The Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn Recipe You Can’t Resist

Sweet kernels of buttery caramel marshmallow popcorn beckon with irresistible charm, promising a treat that melts in your mouth.

Sticky clusters promise pure indulgence for anyone seeking a delectable snack.

Caramel coats each crisp morsel, creating a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Homemade magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Soft marshmallows weave through crunchy popcorn, delivering a nostalgic comfort that sparks joy.

Unexpected layers of sweetness emerge with every delightful bite.

Whip up this crowd-pleasing confection and watch smiles bloom around the table.

FAQs For Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

• Can I use microwave popcorn instead of freshly popped kernels?

No, microwave popcorn contains added oils and seasonings that can interfere with the caramel coating. Use plain, freshly popped kernels for the best results.

• What type of marshmallows work best for this recipe?

Regular white marshmallows are ideal. Avoid flavored or specialty marshmallows as they can alter the classic caramel taste and texture of the treat.

• Is it necessary to stir the popcorn during baking?

Yes, stirring every 15 minutes ensures even caramelization and prevents burning, helping to create a uniform, crispy coating on all popcorn pieces.

What Makes Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn Addictive

• Transform Ordinary Snacking: Elevate your popcorn game with this irresistible caramel marshmallow version that turns a simple treat into a gourmet experience.
• Master Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Create a universally loved snack that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment by adding nuts, chocolate drizzles, or sprinkles to make this recipe uniquely yours, allowing personal creativity to shine through.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Craft an impressive dessert using just a few pantry staples, proving that delicious treats don't require complicated shopping lists or advanced culinary skills.

What’s In Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

• Popcorn Kernels: Fresh kernels provide the light and fluffy foundation for this caramel marshmallow treat.
• Butter: A rich, golden base that adds depth and helps create a smooth caramel sauce.

• Brown Sugar: Contributes a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the caramel mixture.
• Corn Syrup: Ensures a smooth, glossy texture and prevents sugar crystallization.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Marshmallows, Vanilla Extract, Baking Soda: Marshmallows provide gooey sweetness, vanilla adds warm flavor complexity, and baking soda creates a light, foamy texture that helps coat the popcorn evenly.

Simple How-To For Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 250°F and line a big baking sheet with parchment paper for super easy cleanup.

Step 2: Pop Some Corn

Whip up fresh popcorn using a large pot or air popper until you’ve got a mountain of fluffy kernels.

Step 3: Prepare Mixing Station

Dump the popped corn into a roomy bowl that gives plenty of space for saucy coating action.

Step 4: Melt the Butter

Slide butter into a heavy saucepan and let it melt smoothly over medium heat until golden and silky.

Step 5: Create Caramel Base

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Salt

Keep stirring constantly to blend everything perfectly.

Step 6: Bring to Bubbling

Let the mixture softly bubble for 4-5 minutes, stirring non-stop to prevent any burnt spots.

Step 7: Marshmallow Magic

Lower the heat and fold in marshmallows, stirring until they completely dissolve into a dreamy sauce.

Step 8: Final Flavor Boost

• Vanilla extract
• Baking soda

Watch the mixture transform into a light, airy foam.

Step 9: Coat the Popcorn

Pour the hot caramel marshmallow sauce over popcorn, gently mixing to ensure every kernel gets covered.

Step 10: Spread and Bake

Spread the coated popcorn in a single layer on the baking sheet for even cooking.

Step 11: Crisp It Up

Bake for 45 minutes, giving it a stir every 15 minutes to prevent burning and create perfect crispiness.

Step 12: Cool and Set

Let the popcorn cool completely on the baking sheet, allowing the caramel to harden into a crunchy coating.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Break into delectable clusters and dive into this gooey, sweet, crispy treat that’ll make taste buds dance!

Pro Tips For Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

• Prep with Precision: Line your baking sheet completely with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and smooth popcorn removal.
• Master Popcorn Technique: Use an air popper or large pot to create light, fluffy popcorn, ensuring you have exactly 8 cups for perfect caramel coating.
• Control Caramel Chemistry: Stir continuously while boiling the butter, sugar, and corn syrup mixture to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, golden caramel base.
• Foam and Flavor Boost: Whisk in vanilla extract and baking soda quickly to create a light, airy foam that enhances the caramel's texture and taste.
• Cool and Cluster Carefully: Allow the caramel popcorn to cool completely on the baking sheet, which helps create crispy, breakable clusters with a satisfying crunch.

Ways To Shake Up Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

• Chocolate Drizzle Popcorn: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled caramel marshmallow popcorn for a rich, decadent upgrade.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts before baking to add extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Coconut Caramel Popcorn: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the popcorn during the last 15 minutes of baking for tropical sweetness.
• Salted Caramel Version: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the popcorn after baking to enhance the caramel's complex flavor profile.

Snacks Or Drinks That Go With Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

• Pair with Sweet Sippers: Complement the caramel marshmallow popcorn with creamy hot chocolate or a vanilla chai latte, balancing the treat's rich sweetness with warm, smooth beverages.
• Match with Salty Companions: Serve alongside roasted almonds or salted cashews to create a delightful contrast between the sugary popcorn and nutty, savory crunch.
• Create Movie Night Magic: Prepare this caramel marshmallow popcorn as the star of a cozy movie marathon, pairing it with classic film favorites and soft blankets for ultimate comfort.
• Wine Lover's Delight: Choose a dessert wine like moscato or a late-harvest riesling, whose fruity sweetness will harmonize perfectly with the caramel's decadent flavor profile.

Keep Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn Fresh And Sticky

• Store cooled caramel popcorn in an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid, placing a layer of parchment paper between clusters to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Package popcorn clusters in freezer-safe resealable bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining crisp texture and sweet flavor.
• Preserve in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, keeping away from direct sunlight and humidity to maintain crunchiness.
• Warm briefly in a 250°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness, spreading clusters on a baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent sogginess.

Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Gooey marshmallow caramel popcorn delivers a sweet symphony of crunchy and chewy textures that dance on taste buds. Indulgent kernels drizzled with golden caramel and pillowy marshmallows create an irresistible snack you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Popcorn Ingredients:

• 8 cups popped popcorn
• 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels

Caramel Marshmallow Sauce:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare fresh popcorn by popping kernels in a large pot or using an air popper, creating approximately 8 cups of light, fluffy popcorn.
3. Transfer the popped popcorn to a spacious mixing bowl, creating ample room for coating with the caramel marshmallow sauce.
4. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, allowing it to become smooth and golden.
5. Incorporate brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt into the melted butter, stirring continuously to create a uniform caramel base.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, maintaining a consistent temperature and stirring to prevent burning, for about 4-5 minutes.
7. Reduce heat and fold in marshmallows, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the caramel sauce.
8. Remove the sauce from heat and quickly whisk in vanilla extract and baking soda, which will cause the mixture to become light and foamy.
9. Immediately pour the hot caramel marshmallow sauce over the popcorn, gently folding to ensure even, thorough coating.
10. Spread the coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in a single, even layer to promote uniform caramelization.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent burning and promote even crispiness.
12. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet, where the caramel will harden and create a delightful crunch.
13. Break into clusters and serve, enjoying the gooey, sweet, and crispy texture of this indulgent treat.

Notes

• Select popcorn kernels carefully, choosing fresh, high-quality ones for the best flavor and optimal popping results.
• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution when preparing the caramel sauce.
• Allow marshmallow caramel mixture to foam slightly when adding baking soda, creating a lighter, more airy texture.
• Cool popcorn completely on the baking sheet to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy clusters.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg