Equipment
- Mixing bowl large, heatproof
- candy thermometer optional
Ingredients
- 8-10 cups cooked popcorn, lightly salted (from about ⅓ to ½ cup kernels)
- ½ cup butter, 1 stick (use vegan butter to make vegan)
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ⅛ cup honey, or maple or agave syrup for vegan
- ½ cup water
- Cooking spray, for the pan and your hands
- ½ cup white or milk melting chocolate, candy melts or chips, for drizzling (dairy-free for vegan)
- 8 cake pop sticks, optional
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- Pop the popcorn in an air popper or on the stovetop with as little oil as possible (or use lightly salted microwave popcorn). Pick out any unpopped kernels and place the popcorn in a large heatproof bowl.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, light corn syrup, honey, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, then continue to boil and stir for about 2 minutes, until slightly thickened. Do not let it overcook or burn. (The mixture is very hot, so be careful.)
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the caramel stand for 2 minutes, then pour it over the popcorn. Stir with a large greased spoon until all of the popcorn is evenly coated.
- Let the coated popcorn sit for 3 to 5 minutes, until it's cool enough to handle but still pliable.
- Spray your hands with cooking spray and firmly press about 1 cup of the popcorn mixture into a ball. Place it on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining popcorn (the popcorn will still be warm).
- Once the popcorn balls have cooled and firmed up, gently twist a cake pop stick into the top of each one, taking care not to split the balls.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Drizzle it over the popcorn balls with a spoon and let it set before serving.
Nutrition (estimated per serving)
Calories: 431kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 121mgPotassium: 116mgFiber: 2gSugar: 70gVitamin A: 376IUCalcium: 52mgIron: 1mg
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