Popcorn Base

  • 8 cups popped plain popcorn (about 1/2 cup popcorn kernels if popping yourself)

Sweet Syrup

  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup (or honey, maple syrup, agave nectar)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Popcorn: Pop your kernels using an air popper or stovetop, ensuring you remove all un-popped kernels to avoid hard bites.
  2. Make the Sweet Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until the mixture boils. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
  3. Add Flavor: Remove the syrup from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a warm, aromatic flavor.
  4. Combine and Mix: Pour the warm syrup over the popcorn in a large bowl. Gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon until popcorn is evenly coated.
  5. Shape the Popcorn Balls: When the mixture is cool enough to handle but still warm, grease your hands lightly and form the popcorn into tight balls. Place them on wax paper or a baking sheet and let them cool completely to set.

Notes

  • Grease your hands with butter or oil to prevent sticking while shaping popcorn balls.
  • Boil the syrup briefly to avoid hardening your popcorn balls once cooled.
  • Use fresh, crisp popcorn for the best texture.
  • Work quickly as the syrup sets fast.
  • Store popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and crunch for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze individually wrapped popcorn balls in plastic wrap and store in freezer bags for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 popcorn ball
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: popcorn balls, sweet snack, easy snack, kid-friendly treat, party snack, gluten free popcorn balls, homemade popcorn balls

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Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/popcorn-balls/