Elevate your popcorn game with this gooey caramel marshmallow mix! Sweet, chewy, and incredibly addictive, this popcorn treat is perfect for parties, movie nights, or any time you crave a fun snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform ordinary popcorn into an irresistible, crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to be a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with no baking required.
- Perfect Party Treat – Ideal for gatherings, holidays, or gift bags.
- Irresistibly Gooey – The combination of caramel and marshmallow creates a chewy, delightful texture.
- Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or candy for extra flair.
- Kid-Friendly – A fun and sweet treat that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Popped popcorn (about 10 cups)
- Mini marshmallows
- Brown sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Light corn syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Baking soda (optional, for a lighter texture)
Directions
- Prepare Popcorn – Pop your popcorn and place it in a large mixing bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.
- Make the Caramel Sauce – In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Marshmallows – Reduce heat to low and add mini marshmallows, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Mix in Vanilla & Baking Soda – Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract (and baking soda if using).
- Coat the Popcorn – Pour the caramel marshmallow mixture over the popcorn, stirring quickly to coat evenly.
- Cool & Serve – Spread the coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let cool for 10 minutes, then break into pieces and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 cups
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Delight – Add chopped almonds, pecans, or peanuts for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled popcorn for a decadent treat.
- Festive Fun – Mix in colored sprinkles or candy for holidays and celebrations.
- Salted Caramel – Sprinkle sea salt over the top for a sweet-and-salty combo.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: No need to reheat—enjoy it straight from the container!
FAQs
Can I use microwave popcorn?
Yes, but opt for plain or lightly salted varieties to control sweetness and saltiness.
How do I keep the popcorn from sticking together?
Stir well to coat evenly, and spread it out on parchment paper to cool.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well for a few days, making it perfect for party prep.
What if I don’t have corn syrup?
Honey or maple syrup can work as a substitute, but the texture may be slightly different.
Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes, just chop them into smaller pieces for easier melting.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and check that your marshmallows are also dairy-free.
Can I add other candies or mix-ins?
Absolutely! M&Ms, pretzel pieces, or chocolate chips make great additions.
How do I prevent my caramel from burning?
Cook over medium heat and stir constantly to avoid burning.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, but homemade caramel gives the best flavor and consistency.
What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
Serve in individual cups or popcorn cones for easy, mess-free snacking.
Conclusion
Sweet and chewy caramel marshmallow popcorn is a delightful treat that combines the best of gooey caramel and fluffy popcorn. Perfect for parties, cozy nights in, or just a fun snack, this recipe is quick, easy, and sure to please any crowd. Whip up a batch today and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your popcorn game with this gooey caramel marshmallow popcorn! Sweet, chewy, and absolutely addictive—perfect for parties, movie nights, or a cozy treat.
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare the Popcorn:
- Pop your popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels.
- Spread it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet or place in a large bowl.
- Make the Caramel Marshmallow Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt.
- Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes, until smooth.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in mini marshmallows until fully melted.
- Coat the Popcorn:
- Pour the warm caramel marshmallow mixture over the popcorn.
- Gently toss until fully coated.
- Let It Set & Serve:
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving for a slightly firmer texture.
- Break apart into chunks and enjoy!
Notes
- Add extra toppings like chocolate drizzle, pretzels, or chopped nuts for more texture.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Use store-bought popcorn to save time!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
