Marshmallow Caramel Corn

Are you ready for a treat that’s completely irresistible, with a perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and gooey? Marshmallow Caramel Corn is one of those snacks that seems to disappear faster than you can make it. Imagine fluffy popcorn coated in a sticky, gooey caramel marshmallow mixture that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy, and you’ll be hooked after just one handful (okay, maybe two… or three). Whether it’s movie night, a family get-together, or just because, this caramel corn is guaranteed to be the star of the show!

Why You’ll Love Marshmallow Caramel Corn

• No-Bake Delight: Who doesn’t love a treat that’s delicious and quick to whip up? There’s no need to turn on the oven for this one—just a few simple steps and you’ll be snacking in no time!
• Perfectly Sweet and Salty: The marshmallowy caramel coating is so sweet, and the popcorn adds just the right amount of salty crunch. It’s an irresistible combo.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a movie night, or bringing a snack to a party, this caramel corn is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Kid-Friendly: With just a few ingredients and minimal steps, this is a perfect recipe to make with your kids. They’ll love getting their hands into the gooey mixture!

Ingredients

• Popcorn: Freshly popped popcorn is the base of this treat. It’s light, airy, and perfectly absorbs the gooey caramel coating.
• Butter: The butter creates the rich, smooth base for the caramel sauce and adds that delicious buttery flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives this recipe its deep, caramel flavor. It’s the magic ingredient that turns this into a sticky, sweet treat.
• Corn Syrup: This sweet syrup helps thicken the caramel mixture and gives it that perfect gooey texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla brings in a warm, aromatic sweetness that complements the caramel flavor.
• Mini Marshmallows: These marshmallows help create that irresistible marshmallow-caramel coating that makes this treat extra chewy and delicious.
• Baking Soda: This helps the caramel sauce puff up and gives it a lighter texture when mixed with the popcorn.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Pop the Popcorn

Start by popping 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (or about 12 cups of popped popcorn). You can use an air popper or a stove-top method—just make sure to remove any unpopped kernels. Pour the popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Marshmallow Coating

In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup corn syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir the mixture together and bring it to a gentle boil. Let it boil for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the caramel thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 3: Add the Marshmallows

Once the caramel mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 2 cups mini marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows have completely melted into the caramel and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Mix in Baking Soda

Add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to the mixture. It will bubble up a bit—that’s the baking soda reacting with the caramel to make it light and airy. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Coat the Popcorn

Pour the marshmallow caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and gently toss to coat all of the popcorn. Be sure to cover every kernel with that sweet, gooey goodness.

Step 6: Let it Set

Once your popcorn is coated, spread it out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a large tray. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to cool and set, allowing the coating to firm up just a bit.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the caramel corn has set, break it into pieces and serve! It’s best enjoyed the same day, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 210
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 110mg
Total Carbohydrate: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 6%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 4%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Marshmallow Caramel Corn

• For Movie Night: Grab a big bowl of this caramel corn and settle in for a cozy movie night. It’s the perfect snack to munch on while watching your favorite flick.
• As a Gift: Pack it into cute jars or treat bags and give it as a homemade gift. It’s a sweet and thoughtful way to share a little joy!
• Party Snack: This caramel corn is perfect for any celebration! Set it out in bowls for guests to snack on throughout the event.

Additional Tips

• Add Nuts: For a little extra texture, toss in some toasted pecans or almonds for a nutty crunch.
• Go Chocolate: Drizzle the finished caramel corn with melted chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Make It Festive: Add colorful sprinkles or themed decorations for a fun twist, especially for holidays or parties.
• Storage: Store leftover caramel corn in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want it to stay extra crispy, make sure it’s fully cooled before storing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use popcorn that’s already flavored?
A1: While you could technically use pre-flavored popcorn, the plain version works best for this recipe to really let the caramel shine. Plus, the buttery sweetness pairs better with plain popcorn.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A2: Yes! Simply swap the butter for vegan butter and the marshmallows for vegan marshmallows. You’ll still get the same sweet, gooey treat!

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can make this caramel corn a day or two ahead. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Q4: Can I add other flavors?
A4: Definitely! You can mix in some cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a little bit of cocoa powder to create a different flavor profile. Feel free to get creative!

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a month.

Q6: Can I add chocolate chips?
A6: Yes! After the caramel corn has cooled, you can mix in some chocolate chips for a decadent twist. Just make sure to wait until it’s fully set before doing so.

Q7: Can I use a different type of popcorn?
A7: Sure! If you prefer kettle corn or another type of popcorn, feel free to switch it up. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor of your finished treat.

Q8: Can I make this recipe without marshmallows?
A8: Marshmallows are key to creating that chewy, gooey texture, but you could try using marshmallow fluff as a substitute. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Q9: How can I make this more festive?
A9: Try adding seasonal sprinkles, or drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate to make it extra special for holidays or parties.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double the recipe! Just make sure you have a large enough bowl and baking sheet to handle the extra popcorn.

Conclusion

Marshmallow Caramel Corn is one of those sweet, crunchy treats that everyone will devour in no time. With its chewy caramel coating and that perfect popcorn crunch, it’s a snack that’ll always hit the spot. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, giving it as a gift, or keeping it all for yourself (no judgment!), this treat is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Enjoy!

Print