Description

Marshmallow Caramel Corn is the ultimate sweet and salty snack that combines the nostalgic flavors of buttery caramel, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy popcorn. Perfect for movie nights, festive gatherings, or as a delightful homemade gift, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistibly gooey and crispy treat. The golden caramel envelops each kernel of popcorn, while the marshmallows add a pillowy softness that elevates this classic snack to gourmet status. Quick to prepare and a joy to share, Marshmallow Caramel Corn is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• Popcorn Base:
• 12 cups popped popcorn (air-popped or stovetop)
• 1 cup peanuts or almonds (optional, for extra crunch)
• Caramel Sauce:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Preparation Method

Prepare the Popcorn Base:
Start by popping the popcorn and ensuring it's light and fluffy. Transfer it to a large mixing bowl, removing any unpopped kernels to avoid biting into hard surprises. If you’re adding nuts, mix them into the popcorn now for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the caramel thickens slightly and turns a rich amber color. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant boost. Add the mini marshmallows to the hot caramel and stir until they melt completely, creating a smooth and creamy caramel-marshmallow blend.

Combine and Coat:
Pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn in the mixing bowl. Use a large wooden spoon or spatula to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly. Ensure that every kernel gets a generous layer of the caramel-marshmallow mixture. Work quickly while the caramel is still warm and pliable.

Set and Cool:
Spread the coated popcorn onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Let the popcorn cool completely at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes. As it cools, the caramel coating will firm up, giving the popcorn its signature crispy-chewy texture.

Serve or Store:
Once cooled, break the caramel corn into bite-sized clusters and transfer it to a serving bowl. If you’re not serving it immediately, store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy for up to a week.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled caramel corn and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. This variation creates a decadent sweet-salty treat that's perfect for gifting during the holidays or special occasions.
Marshmallow Caramel Corn is more than just a snack—it's a delightful experience that brings people together. Whether enjoyed during a cozy night in or shared as a homemade present, this recipe delivers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone reaching for more. Explore similar snack recipes on our site for more inspiration and share this treat with friends and family. Let us know how much you loved it in the comments!