Description
Salted Caramel Popcorn Balls are a sweet and salty snack made by coating fluffy, popped popcorn with a homemade caramel sauce that combines butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and condensed milk. A pinch of fine sea salt is added to balance the sweetness, and optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or pretzel bits give the recipe an extra layer of flavor and texture. Once the caramel is poured over the popcorn, the mixture is shaped into round balls that are easy to serve and eat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Popped popcorn (plain, unsalted) | 10 cups (about 80–90 g) |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (115 g) |
| Light brown sugar | 1 cup (200 g) |
| Light corn syrup or golden syrup | ½ cup (120 ml) |
| Sweetened condensed milk | ¼ cup (60 ml) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Fine sea salt | ½ tsp (plus extra for sprinkling) |
| Optional add-ins | mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, pretzel bits |
Instructions
Prepare popcorn:
Place popcorn in a large greased bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.Make caramel:
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk.
Stir constantly and bring to a gentle boil.
Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring, until thickened slightly and smooth.
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt.
Coat popcorn:
Immediately pour hot caramel over popcorn, tossing with a spatula until evenly coated.Shape balls:
Let mixture cool just enough to handle (2–3 min).
Grease hands lightly with butter or oil.
Press into balls, about the size of a small apple or as desired.
Set on parchment to firm.
Finish:
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before they fully set (optional but highly recommended!).Cool & store:
Allow to cool completely. Store airtight up to 3–4 days.
Notes
These salted caramel popcorn balls make a fun and easy treat for parties or movie nights. You can mix in chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra flavor. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popcorn ball
- Calories: 180
Keywords: Caramel Popcorn Balls, Sweet Salty Popcorn Balls, Popcorn Caramel Balls, Homemade Salted Caramel Balls