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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!

Deliciously gooey 5-minute Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn is simple, quick, and perfect for parties and holidays!

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!

Popped kernels ready for making caramel marshmallow popcorn.

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.

Gooey Caramel marshmallow popcorn on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

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:

  1. Buy 11 cups of plain pre-popped popcorn.
  2. Pop 5 tablespoons of your own kernels.
  3. Pop a bag of plain microwave popcorn.ย 

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 โ€œGolden Syrupโ€.

  • Make your own simple syrup: In a saucepan mix ยผ cup of water with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Simmer until the sugar has melted and makes a syrup.ย 

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 โ€œmeltโ€ and it wonโ€™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. 

Close up of a red bowl filled with caramel marshmallow popcorn.

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:

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4.98 from 71 votes

Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
Deliciously gooey 5-minute Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn is simple, quick, and perfect for parties and holidays!
Servings: 8
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 (3.2-ounce) bag plain microwave popcorn
  • ยฝ 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

Choose Your Favorite Popcorn: One 3.28-ounce bag of microwave popcorn contains 5 tablespoons of un-popped kernels, which makes 10โ€“11 cups of popped popcorn. So for this recipe, you can buy 11 cups of plain pre-popped popcorn, pop 5 tablespoons of your own kernels, or pop 1 bag of plain microwave popcorn.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 270kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 0.5g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 31mg, Sodium: 26mg, Potassium: 41mg, Fiber: 0.03g, Sugar: 39g, Vitamin A: 355IU, Calcium: 27mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe adapted from Raining Hot Coupons.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and Iโ€™m the mom of SIX stinkinโ€™ cute kids and the wife to my smokinโ€™ hot hubby, Lo. My momโ€™s maiden name is Luna, and Iโ€™m one of the many crafty โ€œLilโ€™ Lunasโ€ in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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4.98 from 71 votes (45 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




84 Comments

  1. Shanna Parker says:

    4 stars
    The taste was amazing but the caramel popcorn ended up crystal-ly. Did I over cook it or under cook?

  2. Cristy says:

    5 stars
    I love this recipe. Itโ€™s delicious and the perfect soft texture!

  3. Jamiee says:

    5 stars
    This is one of my most FAVORITE treats!!!!!

  4. Jane says:

    5 stars
    Super easy and made with ingredients already in the pantry and oh so good and gooey !!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Walter Magazi says:

    Interesting recipe. I see you want the syrup done in an oven, have I read well?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      The caramel marshmallow mixture from this recipe is actually made in a saucepan over the stove. ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Mark says:

    Love love this it is so awesomely yummy good

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the popcorn!

      1. Steve S says:

        I’ve made a similar recipe for years without the syrup. I usually melt the butter and brown sugar and marshmallows in a large Pyrex measuring cup in the microwave. you have to watch it and stir occassionally. it caramelizes and turns slightly darker. so ha e the popcorn ready, when the caramel is done pour over the popcorn carefully stir it together and let it cool. after that enjoy the sugar coma ๐Ÿ˜€

  7. Linda Schoenecker says:

    5 stars
    Just made it. Turned out yummy & gooey !
    Thanks. So quick & easy.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Happy you tried it! Thank you for making it & for letting me know!

  8. Chelsey Butcher says:

    5 stars
    My favorite recipe so far!! Itโ€™s so ooey gooey delicious! I usually double the recipe cause it goes so fast!

    1. Chelsey Butcher says:

      5 stars
      My favorite recipe so far!! Itโ€™s so ooey gooey delicious! I usually double the recipe cause it goes so fast!

  9. Terri Hermes says:

    5 stars
    I made this recipe, and forgot the karo syrup. However it was excellent without the syrup. What is the purpose of the syrup?
    Such a good caramel popcorn ball!!!! Thank you for sharing!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Glad to hear that. It helps make it sweet & stick, but good to know it still works out without it!

    2. Cindy Curtis says:

      Oh my gosh I can not wait to make this.

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Hope you enjoy!!

  10. Pamela Patterson says:

    Hi Kristyn, could I use marshmallow fluff? If so any idea how much? This looks sooo yummy, going to make & give as gifts for Christmas. Thank you! Have a wonderful holiday season!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I haven’t tried, but I am sure that would work ๐Ÿ™‚