This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
A couple of weeks ago, when I was at Bear Lake with my
extended family we had a real need for a treat.
Let me rephrase that.
We hadn’t had a treat in almost 3 hours….so we were in need.
Terrible need.
Of something gooey…
Sweet…
Sticky….
My sister in law Miriam pulled this fabulous recipe for
Caramel Popcorn right out of her tick-tock and we got to making.
Let me just tell it to you strait.
We were not disappointed!
This Caramel Popcorn would be great to take along camping, on a picnic, to the drive in movies, to the sit at your house and watch a movie, just about anywhere you go….
this popcorn will put a smile on your face.
Unless you are sitting in the dentist chair.
Let me just give you a heads up…
Generally treats shouldn’t be eaten while at the dentist.
I know, I know.
You are disappointed.
Me too.
Caramel Popcorn Balls
Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 15 servings
Recipe from Miriam Pritchett
*Note: I received a comment this afternoon from someone who tried the recipe. She indicated that more popcorn was needed to use all of the caramel. I have tried it with both 1 C and 1 1/2 C popcorn…we liked it drenched in caramel and so I decided on posting the recipe with only 1 C popcorn. However, you may like it more spread out. So…pop to your own liking!
1 C unpopped popcorn
salt
1/2 C butter (1 stick)
2 C brown sugar
1/2 C corn syrup
1 15 oz sweetened condensed milk
1. Most popcorn poppers can only accommodate 1/2 C corn kernels at a time. This recipe calls for 1 C total, so you will need to pop 2 batches.
2. Put your popcorn into to large bowls, sprinkle the popcorn with a bit of salt.
3. In a medium sized sauce pan melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk Stir it all around until well blended.
4. Heat the mixture to boiling. Boil for 3 minutes while stirring.
5. Remove from the heat and pour caramel over the top of the popcorn. Stir it up with a large wooden spoon until all of the popcorn is covered.
6. You can serve the popcorn up to your crew in the bowl you mixed it in. Simple is often best. However, you can shape them into balls and then wrap in plastic wrap. Tie a little bow around them if you are feeling fancy, and you have time in your day for that kind of frivolity.
Maybe you could take some to your dentist office after all!
I just had a great idea.
Just pass them around to all of the patients…maybe you can get a secret discount on your bill.
(Not a thing disappointing about that.)
Quick question… Do you know how long the popcorn will be good after making it? I once made caramel corn and it was all stale like the next day (I did store it in an airtight container though)… it was a different recipe, but was wondering if you had any idea how long this one lasts. I want to make some of this yummy caramel corn a day or 2 before I give it away in goodie baskets…(if it lasts that long before getting eaten! LOL) Thanks!!
Hey there Liz,
Sorry for the delayed response. Things have been crazy here. The caramel popcorn would be fine to make the day before. I would be a little bit worried about making it 2 days before, but one day will be great. Good luck!
~Jamie
This is so cool! I love to make caramel popcorns. I prefer it than those salted ones.
Lovely popcorn balls! I am definitely going to try this one. The kids will like these popcorn balls.
This is my favorite. Now that I have moved to India, is there a substitute for corn syrup, it's not easily available here.
Anonymous,
India! Wow that must be really amazing. I don't know of a substitute for corn syrup. My first guess is that you would need to make a simple syrup and then let it reduce. You may be able to find a tutorial on YouTube. Good luck to you. What an amazing adventure!
~Jamie
Thanks for the recipe! Love the story!
These are awesome! I am taking to the teachers for their birthday luncheon. I added some Halloween M&M’s to them and wrapped with Halloween baggies and ribbon. They look adorable!!! 🙂 Thank you!!!