There’s just something magical about making marshmallow caramel corn! The combination of sweet, gooey marshmallows and crunchy popcorn is pure bliss. I remember the first time I made this treat; it was during a movie night with friends. The smell wafted through the house, and everyone gathered in the kitchen, eager to dig in. We couldn’t resist grabbing fistfuls of that irresistible goodness! It’s now a staple for any gathering, from cozy nights in to festive celebrations. Trust me, when you take that first bite, the sweet caramel melts in your mouth, and it’s like a warm hug from your favorite snack. You’re going to love sharing this joy with everyone around you!
Ingredients for Marshmallow Caramel Corn
- 10 cups popped popcorn: Make sure it’s freshly popped for that perfect crunch. You can use air-popped or microwave popcorn—just avoid the buttered kind!
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: These little guys add that gooey sweetness that makes this treat so special.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This is the magic ingredient that transforms into caramel when heated!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: I find unsalted butter gives the best flavor, letting the sweetness shine through without being too salty.
- 1/4 cup corn syrup: This helps keep everything chewy and sticky—so important for that perfect bite!
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: This is the secret ingredient that makes the caramel light and airy—don’t skip it!
How to Prepare Marshmallow Caramel Corn
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This step is super important because the low and slow baking allows the caramel to fully coat the popcorn without burning. Trust me, this is where the magic happens! A properly preheated oven will give you that perfect crunchy texture that we all love.
Prepare the Popcorn
Now, let’s get that popcorn ready! Grab a large bowl and add your freshly popped popcorn. I always recommend using popcorn that’s just popped for the best crunch. If you have any unpopped kernels left in your batch, be sure to pick those out—nobody wants a surprise crunch that’s not from the caramel corn!
Make the Caramel Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, unsalted butter, and corn syrup. Place it over medium heat and stir constantly until it starts to boil. This is where you want to keep an eye on it—bubbling away for about 4 to 5 minutes. Make sure to keep stirring to prevent it from burning! Once it’s bubbling nicely, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam up, and that’s a good sign!
Combine Ingredients
After your caramel mixture is ready, it’s time to pour it over the popcorn. Make sure to do this while the caramel is still warm and gooey! Gently drizzle the caramel over the popcorn and use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together. You want to coat every piece of popcorn, but be careful not to crush them—nobody wants a pile of popcorn dust! Just fold it in until everything is well combined.
Bake the Mixture
Next, spread the caramel-coated popcorn evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, but don’t forget to stir it every 10 minutes! This will help the caramel evenly coat each piece and create that irresistible crunchy texture. Just imagine the sweet aroma filling your kitchen—it’s heavenly!
Cool and Serve
Once the baking is done, take it out and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial because it allows the caramel to harden a bit, making each bite perfectly crunchy. Once cooled, transfer your marshmallow caramel corn to an airtight container to keep it fresh. I promise, it won’t last long once you start sharing it with friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up—perfect for last-minute cravings!
- The combination of sweet marshmallows and crunchy popcorn is simply irresistible.
- It makes a fantastic snack for parties, movie nights, or just because!
- With just a few simple ingredients, you can create something truly special.
- Leftovers? No problem! It stays fresh in an airtight container for days.
Tips for Success
To take your marshmallow caramel corn to the next level, here are a few expert tips! First, always use unsalted butter—it really allows the sweetness of the caramel to shine through without being too salty. If you want to kick things up a notch, consider adding some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently after mixing the caramel with the popcorn. And don’t rush the cooling process! Let it sit until it’s completely cool for that perfect crunch. Trust me, these simple tweaks will make a world of difference!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. For a serving size of 1 cup, you can expect around 150 calories, 6g of fat, 10g of sugar, and 1g of protein. If you’re watching your diet closely, I recommend checking the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy your marshmallow caramel corn without guilt, but remember to savor it in moderation!
FAQ About Marshmallow Caramel Corn
Can I use regular popcorn instead of popped popcorn?
Absolutely! Just pop your kernels according to the package instructions, whether in an air popper, microwave, or on the stovetop. Just be sure to remove any unpopped kernels before combining with the caramel!
What can I substitute for corn syrup?
If you don’t have corn syrup on hand, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute. Keep in mind that it may slightly change the flavor, but it will still be delicious!
How should I store my marshmallow caramel corn?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy. It should last about a week, but trust me, it won’t last that long once everyone gets a taste!
Can I add other ingredients to the mix?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or even pretzels for a fun twist. Just make sure to gently fold them in after coating the popcorn with caramel.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Marshmallow caramel corn is great for making a day or two ahead of time. Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It makes for a perfect treat for parties or movie nights!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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Marshmallow Caramel Corn: 5 Steps to Blissful Treats
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and crunchy treat made with popcorn, marshmallows, and caramel.
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Place popped popcorn in a large bowl.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat until boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and baking soda.
- Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and mix well.
- Add marshmallows and mix gently.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- You can add nuts or chocolate for extra flavor.
- Make sure to use unsalted butter for a better taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: marshmallow caramel corn, popcorn, snack, dessert