Grandma's Caramel Popcorn Balls

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(1)

My mom made these delicious popcorn balls when I was growing up. While doing my Christmas candy and cookie baking, I came across her recipe. I made the family recipe for the first time this year. My daughters, grown with their own families, asked why I hadn't made these sooner. Thirty plus years later, this recipe will now be a family tradition at Christmas.

3
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
20
Yield:
20 balls
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 20 servings

  • 8 quarts popped popcorn

  • 2 cups evaporated milk

  • 2 cups white sugar

  • 1 cup dark corn syrup (such as Karo®)

  • 1 cup margarine

  • teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Sort through popcorn, discarding unpopped kernels.

  2. Combine evaporated milk, sugar, corn syrup, margarine, and salt in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; stir constantly until caramel reaches 246 degrees F (119 degrees C) on a candy thermometer, about 5 minutes.

  3. Pour some popcorn into a very large bowl. Pour in some of the caramel; stir until evenly coated. Add remaining popcorn and caramel in batches, stirring well after each addition.

  4. Scoop some of the popcorn mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gather and twist the plastic wrap to gently shape into a ball. Place popcorn ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; repeat with remaining mixture. Let cool until set, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

340 Calories
19g Fat
43g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 20
Calories 340
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g 24%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 7mg 2%
Sodium 357mg 16%
Total Carbohydrate 43g 16%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 27g
Protein 3g 6%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 73mg 6%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 121mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.