Irresistibly Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Crafting the perfect gooey marshmallow caramel popcorn takes serious snack skills that spark pure joy.

Sweet kernels dance with sticky caramel in a delightful symphony of flavors.

Crispy edges meet soft, pillowy marshmallow goodness for an irresistible treat.

Childhood memories flood back with each mouthwatering bite of this classic snack.

Kernels transform into a decadent dessert that makes everyone smile.

Homemade magic happens when simple ingredients come together in delicious harmony.

Prepare to be the hero of movie night with this ridiculously addictive recipe that everyone will crave.

Why Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn Feels Like A Treat

• Conquer Quick Kitchen Magic: Turn simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing snack that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Create Stress-Free Moments: Minimal preparation steps and straightforward techniques make this recipe perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Crunch: Easily adapt the recipe by adding nuts, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles to personalize your caramel marshmallow popcorn and match different taste preferences or special occasions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Treat: Perfect for movie nights, game days, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers where you want a sweet, shareable snack that looks impressive but requires minimal effort to prepare.

What’s In Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

• Popcorn Kernels: Fresh kernels that provide the crunchy foundation for this sweet and sticky treat.
• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the caramel coating and adds depth of flavor.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the popcorn.
• Corn Syrup: Helps create a smooth, glossy caramel sauce with a perfect sticky consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, subtle flavor that enhances the overall sweetness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the rich caramel flavors.

• Butter: Helps melt the marshmallows and adds a creamy richness.
• Mini Marshmallows: Provide a gooey, stretchy layer that binds the popcorn clusters together.

How To Make Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and hassle-free popcorn removal.

Step 2: Create Popcorn Base

Pop kernels using your favorite method to create 8 cups of fresh popcorn. Transfer to a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 3: Whip Up Caramel Magic

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture becomes smooth and starts bubbling.

Step 4: Develop Caramel Depth

Allow the caramel sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes without stirring, developing a rich golden color and intense flavor.

Step 5: Coat Popcorn Generously

Pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn, gently folding and tossing to ensure every kernel gets a luxurious caramel embrace.

Step 6: Spread and Prepare

Arrange the caramel-coated popcorn on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, keeping kernels separated.

Step 7: Initial Baking Session

Bake for 15 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Create Marshmallow Drizzle

Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then add mini marshmallows. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and glossy.

Step 9: Add Marshmallow Layer

Drizzle the molten marshmallow mixture over the warm caramel popcorn, creating delightful stringy layers.

Step 10: Final Baking Touch

Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to set the marshmallow layer and enhance overall texture.

Step 11: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let cool completely for 10-15 minutes, allowing caramel and marshmallow to solidify into a crunchy-sticky masterpiece.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Break into clusters and serve immediately. Alternatively, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days if you can resist eating them all at once!

Top Tips For Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

• Prevent Kernel Burn: Watch the popcorn closely during baking to avoid burning, which can create bitter flavors and ruin the caramel coating.
• Control Caramel Consistency: Stir the caramel mixture gently to prevent sugar crystallization, ensuring a smooth, glossy sauce that coats popcorn evenly.
• Layer for Maximum Flavor: Spread popcorn in a thin, single layer on the baking sheet to guarantee even caramelization and crispy texture throughout.
• Master Marshmallow Melting: Use short microwave intervals and stir frequently to create a silky, lump-free marshmallow drizzle that binds the treat perfectly.
• Store Smart: Keep the caramel marshmallow popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch and prevent moisture absorption.

Tasty Twists On Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

• Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt dark chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled popcorn for a rich, decadent flavor boost.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or peanuts before baking to add extra texture and protein-packed crunch.
• Salted Caramel Classic: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before final baking to enhance the sweet-savory balance.
• Coconut Tropical Remix: Toast shredded coconut and mix into the popcorn for a tropical-inspired version with added texture and nutty flavor.

Great Pairings For Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

• Perfect Sip and Savor Companions for Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn
• Enhance Sweet Wine Pairing: Select a late harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti, whose honeyed notes complement the caramel's richness and balance the marshmallow's sweetness.
• Craft Beer Match: Choose a robust porter or chocolate stout, whose deep malty flavors create a delightful contrast with the popcorn's sugary profile, offering a sophisticated taste experience.
• Creamy Beverage Companion: Prepare a cold glass of vanilla bean horchata or thick Mexican hot chocolate, which echoes the dessert's caramel and marshmallow undertones while providing a smooth, cooling counterpoint.

How To Keep Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn Fresh

• Place cooled caramel marshmallow popcorn in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness and crunch.
• Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep in a cool, dry place to maintain texture and prevent marshmallow from becoming too sticky or soft.
• Wrap clusters tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying to restore original crispy texture.
• Warm briefly in a 250°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness.

FAQs For Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn Simplified

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

Not at all! It’s a straightforward process that requires basic cooking skills and common kitchen tools. The steps are simple to follow, and anyone with minimal baking experience can successfully create this delicious caramel marshmallow popcorn.

• Can I use microwave popcorn instead of kernels?

Yes, you can use microwave popcorn. Just ensure you have 8 cups of popped corn and avoid using flavored varieties that might clash with the caramel and marshmallow coating.

• What type of brown sugar works best?

Light or dark brown sugar both work well. Light brown sugar will give a milder caramel flavor, while dark brown sugar provides a deeper, more intense caramel taste. Choose based on your preference.

Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Gooey marshmallow caramel popcorn delivers a nostalgic sweet-and-salty symphony that dances between childhood memories and gourmet indulgence. Crisp kernels coated in rich caramel and pillowy marshmallow create an irresistible treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Popcorn Ingredients:

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

Caramel Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

Marshmallow Layer:

• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup butter

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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. Pop the kernels using your preferred method, creating 8 cups of fresh, fluffy popcorn, and transfer to a spacious mixing bowl.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then incorporate brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and starts bubbling.
4. Allow the caramel sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes without stirring, creating a rich, golden consistency that will coat the popcorn evenly.
5. Carefully pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn, gently folding and tossing to ensure every kernel is thoroughly coated with the sweet, sticky mixture.
6. Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, maintaining separation to prevent clumping.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
8. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt butter, then add mini marshmallows and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely smooth and glossy.
9. Drizzle the molten marshmallow mixture over the warm caramel popcorn, creating delectable stringy layers that bind the treat together.
10. Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to set the marshmallow layer and enhance the overall gooeyness.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool completely for 10-15 minutes, allowing the caramel and marshmallow to solidify into a delightful, crunchy-yet-sticky treat.
12. Break into clusters and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

• Prevent sticky popcorn by using a silicone spatula when mixing caramel, ensuring each kernel gets evenly coated without clumping.
• Keep marshmallow mixture from burning by microwaving in short intervals and stirring frequently, creating a smooth, glossy texture.
• Enhance flavor by sprinkling sea salt or adding chopped nuts before the final marshmallow layer for extra crunch and complexity.
• Store in a cool, dry place to maintain the perfect balance between crispy and gooey, preserving the treat’s delightful texture for days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg