Best 10 Grandmas Caramel Popcorn Balls Recipes

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Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of Grandma's Caramel Popcorn Balls, a delightful treat that combines the crunchy texture of popcorn with the sweet, gooey goodness of homemade caramel. These bite-sized morsels are perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a sweet snack to enjoy at home. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe promises to transport you back to your childhood with every bite. Discover the secret to making these irresistible treats and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

In addition to the classic Caramel Popcorn Balls, this article also features variations that cater to different tastes and preferences. For those who enjoy a nutty twist, the Peanut Butter Caramel Popcorn Balls offer a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and rich caramel. If you're a fan of chocolate, the Chocolate Caramel Popcorn Balls are a must-try, blending the classic flavors of chocolate and caramel into a harmonious treat. And for a unique twist, the Salted Caramel Popcorn Balls add a touch of savory saltiness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the caramel. No matter your preference, these recipes provide a range of options to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

GRANDMA'S CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Grandma's Caramel Popcorn Balls image

This was one of my favorite treats that my grandmother used to make for me and my brother. This is the exact recipe that I just inherited from my grandmother along with many other wonderful recipes I will be posting.

Provided by ChipotleChick

Categories     Dessert

Time 35m

Yield 15 balls, 15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 tablespoons butter or 4 tablespoons margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
7 1/2 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
5 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • Combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
  • Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Stir in condensed milk.
  • Simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a soft ball in cold water (takes just a few minutes). It will be between 234-238 degrees farenheit on a candy thermometer.
  • Stir in vanilla and remove from heat.
  • Pour over the popped popcorn and stir well.
  • Butter your hands lightly, and shape the popcorn into balls about 3 1/2 inches in diameter.
  • Makes about 15 balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 202.2, Fat 4.8, SaturatedFat 2.8, Cholesterol 13, Sodium 57.1, Carbohydrate 39.2, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 25.1, Protein 2.5

EASY CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Easy Caramel Popcorn Balls image

These popcorn balls are heavenly! Everyone I've shared them with becomes hooked instantly!

Provided by redamber

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 (2.9 ounce) bags microwave popcorn, popped
1 cup brown sugar
⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ cup corn syrup
¼ cup butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Pour popcorn into a large bowl.
  • Combine brown sugar, condensed milk, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until a candy thermometer reads 234 degrees F (112 degrees C), about 5 minutes. Pour over popcorn; stir to coat evenly.
  • Scoop some of the popcorn mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gather and twist the plastic wrap to shape into a ball. Place popcorn ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; repeat with remaining mixture. Let cool until set, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300.1 calories, Carbohydrate 49.5 g, Cholesterol 15.9 mg, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 244.1 mg, Sugar 30.9 g

CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Caramel Popcorn Balls image

Easy to make and delicious. Kids Love them.

Provided by Suzanne

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 7

5 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 ½ cups unpopped popcorn
¼ cup butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Add 1 tablespoon of the oil to a 4 quart saucepan, and heat over high heat. When oil is hot, add 1/2 cup of popping corn. Keep pan moving constantly. When corn stops popping, remove from heat. Place popped corn in oven to keep warm. Repeat until all corn has been popped. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan with a candy thermometer inserted, combine butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Stir well and bring to boiling over medium heat. Stir in condensed milk; simmer, stirring constantly, until thermometer reads 238 degrees F (114 degrees C). Stir in vanilla.
  • Pour caramel over popped corn and stir to coat. Butter hands lightly; shape popcorn into balls about 3 1/2 inches in diameter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 322.1 calories, Carbohydrate 54.8 g, Cholesterol 12.8 mg, Fat 10.4 g, Fiber 4.9 g, Protein 5.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 51 mg, Sugar 25 g

GRANDMA'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandma's Popcorn Balls image

My Grandma made the BEST popcorn balls every year for Halloween. Everybody wanted her recipe and lucky me - I got it 30 years before she passed away. Now that I am a Grandma of 3, I look forward to making these for my grand children.

Provided by CindiJ

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 7m

Yield 12 balls, approx.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup sugar
1 cup Karo light corn syrup
2/3 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
4 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • In large pot mix well the sugar, Kayro syrup, vinegar and bring to boil. Continue until mixture reaches the Hard Crack Stage on candy thermometer.
  • Remove from heat and quickly stir in popped popcorn. Butter your hands and scoop enough coated mixture to form baseball sized balls.
  • You have to work quickly as the coating will harden very fast. When cooled, wrap in wax paper, twisting to close.
  • Preparation and cooking time does not include time to pop popcorn.
  • Cooking time varies with weather conditions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 197.1, Fat 1.5, SaturatedFat 0.7, Cholesterol 2.5, Sodium 25.6, Carbohydrate 46.8, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 24.4, Protein 1.4

CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Caramel Popcorn Balls image

The kids love helping me make these. They are wonderful for school party treats. Also, you can add almonds or peanuts for an extra flair.

Provided by Mom2Eight

Categories     Dessert

Time 30m

Yield 12 balls

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 -10 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup water
2 teaspoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter

Steps:

  • Put popped corn in large bowl. Combine sugars, syrup, water, vinegar and salt in a 2 quart sauce pan. Heat to boiling over medium high heat, stirring frequently. Once it starts boiling stir constantly until small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water forms a ball (hard ball stage). Reduce heat to low and stir in butter until melted. Pour syrup over popcorn in bowl, stirring until well coated. Let cool slightly. Butter hands and shape into balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 305.8, Fat 8, SaturatedFat 4.9, Cholesterol 20.3, Sodium 190.9, Carbohydrate 61.3, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 42.7, Protein 0.8

GRANDPA'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandpa's Popcorn Balls image

Great, Great Grandpa Apell had a huge farm in Illinois with prize-winning corn. He made Popcorn Balls for all the Grandkids at Christmastime. He lived to be 106 and claimed workin' the farm and eatin' corn was the secret! This recipe is delicious!

Provided by 3KIDS5

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
½ cup butter
¼ cup water
salt to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
5 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water. Stir and heat to hard-crack stage or 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove from heat, add vanilla or vinegar; mix well.
  • Pour slowly over popped popcorn while stirring. Wait 5 minutes and shape into 3 inch round balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 457.7 calories, Carbohydrate 75.1 g, Cholesterol 24.4 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 317 mg, Sugar 48.9 g

GRANDMA'S CARAMEL POPCORN



Grandma's Caramel Popcorn image

Here's another recipe I got from my Grandma over 30 years ago. This is so good and the memories are flooding back for me. I miss her so much! So in honor of you Grandma, I post your recipes here.

Provided by CindiJ

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup butter
2 cups hard packed brown sugar
1/2 cup Karo light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon caramel flavoring
6 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • Melt butter in large pot; stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt.
  • Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Continue to boil for 5 minutes WITHOUT stirring.
  • While boiling - place popped corn in 2 extra-large shallow baking pans.
  • Set aside.
  • Remove butter and sugar mixture from heat and stir in baking soda, vanilla & caramel flavorings.
  • Pour over popped corn and stir well to coat.
  • Bake in 250F oven for 1 hour; stir every 15 minutes.
  • Preparation & cooking time does not include popping the corn.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 754, Fat 32.2, SaturatedFat 19.6, Cholesterol 81.3, Sodium 654.3, Carbohydrate 118.2, Fiber 4.6, Sugar 78.5, Protein 4.5

CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Caramel Popcorn Balls image

I've been a fan of popcorn since my mother used to grow corn in our garden. I've shared this special treat for years. Friends and family often request it during the holiday.-Anne Welsh, Greenwood, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Snacks

Time 20m

Yield 10 popcorn balls.

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 cups popped popcorn
3 cups crisp rice cereal
42 caramels
3 tablespoons water
1 cup salted peanuts
1/8 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Combine popcorn and cereal in a large bowl; set aside. , In a heavy saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe dish, heat caramels and water until the caramels are melted. Stir in peanuts and salt; mix well. Pour over popcorn mixture and toss to coat. , With buttered hands, shape into 3-in. balls. Reshape if necessary when partially cooled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320 calories, Fat 13g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 350mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (29g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

OLD-FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS



Old-Fashioned Popcorn Balls image

Popcorn always make a crowd-pleasing snack...but you can make it into a chewy, sweet delight with this classic recipe.-American Pop Corn Co., Sioux City, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Snacks

Time 35m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup light or dark corn syrup
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a baking pan and keep warm in a 200° oven. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, water, butter and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. , Continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches 270° on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat. Add vanilla; stir just enough to mix. Slowly pour over the popcorn. Cool just enough to handle. Shape with buttered hands.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 213mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (21g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

KRAFT CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Kraft Caramel Popcorn Balls image

Make and share this Kraft Caramel Popcorn Balls recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Ann McMaster

Categories     Dessert

Time 10m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

28 Kraft caramels
2 tablespoons water
2 quarts popped corn, salted

Steps:

  • Melt caramels with water over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  • Pour over popped corn; toss until well coated.
  • With hands slightly moistened with cold water, form into balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 265.6, Fat 10.2, SaturatedFat 2.2, Cholesterol 3.3, Sodium 270.8, Carbohydrate 42.9, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 30.9, Protein 3.2

Tips:

  • Use a large pot to make the caramel, as it will bubble up and expand.
  • Be careful not to overheat the sugar, as it can burn easily.
  • Once the sugar has melted, add the syrup and butter and stir until well combined.
  • Add the baking soda and stir quickly until the mixture is foamy.
  • Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and stir until evenly coated.
  • Use your hands to form the popcorn balls, working quickly before the caramel hardens.
  • Place the popcorn balls on a greased baking sheet and let them cool completely.
  • Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature.

Conclusion:

Grandma's Caramel Popcorn Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a sweet and crunchy snack that the whole family will love. So next time you're looking for a fun and festive treat, give this recipe a try.

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