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    🏠Home » Recipes » Candy Recipes

    Old Fashioned Popcorn Balls Recipe

    Oct 1, 2021 · Modified: Oct 26, 2022 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan · 10 Comments

    Recipe Table of Contents    
    4.35 from 23 votes

    Learn how to make popcorn balls the traditional way with homemade caramel. Fun and easy to make, these delicious, sweet, and crunchy balls of popcorn make a perfect snack or gift for the holiday season. A new Halloween tradition the whole family will enjoy.

    A pile of Popcorn Balls on an orange plate.

    Jump To:
    • 👨‍🍳How to make this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • ✔️Safety Tips
    • 📖Candy Recipes
    • 🖼️Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
    • 📝Recipe

    Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

    Introduction

    Popcorn balls are an American classic. They started in the mid-1800s and probably peaked in the 1950s when I was trick or treating.

    We all have certain things associated with certain holidays. Well, for me, Halloween means a popcorn ball from Martha Cackler. I grew up in a town of 25 people, so Halloween had 4 or 5 stops, and that was it. Mrs. Cackler made the popcorn balls... I loved them so.

    image of Betty Crocker's Cookbook 1972
    Betty Crocker's 1972 Cookbook

    I had done popcorn balls many times in my younger years, but it had been decades. I knew the taste and method I wanted, so first, off to the authority, Betty herself, and her classic 1972 cookbook.

    After some trial of other recipes, the Betty Crocker was the best. With a few simple modifications, I had the 1950s in my kitchen.

    👨‍🍳How to make this recipe

    1. Start by popping the popcorn with care. Be sure to carefully eliminate un-popped kernels.
    2. Use a very large bowl for the popcorn. Add nuts or candy if you want.
    3. Make caramel coating—details in the post but a candy thermometer is required.
    4. Slowly pour the hot caramel over the popcorn while mixing with the PAM coated spoon.
    5. Spray your hands with PAM or butter. Be VERY CAREFUL since you can get burnt, so test very carefully before proceeding and only proceed if you feel safe. Keep the cold water running in the sink if needed.
    6. Form the popcorn into balls of about 1 cup each by scooping with a measuring cup with a heavy coat of PAM. So scoop, then dump and shape on wax or parchment paper.
    7. Use cold water on your hands if needed, a spray of PAM if needed (cup and hands), then repeat QUICKLY until done. DO NOT OVER-COMPRESS AND MOVE QUICKLY.
    8. Allow to finish cooling. You can wrap them with plastic wrap, and they should keep 3-4 days.

    Ingredients

    🍿The Popcorn

    You can use an air popper, microwave, or any other way to get your popcorn, but it needs to be fresh and shifted well for un=popped kernels.

    This is the old-fashioned stovetop method for popping corn. It seems right for this recipe. It is more specific than is probably needed, but that is to keep the number of unpopped kernels to a minimum.

    It is very important to check the popcorn carefully for un-popped kernels. You may be preventing a dental injury.

    Caramel

    Caramel is basically melted sugar that has broken down some to form a different structure that is sweet and nutty with a brown color. Other ingredients are added to affect to final results.

    The temperature used to make caramel will affect the texture and color which is important for the potential use.

    While similar to the browning call the Maillard reaction and the results are frequently similar, caramelization is entirely based on changing carbohydrates while the Maillard reaction involves the amino acids of proteins.

    ✔️Safety Tips

    This recipe requires a candy thermometer. Do not try it without one.

    Please be very, very careful, and if you don't feel safe, don't do it. You are responsible for not getting burnt here, and I can't help you. Do not let children do this.

    This is HOT, so be careful!!!! You need to form the balls by hand while still hot. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before touching it.

    Coat your hands and a one-cup measuring bowl with some butter or some PAM before starting to prevent sticking.

    Be next to cool water if you need to stop.

    Work very quickly to form the balls and don't compact too much—you want it lightly stuck together, not a rock.

    ❓FAQs

    Can I add other things to the popcorn balls?

    These are "plain" popcorn balls. You can add about 1 cup of extras like nuts or candy. But please remember your audience may have allergies and do not hand out homemade or unsealed treats to strangers on Halloween.

    Want some color? Add a few drops of food coloring.

    How to store popcorn balls.

    Popcorn balls are best consumed in 24 hours but still good for 3-4 days wrapped airtight at room temperature.

    I do not recommend freezing popcorn balls.

    📖Candy Recipes

    Chocolate Peanut Clusters

    Spicy Candied Bacon

    Homemade Candied Nuts

    Chocolate Pretzel Buttons

    This recipe is listed in these categories. See them for more similar recipes.

    Appetizer and Party Recipes, Candy Recipes, Holiday Recipes
    Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

    🖼️Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

    popcorn with oil and candy ingredients

    Start by popping the corn.

    kernals of corn in oil in a pan

    Place ¼ cup oil over medium-high heat with three kernels of corn. As soon as the corn pops, remove from heat, add ½ cup of un-popped corn and cover with a lid. Allow to set for 20-30 seconds for the kernels to come up close to popping temperature. Place back over medium-high heat and pop the corn shaking the pan occasionally.

    unpopped popcorn in a bowl

    You need 8 cups of popped corn. Spend little time getting rid of un-popped kernels. The easiest way is to shake the container and moving the top layer to another pan.

    sparying a larg pan with PAM

    Prep a large pan and a wooden spoon or rubber spatula with PAM and transfer popcorn to the pan. This is the point to add nuts or candy if desired—about 1 cup and mix in well.

    adding corn syrup to pan with other ingredients

    In a non-stick pan, add ¾ cup white sugar, ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark), ½ cup light Karo corn syrup, ½ cup water, one teaspoon white vinegar, and ½ teaspoon salt.

    boiling caramel in pan with candy thermometer

    Place over medium-high heat with a candy thermometer and cook to 260°, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and add ¾ cup butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla and place back over low heat until butter melted.

    pouring caramel over popcorn

    Now for the hot part. Slowly pour the hot syrup over the popcorn while mixing with the PAM coated spoon.

    mixing caramel with popcorn in bowl

    Continue to stir for a few minutes until cooled some. Spray your hands with PAM or coat with butter. Be VERY CAREFUL since you can get burnt so test very carefully before proceeding and only proceed if you feel safe. Keep the cold water running in the sink.

    scooping caramel corn with metal cup

    Form the popcorn into balls of about 1 cup each by scooping with a measuring cup with a heavy coat of PAM. Place on wax paper or cooking mat to shape. Work quickly and use more PAM as needed - about every two balls.  So scoop, dump, shape, cold water on hands if needed, a spray of PAM if needed (cup and hands), then repeat QUICKLY until done. DO NOT OVER-COMPRESS AND MOVE QUICKLY.

    popcorn balls on nonstick mat

    Allow to finish cooling. You can wrap with plastic wrap, and they should keep 3-4 days.

    graphic Subscribe to 101 Cooking for Two

    📝Recipe

    pile of Popcorn Balls on an orange plate

    Old Fashioned Popcorn Balls Recipe

    From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
    Learn how to make popcorn balls the traditional way with real caramel you make yourself. A fun and delicious treat for the holiday season made easy with these simple directions. A new Halloween tradition the whole family will enjoy.
    Tap to leave a Rating
    4.35 from 23 votes
    Print Email CollectionCollected
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings #/Adjust if desired 8

    Ingredients

    US Customary - Convert to Metric
    • 8 cups popped popcorn - about ½ cup un-popped
    • ¾ cup white sugar
    • ¾ cup brown sugar
    • ½ cup light corn syrup
    • ½ cup water
    • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla
    • ¾ cup butter
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Start by popping the corn.
      popcorn and ingredients for popcorn balls
    • Place ¼ cup oil over medium-high heat with three kernels of corn. As soon as the corn pops, remove from heat, add ½ cup of un-popped corn and cover with a lid. Allow to set for 20-30 seconds for the kernels to come up close to popping temperature. Place back over medium-high heat and pop the corn shaking the pan occasionally.
      three kernals of corn in a pan with oil
    • You need 8 cups of popped corn. Spend little time getting rid of un-popped kernels. The easiest way is to shake the container and moving the top layer to another pan.
      uncooked popcorn kernals in a white bowl
    • Prep a large pan and a wooden spoon or rubber spatula with PAM, and transfer popcorn to the pan. This is the point to add nuts or candy if desired—about 1 cup and mix in well.
      spray large bowl with PAM
    • In a non-stick pan, add ¾ cup white sugar, ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark), ½ cup light Karo corn syrup, ½ cup water, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and ½ teaspoon salt.
      adding corn syrup into a sauce pan with sugar
    • Place over medium-high heat with a candy thermometer and cook to 260°, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and add ¾ cup butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla and place back over low heat until butter melted.
      boiling coating in sauce pan with candy thermometer
    • Now for the hot part. Slowly pour the hot syrup over the popcorn while mixing with the PAM coated spoon.
      pouring coating over popcorn
    • Continue to stir for a few minutes until cooled some. Spray your hands with PAM or butter. Be VERY CAREFUL since you can get burnt so test very carefully before proceeding and only proceed if you feel safe. I kept the cold water running in the sink if needed.
      mixing coating into popcorn with spatula
    • Form the popcorn into balls of about 1 cup each by scooping with a measuring cup with a heavy coat of PAM. Place on wax paper or cooking mat to shape. Work quickly and use more PAM as needed - about every two balls.  So scoop, dump, shape, cold water on hands if needed, a spray of PAM if needed (cup and hands), then repeat QUICKLY until done. DO NOT OVER-COMPRESS AND MOVE QUICKLY.
      using measuring cup to spoon out hot coated popcorn
    • Allow to finish cooling. You can wrap with plastic wrap, and they should keep 3-4 days.
      popcorn balls on nonstick mat
    See the step-by-step photos in the post. Some recipes have an option to display the photos here with a switch above these instructions but the photos DO NOT print.

    Your Own Private Notes

    Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.
    Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

    Recipe Notes

    Pro Tips

    1. This recipe requires a candy thermometer. Do not try it without one.
    2. Get the popcorn any way you want. The stovetop method is simple and works well. The popcorn needs to be fresh.
    3. It is very important to check the popcorn carefully for un-popped kernels. You may be preventing a dental injury.
    4. A few drops of food coloring will add some color.
    5. This is HOT, so be careful!!!! You need to form the balls by hand while still hot. Please be very, very careful, and if you don't feel safe, don't do it. Let the mixture cool a few minutes before starting to form the balls. Coat your hands with butter or PAM. Be next to cool water. Move quickly. Do not over-compress.
    6. I suggest using a metal measuring cup as a scoop. Be sure to use PAM liberally.
    7. You are responsible for not getting burnt here, and I can't help you.
    8. Do not let children do this.
    9. It took me a couple of runs to get this down, so don’t get discouraged the first time if it didn’t work too well.
    10. Storage: Best consumed in 24 hours but still good for 3-4 days wrapped airtight at room temperature. And no, it is not a thing to freeze.

    To adjust the recipe size:

    You may adjust the number of servings in this recipe card under servings. This does the math for the ingredients for you. BUT it does NOT adjust the text of the instructions. So you need to do that yourself.

    Nutrition Estimate

    Nutrition Facts
    Old Fashioned Popcorn Balls Recipe
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 408 Calories from Fat 162
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 18g28%
    Saturated Fat 11g55%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 5g
    Cholesterol 48mg16%
    Sodium 148mg6%
    Potassium 108mg3%
    Carbohydrates 63g21%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 46g51%
    Protein 1g2%
    Vitamin A 550IU11%
    Calcium 20mg2%
    Iron 0.5mg3%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Serving size is my estimate of a normal size unless stated otherwise. The number of servings per recipe is stated above. This is home cooking, and there are many variables. All nutritional information are estimates and may vary from your actual results. To taste ingredients such as salt will be my estimate of the average used.
    Course : Appetizer
    Cuisine : American

    © 101 Cooking for Two, LLC. All content and photographs are copyright protected by us or our vendors. While we appreciate your sharing our recipes, please realize copying, pasting, or duplicating full recipes to any social media, website, or electronic/printed media is strictly prohibited and a violation of our copyrights.

    Editor's Note: Originally Published October 28, 2015. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

    dogs looking for popcorn on the kitchen floor

    More Candy Recipes

    • Easy Oreo Fudge
    • Candied Almonds or Other Nuts
    • Spicy Candied Bacon
    • Easy Homemade Christmas Candy Recipes

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    1. David Godinez

      May 16, 2022 at 11:53 am

      Could I possible substitute the water and vinegar with a tawny port. I was thinking of going slightly over the measurements and reducing to the right amount. Thoughts?

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        May 16, 2022 at 12:19 pm

        Hi David,

        Welcome to the blog.

        The vinegar is provides an acid pH for the caramel to crystalize correctly. Wine is acidic but how well it would work to make caramel is unknown to me. You can experiment with it, it may work or it may not.

        Dan

    2. Betty Terry

      February 24, 2019 at 7:35 pm

      Glad l found this site! Been looking for recipes for two!

      Reply
      • DrDan

        February 24, 2019 at 7:41 pm

        Hi Betty,
        Welcome to the blog.
        I hope we don't disappoint. Have a look around and don't be afraid to ask questions. That is what we are all about. And remember the recipes are mostly (not all) for smaller households. That does not mean only two servings. I cook a lot for leftovers. See https://www.101cookingfortwo.com/recipes-not-two-servings/ for more discussion.
        Dan

    3. Kathleen

      October 03, 2017 at 11:20 am

      Add 9cups popcorn great recipe

      Reply
    4. Sandra Davis

      December 09, 2016 at 4:51 pm

      Too much butter

      Reply
    5. Sandra Davis

      December 08, 2016 at 10:15 pm

      The best receipe ever for popcorn balls. Crispy, tasty, not gummy or sticky

      Reply
      • DrDan

        December 08, 2016 at 10:23 pm

        Thanks, You need to get a copy of that cookbook. It is the 1972 Sears holiday "pie" version. I pick a "new" used on up on eBay 2 months ago for only $30. The one in the picture is now in a place of honor on the shelf never to move again.

        Da

    6. Shannon Kehn

      October 31, 2016 at 4:31 pm

      I have made these since my kids were young, and my daughter's writing is in the cookbook. Our notes included spray the bowl with Pam!! We also air pop 1 cup of small white popcorn kernels, and found we made more(16)popcorn balls and liked them better that way.. I make them now for my grandsons, and they really like them. I used to make them for my dad, as when I was a child, one woman in our town made them, and Dad usually ate ours before we got home after treat or treating. (We lived out of town on a dairy farm, so Dad was driving)

      Reply
      • DrDan

        October 31, 2016 at 11:14 pm

        Hi Shannon,
        Once you had popcorn balls as a child, you will always remember it fondly. I hope you didn't burn your hands.
        Dan

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