Marshmallow Caramel Corn

Introduction

Marshmallow Caramel Corn has quickly become a favorite treat in our house. Every time I make it, the smell of caramelized sugar and melted marshmallows fills the air, creating an irresistible combination of sweet and salty goodness. It’s the kind of snack that gets devoured quickly—whether it’s during movie nights, holiday gatherings, or just as a comforting treat after a long day. The crunch of popcorn paired with the gooey caramel and marshmallow coating makes every bite a delicious experience. This recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also perfect for sharing. It’s one of those timeless treats that never fails to impress, and I find myself making it over and over again.

Ingredients

• 8 cups popped popcorn
• ½ cup butter 🧈
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 10 oz. bag large marshmallows (about 35)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Prepare the popcorn: Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl. Ensure the popcorn is free of unpopped kernels.
2. Prepare the baking sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures that the marshmallow caramel won’t stick when it cools.
3. Make the caramel: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter 🧈. Once melted, add the brown sugar and light corn syrup. Stir the mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s well blended and the sugar has dissolved.
4. Add the marshmallows: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the marshmallows to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Finish the caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the vanilla extract. The vanilla will enhance the flavor of the caramel, making it even more aromatic.
6. Coat the popcorn: Pour the marshmallow caramel mixture over the popcorn. Gently stir to coat the popcorn evenly with the sticky caramel mixture.
7. Spread the mixture: Immediately spread the coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
8. Cool and serve: Allow the marshmallow caramel corn to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. Once cooled, break it into pieces and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings per recipe: 10-12
• Calories per serving: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

• Movie nights: Serve this marshmallow caramel corn in a big bowl for movie nights or game day.
• Holiday parties: Make a batch and serve it at your next holiday gathering for a fun and festive treat.
• Gifts: Pack it into cellophane bags or mason jars as homemade gifts for family and friends.
• Snack time: Enjoy it as a sweet snack during the afternoon or evening.

Additional Tips

1. Avoid burning the caramel: Make sure to cook the caramel on medium heat and avoid overheating it, which could cause it to burn.
2. Use fresh popcorn: Freshly popped popcorn works best for this recipe. You can make the popcorn using a stovetop method, air popper, or microwave.
3. Customize the marshmallow size: You can use regular marshmallows if large ones aren’t available, just increase the quantity by about 1-2 cups.
4. Add a pinch of salt: For a sweet-and-salty contrast, add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture before pouring it over the popcorn.
5. Keep the popcorn from getting soggy: Once you coat the popcorn with the caramel, spread it out quickly so the popcorn doesn’t become too soggy.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled caramel corn for a richer flavor.
2. Nutty caramel corn: Add chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the caramel-coated popcorn for added crunch and flavor.
3. Peanut butter caramel corn: Stir in ½ cup of peanut butter to the caramel mixture for a peanut butter-infused version.
4. Cinnamon caramel corn: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the caramel mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
5. Caramel popcorn bars: After coating the popcorn, press it into a lined pan to make caramel popcorn bars instead of loose pieces.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in small bowls: For easy serving at parties or gatherings, portion the caramel corn into individual bowls.
• Pair with warm drinks: Marshmallow caramel corn pairs well with hot chocolate, coffee, or a warm apple cider drink during the colder months.
• As a side dish: Serve as a fun side treat during a family meal or BBQ for something a little different.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store the marshmallow caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. It should stay fresh and crunchy.
• Freezing: You can freeze marshmallow caramel corn for up to 3 months. Just place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
• Avoid humidity: Be sure to store in a cool, dry place to prevent the caramel from becoming too sticky or soft.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular marshmallows instead of large marshmallows? Yes, regular-sized marshmallows will work, but you’ll need about 12-14 regular marshmallows to equal one 10 oz. bag of large marshmallows.
2. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
3. Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe? Yes, you can stir in chocolate chips after the caramel mixture has been poured over the popcorn for added richness.
4. Is there a way to make this recipe without corn syrup? If you’d like to avoid corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
5. How can I make it less sweet? To make the recipe less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar and use a small amount of dark chocolate or dark cocoa to balance out the sweetness.
6. Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, popcorn is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your marshmallows and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
7. How do I know if the caramel is ready? Once the brown sugar and butter are fully melted and combined with the corn syrup, add the marshmallows. It should form a thick syrup that can coat the back of a spoon.
8. Can I use microwave popcorn? Yes, microwave popcorn can be used, but make sure to use plain or lightly salted popcorn for the best flavor.
9. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the popcorn fresh and prevent it from becoming stale.
10. Can I add food coloring for special occasions? Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the marshmallow mixture for a festive touch.

Conclusion

Marshmallow Caramel Corn is a nostalgic treat that combines the crunchy, airy popcorn with a rich, gooey caramel coating. Its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a perfect addition to any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a party. With endless ways to tweak and customize the recipe, you can make it your own and enjoy it for weeks to come. Whether you keep it classic or try one of the variations, this caramel popcorn recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

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