Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of buttery popcorn fills the air as I edge closer to the bubbling pot on the stove. Who knew a simple mix of fluff and crunch could transform into something so delicious? Enter my Marshmallow Caramel Corn—a delightfully easy blend of sweet and salty that’s perfect for cozy movie nights or festive gatherings. This recipe is not only a breeze to whip up, but it’s also wonderfully customizable; toss in some nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste. Imagine watching your family dive into this irresistible treat—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Curious about how you can make this delicious snack for your next get-together? Let’s get popping! What Makes Marshmallow Caramel Corn Irresistible? Perfect blend of flavors: This snack beautifully combines sweet and salty, ensuring it satisfies every craving. Easy to make: You’ll be whipping this up in no time, with minimal fuss and mess—perfect for busy days! Customizable: Mix in your favorite treats like chocolate chips or nuts to personalize each batch and impress your guests. Great for gatherings: Ideal for movie nights or parties, this recipe is sure to be a hit that keeps everyone coming back for more! Nostalgic delight: This treat is reminiscent of childhood memories at fairs and carnivals, making it a fun, shareable snack. You might also enjoy these Cornbread Muffins Moist alongside your popcorn for a delightful spread! Marshmallow Caramel Corn Ingredients • Here’s what you’ll need to create this sweet and salty delight! For the Popcorn Base Popcorn – Freshly popped is best; avoid unpopped kernels for the perfect crunch. For the Caramel Coating Marshmallows – Adds gooey sweetness; chop them for easier melting. Caramel Sauce – Use store-bought for convenience; warm it slightly to mix easily. Butter – Unsalted is ideal, enriching flavor and helping bind your ingredients. Salt (optional) – A pinch enhances flavor and balances the sweetness, especially great for your Marshmallow Caramel Corn. Optional Mix-ins Nuts – Peanuts or almonds add a delightful crunch and flavor variation. Chocolate Chips – Dark chocolate chips for richness or regular for classic sweetness. Crushed Pretzels – For an exciting saltiness and texture contrast! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Marshmallow Caramel Corn Step 1: Pop the Popcorn Begin by popping your popcorn using either a stovetop method or microwave. You’ll need about 12 cups of freshly popped popcorn for your Marshmallow Caramel Corn. Once popped, transfer the popcorn into a large mixing bowl, ensuring to remove any unpopped kernels for a delightful crunch. Step 2: Melt the Mixture In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, caramel sauce, and chopped marshmallows. Stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes until the ingredients have completely melted and are smooth and glossy. This gooey mixture will become the luscious coating for your popcorn, making it irresistible. Step 3: Coat the Popcorn Once the caramel and marshmallow mixture is ready, immediately pour it over the popcorn. Using a spatula, gently fold the popcorn into the caramel mixture while it’s still warm, ensuring each piece is generously coated. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect sweet and salty balance in your Marshmallow Caramel Corn. Step 4: Spread and Cool Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated popcorn evenly across the surface. Allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes; during this time, feel free to add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. The cool-down period helps the caramel set, forming delicious clusters. Step 5: Break Apart and Store Once cooled completely, break the popcorn into clusters and transfer it into an airtight container. Your Marshmallow Caramel Corn is now ready to be enjoyed! Store it at room temperature for up to a week, ensuring it stays fresh and crunchy for your snack cravings. How to Store and Freeze Marshmallow Caramel Corn Airtight Container: Keep your Marshmallow Caramel Corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain its crunch and flavor. Cool Completely: Make sure the popcorn has cooled completely before storing; this prevents moisture buildup that can make it chewy instead of crunchy. Reheating: If your caramel corn becomes stale, reheat it in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5-10 minutes to refresh its texture and flavor. Freezing Not Recommended: Avoid freezing Marshmallow Caramel Corn, as the caramel coating may lose its delightful crispiness upon thawing. What to Serve with Marshmallow Caramel Corn? Imagine the joy of sharing delightful snacks that perfectly complement the sweetness of your popcorn creation. Savory Cheese Crackers: These crispy snacks provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness, adding a rich, savory layer to your munching experience. Fruit Salad: Bright, fresh fruits like berries and citrus offer a refreshing balance, cleansing the palate between bites of caramel-coated goodness. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Combining salty and sweet, the crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate pairs beautifully with the caramel flavor. Hot Cocoa: A warm mug of cocoa takes your snack game to the next level, inviting cozy moments as the sweet goodness melts away in your mouth. Ice Cream Sundaes: Create a fun dessert bar with scoops of ice cream and toppings. The fluffy popcorn can be a unique crunchy garnish! Spiced Nuts: These add a hearty crunch and a hint of spiciness, enlivening every bite of your Marshmallow Caramel Corn with contrasting flavors! Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For caramel lovers, serve extra caramel sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling—because who can resist more of that sweetness? Refreshing Lemonade: A glass of tangy lemonade balances the sweetness perfectly, making it a refreshing beverage option. Creamy Coleslaw: The crunch and tang from coleslaw add an unexpected twist, making it a surprising and delightful side for gatherings. Make Ahead Options These Marshmallow Caramel Corn treats are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can pop the popcorn and prepare the caramel mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature and refrigerate the melted caramel mixture until you’re ready to assemble. When it’s time to enjoy, warm the caramel slightly to ensure it’s easy to mix and quickly coat the popcorn. Once combined, spread it on a baking sheet, and let it cool before breaking into clusters. This method not only saves you time but also allows you to enjoy the same delicious snack, just as fresh and delightful! Expert Tips for Making Marshmallow Caramel Corn • Popcorn Perfection: Ensure that your popcorn is fully popped and free from any unpopped kernels; this prevents any disappointments while snacking. • Smooth Coating: For a perfectly smooth caramel sauce, melt the butter and caramel sauce slowly over low heat, stirring continuously to avoid burning. • Optional Additions: Don’t shy away from adding mix-ins! Nuts, chocolate chips, or pretzels can elevate your Marshmallow Caramel Corn into a gourmet snack. • Cooling Time: Allow the coated popcorn to cool completely before breaking it into clusters, ensuring it holds its shape and remains crunchy. • Storage Tips: Store the Marshmallow Caramel Corn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh; avoid freezing, as it may lose its crunch. Marshmallow Caramel Corn Variations Feel free to get creative and make this delightful snack your own with these easy twists! Nuts Galore: Add peanuts, almonds, or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness. Chocolate Lovers: Substitute dark chocolate chips in place of regular for a richer, more decadent flavor experience. It’s a great way to indulge! Savory Kick: Swirl in some cheese-flavored popcorn for an unexpected savory element that balances the sweet and salty delight. Coconut Bliss: Toss in shredded coconut for a tropical twist; it brings additional sweetness and a chewy texture that surprises the palate. Spicy Heat: For those who love a kick, sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the caramel mixture to add a spicy contrast to the sweetness. Peanut Butter Drizzle: Create a creamy layer by drizzling melted peanut butter over the finished product before it cools; it adds both flavor and a generous dose of creaminess. Flavored Popcorn Base: Try using caramel or kettle corn for the base instead of plain popcorn. This elevates the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile. Gourmet Touch: Finish your creations by sprinkling flaky sea salt on top, enhancing the sweet-salty balance and giving it that fancy touch. Looking for other tasty treats? Consider serving this alongside Cornbread Muffins Moist for a delightful snack table at your next gathering! Marshmallow Caramel Corn Recipe FAQs What kind of popcorn is best for Marshmallow Caramel Corn? Absolutely! Freshly popped popcorn is key to achieving the best texture and flavor. You can use either stovetop popcorn or microwave-popped popcorn, but be sure to remove any unpopped kernels for the perfect snacking experience. How should I store my Marshmallow Caramel Corn? For the best results, keep your Marshmallow Caramel Corn in an airtight container at room temperature. It will remain fresh and crunchy for up to one week. Ensure the popcorn has cooled completely before storing to avoid any moisture buildup that could make it chewy. Can I freeze Marshmallow Caramel Corn? I recommend avoiding freezing Marshmallow Caramel Corn. The caramel coating might lose its delightful crunch when thawed, which could affect the overall texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh! What should I do if my caramel corn gets stale? No worries! You can easily refresh your caramel corn by reheating it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C), spread your caramel corn on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore its crispiness and flavor. Are there any dietary considerations I should know? Very! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but if you have allergies, be cautious with the mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Always double-check labels, especially for allergens, and substitute with safe alternatives if necessary. Can I customize the flavors of my Marshmallow Caramel Corn? Absolutely! The more the merrier when it comes to mix-ins. You can add a variety of toppings like nuts, chocolate chips, or even crushed pretzels for a fun twist. Don’t hesitate to experiment and create your signature version! Marshmallow Caramel Corn: A Sweet and Salty Snack Joy Enjoy the sweet and salty combination of Marshmallow Caramel Corn, a delightful snack perfect for gatherings or movie nights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 6 cupsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Popcorn Base12 cups Freshly popped popcorn Avoid unpopped kernelsFor the Caramel Coating2 cups Marshmallows Chop for easier melting1 cup Caramel sauce Store-bought, warm slightly1/2 cup Butter Unsalted is ideal1/2 teaspoon Salt Optional, enhances sweetnessOptional Mix-ins1 cup Nuts Peanuts or almonds1 cup Chocolate chips Dark or regular1 cup Crushed pretzels For added texture Equipment SaucepanMixing bowlBaking sheetSpatulaParchment paper Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Marshmallow Caramel CornBegin by popping your popcorn using either a stovetop method or microwave. Transfer the popcorn into a large mixing bowl, ensuring to remove any unpopped kernels.In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, caramel sauce, and chopped marshmallows. Stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and glossy.Pour the caramel and marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Gently fold the popcorn into the caramel while it’s warm, coating evenly.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated popcorn evenly. Allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes, adding mix-ins if desired.Break the popcorn into clusters and transfer it into an airtight container. Your Marshmallow Caramel Corn is ready to be enjoyed! Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesStore in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If it becomes stale, reheat in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5-10 minutes to refresh its texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
