Marshmallow Caramel Corn

Looking for the perfect sweet and crunchy snack that everyone will love? Marshmallow Caramel Corn is an irresistible treat that combines the fluffy goodness of popcorn with a gooey, buttery caramel marshmallow coating. This indulgent snack is perfect for movie nights, parties, or as a sweet homemade gift. The combination of warm caramel, melty marshmallows, and crunchy popcorn creates a satisfying treat that’s hard to resist.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, this Marshmallow Caramel Corn can be made in no time. It’s an excellent way to elevate the usual popcorn snack into something extra special. The best part is that you can make a large batch of this sweet treat, store it for later, and snack on it whenever the craving hits. Whether you’re a fan of caramel, marshmallows, or popcorn, this recipe delivers all three in the most delightful way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

This recipe is simple and quick, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal prep time. It’s perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.

2. Irresistibly Sweet and Salty

The combination of marshmallows and caramel gives this treat a rich sweetness, while the salt balances it out, creating the perfect sweet and salty flavor.

3. Versatile Snack

You can serve Marshmallow Caramel Corn for a variety of occasions, from casual movie nights to festive gatherings. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.

4. Customizable

Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or even drizzles of extra caramel sauce to make this treat your own.

5. Make-Ahead and Storeable

This snack keeps well and can be stored for up to a week, making it great for prepping ahead of time or gifting to others.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• Popped popcorn (about 12 cups)
• Mini marshmallows
• Caramel sauce or homemade caramel
• Melted butter
• Packed light brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Variations

• Add Nuts: Mix in roasted nuts like pecans, almonds, or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished popcorn for a chocolaty twist.
• Cinnamon Flavor: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the caramel mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Pop the Popcorn

Pop 12 cups of popcorn using an air popper, stovetop, or microwave. Place the popped popcorn in a large oven-safe bowl or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

If you’re making homemade caramel, combine ½ cup of light brown sugar, ¼ cup of unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until it begins to bubble, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Marshmallows to Caramel

Add mini marshmallows to the caramel sauce and stir until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Coat the Popcorn

Pour the caramel-marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn and toss to coat all of the popcorn evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the popcorn mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even coating.

Step 6: Add Salt (Optional)

After baking, you can sprinkle a pinch of salt over the popcorn and drizzle extra caramel sauce for an added touch of flavor.

Step 7: Let Cool and Serve

Let the Marshmallow Caramel Corn cool completely. Once cooled, break it into clusters and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Even Coating: Make sure to stir the popcorn well while coating it with the caramel-marshmallow mixture so every piece gets covered.
• Don’t Overbake: Be careful not to bake the popcorn for too long. Stir every 10 minutes to ensure it’s evenly baked and doesn’t burn.
• Crisping the Popcorn: If your popcorn gets soft after storage, you can re-crisp it by placing it back in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5-10 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve your Marshmallow Caramel Corn in bowls at your next gathering, or create individual portions in treat bags to share with friends and family. It’s also a great gift idea when packaged in a mason jar or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Marshmallow Caramel Corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This treat stays fresh and crunchy when properly stored.

Freezing

Although this treat doesn’t freeze as well as it stays at room temperature, you can freeze it for up to 2 months if necessary. Simply place it in a freezer-safe container and let it thaw before serving.

Reheating

If the popcorn becomes soft or loses its crunch, reheat it in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5-10 minutes to bring it back to its crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you prefer a quicker option. Just make sure it’s thick enough to coat the popcorn.

2. How long does this treat stay fresh?

Marshmallow Caramel Corn stays fresh for about one week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

3. Can I add chocolate to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the popcorn or mix in chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.

4. How can I make this recipe vegan?

Use a dairy-free caramel sauce and vegan marshmallows to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

5. Can I use air-popped popcorn?

Yes, air-popped popcorn works perfectly for this recipe, and it’s a healthier option compared to buttered popcorn.

6. Is there an alternative to using mini marshmallows?

You can use regular-sized marshmallows, but you’ll need to melt them down longer and in smaller batches to prevent burning.

7. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, adding roasted nuts like almonds, pecans, or cashews can add a delightful crunch to your caramel corn.

8. How do I prevent my caramel from burning?

Ensure you stir the caramel frequently while it’s heating, and avoid cooking it over too high a heat. Simmering for 2-3 minutes should be sufficient.

9. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this Marshmallow Caramel Corn in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to one week.

10. Can I use regular butter instead of melted butter?

Yes, you can use regular butter instead of melted butter. Just make sure to melt it before adding it to the caramel sauce.

Conclusion

Marshmallow Caramel Corn is a sweet, buttery, and crunchy snack that will quickly become a favorite in your home. With its easy-to-follow instructions and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a treat to share with friends and family. Whether you stick with the basic recipe or experiment with variations, this snack will never disappoint. Enjoy this irresistible treat with a touch of marshmallow and caramel goodness today!

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