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Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

Create this irresistible sweet treat by coating fresh popcorn with homemade marshmallow caramel sauce. Quick to make and customizable with your favorite mix-ins.

Emily Watson
Updated on Sun, 22 Dec 2024 02:06:53 GMT
A large bowl filled with fluffy, caramel-coated popcorn sits on a light surface.
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A large bowl filled with fluffy, caramel-coated popcorn sits on a light surface. Pin it
A large bowl filled with fluffy, caramel-coated popcorn sits on a light surface. | thefamilycooks.com

I created this Marshmallow Caramel Corn recipe for movie night and now my family begs for it every weekend! The combination of gooey marshmallows and buttery caramel coating each piece of popcorn creates pure snacking magic. It comes together so quickly and disappears even faster. Once you try it you'll never look at regular caramel corn the same way again.

What Makes This Snack Special

This isn't your ordinary caramel corn. The marshmallows create these amazing soft pockets between the crunchy kernels making every bite exciting. I love that I can whip up a batch in under 20 minutes and customize it however we're craving that day. It's become our favorite treat for everything from family movie nights to party snack tables.

What You'll Need

  • Popped Popcorn: Start with 10 cups of fresh popcorn nothing beats that homemade crunch.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates that rich caramel base we're after.
  • Brown Sugar: Gives us that deep caramel flavor I love.
  • Light Corn Syrup: Makes everything smooth and gooey honey works too!
  • Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the sweet flavors.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds that perfect warm flavor note.
  • Mini Marshmallows: These melt into the most amazing gooey coating.

Let's Make Some Magic

Pop Your Corn
Start with fresh popped popcorn in a big bowl make sure to get out any unpopped kernels.
Create The Coating
Melt your butter then stir in brown sugar corn syrup and salt. Let it bubble for a few minutes then add vanilla and marshmallows watch them melt into silky smoothness.
Mix It Up
Pour that warm gooey mixture over your popcorn and stir until every piece is coated in sweet happiness.
Cool and Break
Spread it on parchment paper let it cool then break into perfect snacking pieces.

My Best Tips

  • Fresh Is Best: Always start with freshly popped corn it makes such a difference.
  • Don't Wait: That coating sets up fast so mix quickly for even coverage.
  • No Sticking: Spray your spoon with cooking spray works like magic.
  • Make It Fun: We love adding pretzels or nuts for extra crunch.

Fun Ways to Mix It Up

  • Go Nutty: Toss in some roasted peanuts or almonds absolutely delicious.
  • Add Chocolate: A drizzle of melted chocolate takes this over the top.
  • Make It Festive: Colored candies or sprinkles make it perfect for parties.

Ways to Share

This treat is perfect in big bowls for movie watching or packed into cute bags for parties. I love making extra to give as gifts everyone always asks for the recipe! It's become my go to contribution for school events and bake sales.

Keeping It Fresh

Store your treats in an airtight container they'll stay perfect for about 3 days. Keep them away from heat or moisture to keep that amazing texture. Skip the fridge it makes the popcorn weird.

A close-up of a bowl filled with caramel-coated popcorn, garnished with a small green leaf. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl filled with caramel-coated popcorn, garnished with a small green leaf. | thefamilycooks.com

Quick Answers to Questions

  • Microwave Popcorn OK? Sure just get the plain kind no butter or salt added.
  • No Corn Syrup? Honey works great just adds its own lovely flavor.
  • Can I Freeze It? Best not to the texture isn't the same after.

Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

A quick and delicious snack combining fresh popcorn with gooey marshmallow caramel coating. Ready in minutes and perfect for sharing.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (10 cups)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 10 cups popped popcorn (1/2 cup kernels).
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
03 1/2 cup brown sugar.
04 1/4 cup light corn syrup.
05 1/4 teaspoon salt.
06 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
07 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows.

Instructions

Step 01

Pop popcorn and remove unpopped kernels. Place in large bowl.

Step 02

Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.

Step 03

Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Boil, stirring constantly.

Step 04

Reduce heat, simmer 2-3 minutes without stirring.

Step 05

Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and marshmallows until smooth.

Step 06

Pour over popcorn, toss until evenly coated.

Step 07

Spread on lined baking sheet, cool 10-15 minutes.

Notes

  1. Ready in under 20 minutes. Can customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins. Perfect for parties and gatherings.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Saucepan.
  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 1 g