Best 3 Old Time Popcorn Balls Recipes

Indulge in the nostalgic charm of Old-Time Popcorn Balls, a delightful treat that evokes memories of simpler times. These bite-sized morsels of popcorn, coated in a sweet and gooey syrup, are a perfect blend of crunchy and chewy textures. This article presents a collection of time-honored recipes that capture the essence of this classic confection. From the traditional stovetop method to variations that utilize a microwave or air popper, these recipes offer a range of options to suit your preferences and equipment. Whether you prefer the classic flavor profile or desire a twist with unique flavor combinations, this comprehensive guide has you covered. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you'll be able to recreate these beloved popcorn balls at home, bringing joy to your family and friends.

Let's cook with our recipes!

OLD-TIME POPCORN BALLS

Old-Time Popcorn Balls image

Our whole family loves popcorn. These old-time popcorn balls are great anytime, but they're especially fun to pass out to trick-or-treaters or to use at Christmastime as stocking stuffers! They always look appealing when covered in clear wrap and tied with a festive ribbon. -LaReine Stevens, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2 quarts popped popcorn
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

Place popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine molasses, sugar, water, vinegar and butter. Cook, without stirring, over medium heat until mixture reaches 235° on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage). Add baking soda and stir well. , Remove from heat and immediately pour over popcorn, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until well coated. When cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cool water to prevent the syrup from sticking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 170 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 159mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

OLD TIME POPCORN BALLS

Old Time Popcorn Balls image

A favorite treat, very popular with my family, hope it's just as popular with yours.

Provided by LYNNELEZOTTE

Categories Desserts Candy Recipes Popcorn Candy Recipes Popcorn Ball Recipes

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

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

Steps:

Butter the sides of a large saucepan. In the sauce pan combine the sugar, water, salt, corn syrup and vinegar. Cook over medium heat to the hard ball stage 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Stir in the vanilla and slowly pour the hot mixture over the popped popcorn, stirring just to mix well.
Butter hands lightly and shape into balls. Mixture will be hot so be careful. Place balls on waxed paper to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 219.9 calories, Carbohydrate 41.7 g, Fat 6.3 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 1.1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 239.2 mg, Sugar 29.7 g

OLD-TIME POPCORN BALLS (HONEY)

OLD-TIME POPCORN BALLS (HONEY) image

Categories Candy Dessert Christmas

Yield 15 to 20 balls

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey (recipe is light corn syrup)
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
5 quarts popped corn
1/2 stick of margarine or butter added at the end to beat after it is a firm ball

Steps:

Butter sides of saucepan. In it combine sugar, water, salt, syrup, and vinegar. Cook to a firm ball state (250 degrees). Stir in Vanilla and margarine (butter). Slowly pour over popped corn, stirring just to mix well. Butter hands lightly; shape balls. Makes 15 to 20 balls

Tips:

Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the popcorn balls from burning.
Keep the temperature of the sugar mixture to 235-240°F (113-116°C). If the mixture gets too hot, the popcorn balls will be hard and brittle.
Add the popcorn to the sugar mixture as soon as it reaches the correct temperature. If you wait too long, the sugar mixture will start to harden and it will be difficult to coat the popcorn.
Stir the popcorn constantly while coating it with the sugar mixture. This will help to prevent the popcorn from clumping together.
When the popcorn is coated with the sugar mixture, drop it by spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Work quickly, as the sugar mixture will start to harden.
Let the popcorn balls cool completely before eating them.

Conclusion:

Old-time popcorn balls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a classic snack that the whole family will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a fun and festive treat, give old-time popcorn balls a try.