Grandma's Old-Fashioned Caramel Popcorn Balls
Grandma's Old-Fashioned Caramel Popcorn Balls deliver a buttery caramel gloss that clings to airy popcorn with a tender-chewy snap. The balance of toasty corn, rich dairy sweetness, and a hint of salt makes them perfect for fall gatherings, movie nights, or holiday treat trays. Each bite holds together without turning hard, capturing that timeless homemade charm.
- Prep25 mins
- Cook10 mins
- Serves20
- DifficultyMedium
- 1
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- 2
Go through the popcorn and discard any unpopped kernels.
- 3
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, sugar, corn syrup, margarine, and salt; attach a candy thermometer to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, until the caramel reaches 246 degrees F (119 degrees C), about 5 minutes.
- 4
Put some popcorn into a very large bowl; pour in some caramel and stir until evenly coated. Add the remaining popcorn and caramel in batches, stirring well after each addition.
- 5
Scoop some of the popcorn mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap; gather and twist the plastic wrap to gently shape the mixture into a ball. Place the popcorn ball on the prepared baking sheet; repeat with the remaining popcorn mixture. Cool the popcorn balls until set, about 15 minutes.
- Calories 1077.26 kcal High
- Protein 28.13 g Good Source
- Carbs 226.19 g Moderate
- Total Fat 18.55 g High
- Saturated Fat 2.35 g Moderate
- Trans Fat 1.18 g High
- Cholesterol 4.13 mg Low Source
- Sodium 32.5 mg Low Source
- Fiber 27.23 g Good Source
- Sugar 26.35 g High
- Added Sugar 0.0 g Low Source
- Calcium 65.11 mg Low Source
- Iron 5.31 mg Good Source
- Potassium 801.96 mg Moderate
- Vitamin A 116.61 mcg_rae Moderate
- Vitamin C 0.0 mg Low Source
- Vitamin D 0.47 mcg Low Source
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Milk 🥛
- Corn 🌽