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Deliciously gooey 5-minute Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn is simple, quick, and perfect for parties and holidays!
This gooey Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn takes minutes to make and is a delicious treat for any holiday, party, or movie night. Similar to Rice Krispie Treats and filled with simple ingredients, we have a feeling you’ll love this popcorn as much as we do!
marshmallow Popcorn goodness
Do you like Marshmallows? And do you like Popcorn? How about Caramel?
If you love all 3, then you’ll love today’s recipe for Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn. Believe us when we say that it is beyond addicting!
Turn this treat into Marshmallow Popcorn Balls and the kids will go crazy!
It is so easy to make and takes only 5 minutes. The best part is it’s so gooey good. If you’re looking for a great treat for parties and get-togethers – this is it! Or even a family movie night. We promise it will be a hit!
How to Make Marshmallow Popcorn
Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn takes just minutes to make!
POPCORN. Pop the popcorn and place it in a large bowl, remove unpopped kernels. Set aside.
CARAMEL. Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan on medium heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup until well blended. Add marshmallows and stir continuously on low heat until all melted.
COMBINE. Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn and mix well. Spread popcorn on parchment paper or put it on a greased baking sheet and let set.
Recipe Tips
Amount in one bag of popcorn. One 3.28 oz bag of popcorn contains 5 tablespoons of un-popped kernels or about 11 cups of popped corn. There are 3 ways to get popcorn for this recipe:
- Buy 11 cups of plain pre-popped popcorn.
- Pop 5 tablespoons of your own kernels.
- Pop a bag of plain microwave popcorn.
Marshmallows. Substitute large marshmallows for mini marshmallows with a 1:10 ratio. For this recipe use 200 mini marshmallows or about 3 cups. Either way, remember old marshmallows won’t melt well.
Corn syrup substitute. There are a few options though they may alter the taste, but not by much. Substitute a 1:1 ratio of maple syrup or honey. In the UK the closest substitute is “Golden Syrup”.
- Make your own simple syrup: In a saucepan mix ¼ cup of water with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Simmer until the sugar has melted and makes a syrup.
Popcorn. Use any flavor of popcorn, but I prefer plain popcorn for this recipe. Kettle corn, salted popcorn, or lightly buttered popcorn work as well.
Don’t add extra popcorn or there won’t be enough caramel to hold them together. However, if you don’t add enough popcorn, the caramel will “melt” and it won’t hold its shape.
Easy cleanup. Grease your hands with cooking spray before forming the balls to prevent sticking.
Toppings. This popcorn really speaks for itself, but it can be fun to mix in a few colored sprinkles, little candies, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips. Do not add too many extras or the ratios will be off and the popcorn ball won’t stick together.
Storing Info
STORE all Marshmallow Popcorn together in an airtight container or wrap individual balls tightly with plastic wrap. The popcorn should last for 7-10 days at room temperature.
For more popcorn recipes:
- White Chocolate M&M Popcorn
- Easy Popcorn Balls
- Cookies and Cream Popcorn
- Birthday Cake Popcorn
- Caramel Popcorn
- Christmas Popcorn
Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (3.2-ounce) bag plain microwave popcorn
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 20 large marshmallows or 3 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Pop popcorn and place in a large bowl, removing any un-popped kernels.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup and cook, stirring, until well blended. Add marshmallows and stir continuously until all melted, about 5 minutes.
- Pour mixture over popcorn and mix well. Spread popcorn out on parchment paper or a greased baking sheet and let sit for about 10 minutes to set up.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe adapted from Raining Hot Coupons.
On the oven?
Mixing the other ingredients? Yes, all on the oven, to melt all together & get so creamy, smooth 🙂
I was thinking that was a typo. Typically it’d be on the stove or in the oven. If it’s in the oven what temperature?
Oops…it is the stove, I am not sure what I was thinking. In my mind I was thinking they were the same 🙂 LOL!!
I halved the ‘sauce’, added pretzels, m&ms, walnuts and pecans. We didn’t miss the extra sugar… Although I can imagine with the full serving it would be absolutly divine!
That sounds perfect!! Thank you for sharing! I will have to try 🙂
What size of bag of popcorn. Do you pop the whole thing. Can you tell me approximately how many cups of popcorn?
I can’t remember the ounces, but it’s just a normal size bag & yes, I pop the whole thing 🙂 Hope that helps 🙂
Would this work with canola oil or any other oil besides butter or coconut oil?
I haven’t tried. It should be ok. I’m sorry, I don’t know for sure. I guess there’s one way to find out 🙂
If there are leftovers, how are they stored?
I would store it in an air tight container or even a bag should be ok. It is sticky, so a container might be better. Enjoy!
This looks sooooo good!
It is!! We love it!! Hope you’ll try it!
Looks yummy, but I wish you would be more clear about the popcorn. Is it a bought bag of popped corn? an unpopped bag of microwave popcorn? a bag of unpopped kernels? I am taking this to mean a bag of microwave popcorn, but I see how it can cause confusion. 🙂 Just a suggestion! 🙂
It can be a bought bag or a pooped bag of microwave popcorn..it’s whatever you like, as long as it’s popped 🙂
Can you use puff corn instead of popcorn?
I haven’t tried, but I’m sure you could. It wouldn’t be quite the same, but I think it’d be fine. Let me know if you give it a try! Thank you!
Well I used the puff corn and it is really good!!! The sweet and salty go together real good.
Thank you so much for letting me know! I’m so glad it turned out!
Can you use hulless popcorn?
Of course 🙂 Hope you enjoy as much as we do!!
Be nice if you would put how many carbs,calories. Looks good thou
I’m sorry I don’t have that info. I’d have to look at each ingredient to get a count. It sure is good though! Thanks so much!
If you are making something with butter, brown sugar, marshmallows and syrup I think the calories and carbs and fat are a mute point??? Making this this weekend it looks incredible. Thank you!
LOL!! Enjoy!!