Easy Popcorn Balls

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Are you looking for a fun and tasty treat to make? Old-fashioned popcorn balls are perfect for holidays or any time you want a sweet snack. These yummy treats take just 25 minutes to make and only need a few simple ingredients.

You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch of 20 popcorn balls. Each one has only 177 calories, so you can enjoy them without guilt. The recipe uses popped popcorn, sugar, corn syrup, and a few other items you likely have in your kitchen already. With some stirring and shaping, you’ll have delicious homemade popcorn balls in no time.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these yummy old-fashioned popcorn balls:

• 7 quarts popped popcorn
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

The recipe makes about 20 servings. Each serving has around 177 calories.

You’ll want to have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. The popcorn should be freshly popped and warm. You can use microwave popcorn or pop it on the stove.

For the best results, use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the syrup mixture. This helps make sure your popcorn balls turn out just right.

If you want to add some fun color to your popcorn balls, grab your favorite food coloring. A few drops go a long way!

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Spread 7 quarts of popped popcorn in a large baking pan and place it in the warm oven.

In a heavy saucepan, mix 1 cup sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring often.

Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. When it reaches 235°F (113°C), remove the pan from heat.

Add 3 tablespoons butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the hot syrup. If you want colorful balls, add food coloring now. Stir gently until the butter melts completely.

Take the popcorn out of the oven. Pour the warm syrup over it right away. Mix well to coat all the popcorn evenly.

Let the mixture cool slightly. When it’s safe to touch, shape it into 3-inch balls. Wet your hands with cold water between shaping to prevent sticking.

Put the finished popcorn balls on wax paper. Let them set for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your tasty, homemade treat!

Possible Substitutes List

You can swap out a few ingredients in this popcorn ball recipe to make it your own. Try these tasty alternatives:

• Instead of white sugar, use brown sugar for a richer flavor
• Replace corn syrup with honey or maple syrup
• Swap butter for coconut oil for a hint of tropical taste

For the popcorn itself, you have options too:

• Kettle corn instead of plain popped corn
• Caramel corn for extra sweetness
• Cheese popcorn for a savory twist

Want to add some crunch? Mix in:

✓ Chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds
✓ Mini marshmallows
✓ Candy pieces or chocolate chips

You can also play with flavors by adding:

• Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
• Cocoa powder for chocolate popcorn balls
• Peanut butter (mix in when adding the butter)

Remember, these swaps may change the texture or setting time. You might need to adjust amounts to get the right consistency. Have fun experimenting!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can make these popcorn balls more diabetes-friendly with a few simple changes. Use air-popped popcorn instead of oil-popped to cut down on fat. Replace sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.

Try using sugar-free maple syrup instead of corn syrup. It gives a nice flavor and helps the balls stick together. Cut the amount of sweetener in half to reduce carbs even more.

Add some chopped nuts for protein and healthy fats. This helps slow down sugar absorption. Almonds or walnuts work great. Sprinkle in some cinnamon too – it may help control blood sugar.

Make smaller balls, about 2 inches across. This lets you enjoy the treat while eating less. You can also add more fiber by mixing in some bran cereal with the popcorn.

Remember to check with your doctor about how these treats fit into your meal plan. Even with changes, eat them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

To make perfect popcorn balls, use fresh popcorn for the best texture and flavor. Try adding a pinch of salt to the syrup mixture for a tasty sweet-and-salty combo.

For easier shaping, lightly butter your hands before forming the balls. This helps prevent sticking and makes the process smoother. You can also use food coloring to create festive holiday-themed popcorn balls.

Get creative with mix-ins! Try adding chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the popcorn before coating it with syrup. Just make sure to add these extras after the popcorn is coated but before shaping the balls.

To store your popcorn balls, wrap each one in plastic wrap or wax paper. Place them in an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month.

When ready to eat, let frozen popcorn balls thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This treat is perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a fun gift for friends and family.