Marshmallow Caramel Corn Recipe
Marshmallow Caramel Corn is a deliciously sweet and crunchy treat combining fluffy marshmallows with rich caramel coating over crispy popcorn. Perfect for snacking at parties or movie nights, this recipe features a buttery brown sugar caramel sauce infused with vanilla and melted marshmallows for an irresistible twist on traditional caramel corn.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 12 cups 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Popcorn
- 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Marshmallow Mixture
- 1 package (10 oz) large marshmallows (approximately 35 marshmallows)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the Popcorn: Pop the popcorn using your preferred method such as an air popper, stovetop, or microwave until you have about 12 cups of popped kernels. Set aside in a large bowl.
- Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the packed brown sugar and light corn syrup, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Marshmallows: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the large marshmallows. Continue stirring until the marshmallows have completely melted and formed a smooth, glossy sauce. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Coat the Popcorn: Pour the warm caramel-marshmallow sauce over the prepared popcorn. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss the popcorn to evenly coat every kernel with the sticky sauce.
- Bake for Crunch: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated popcorn evenly across it. Bake in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 30 minutes, making sure to stir every 10 minutes. This process helps to dry out the caramel coating, making the popcorn crispier and less sticky.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the popcorn cool completely on the parchment paper. Once cooled, break the popcorn into clusters or pieces. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for fresh snacking.
Notes
- Ensure to stir the caramel constantly to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the popcorn before baking to create salted caramel popcorn.
- Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container to maintain its crunch for up to a week.
- You may substitute light corn syrup with golden syrup or honey, adjusting sweetness to taste.
Keywords: marshmallow caramel corn, caramel corn recipe, marshmallow popcorn, sweet popcorn snack, homemade caramel corn