Marshmallow Caramel Corn

Marshmallow Caramel Corn is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a sweet, salty, and buttery combination. With fluffy popcorn coated in a rich caramel-marshmallow mixture and baked to perfection, this snack is sure to become a favorite. It’s the perfect balance of crispy, chewy, and creamy textures, making it ideal for movie nights, parties, or as a homemade gift.

This recipe is simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re craving a crunchy snack or looking for a sweet indulgence, Marshmallow Caramel Corn hits the spot every time. You can customize it by adding a sprinkle of salt or extra caramel sauce for an even more decadent treat. Plus, it’s easy to store, so you can enjoy it for days to come.

The combination of caramel, marshmallows, and popcorn creates an irresistible flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Perfect for any occasion, this homemade version is so much better than store-bought caramel corn!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet and Salty Perfection

The combination of caramel and marshmallows with a touch of salt creates the ultimate sweet-and-salty balance, making it impossible to stop snacking.

2. Easy to Make

This recipe is simple to prepare and doesn’t require any special tools, just a few basic ingredients, and some patience while it bakes.

3. Versatile

Customize this recipe by adding extra toppings like chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.

4. Perfect for Parties and Gifts

This treat is great for holiday parties, movie nights, or as a homemade gift. Everyone will love it!

5. Make Ahead and Store Well

This Marshmallow Caramel Corn stores well in an airtight container, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it for up to a week.

Ingredients

• Popped popcorn (12 cups, about ½ cup unpopped kernels)
• Mini marshmallows (1 ½ cups)
• Caramel sauce or homemade caramel (½ cup)
• Melted butter (½ cup)
• Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• A pinch of salt

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: Drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle chocolate chips over the caramel-coated popcorn before baking for an extra indulgent treat.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or cashews for a crunchy, nutty twist.
• Candy Mix-ins: Stir in some candy like M&Ms or caramel candies to give this recipe an extra burst of sweetness.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and marshmallows to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Pop the Popcorn

Pop the popcorn using an air popper, stovetop, or microwave. You’ll need about 12 cups of popped popcorn, which is roughly the amount from ½ cup of unpopped kernels. Place the popped popcorn into a large oven-safe bowl or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce (If Using Homemade)

If you’re making homemade caramel, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture starts bubbling, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Marshmallows to the Caramel

Add the mini marshmallows to the caramel sauce and stir until they melt and the mixture becomes smooth.

Step 4: Coat the Popcorn

Pour the caramel-marshmallow mixture over the popcorn, tossing to coat the popcorn evenly. Make sure every kernel is covered in the sticky, sweet sauce.

Step 5: Bake the Popcorn

Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the popcorn mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure the popcorn gets evenly coated.

Step 6: Optional Add-ins

After baking, if you like, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top and add a sprinkle of salt for that perfect salty-sweet finish.

Step 7: Cool and Break into Clusters

Once the caramel popcorn has baked and cooled, break it into clusters and enjoy. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Even Coating: Make sure the caramel-marshmallow mixture is evenly spread over the popcorn to ensure every piece is coated.
• Stirring During Baking: Stir the popcorn every 10 minutes during the baking process to help it bake evenly and prevent burning.
• Cooling: Let the popcorn cool completely before storing it. This helps the caramel firm up and prevents the popcorn from being too sticky.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If it becomes soft, simply re-crisp it in the oven at 250°F for 5-10 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve Marshmallow Caramel Corn as a snack for movie night, at a party, or as a sweet treat after dinner. It’s also perfect for giving as a homemade gift in a cute jar or bag, especially around the holidays. Pair it with a cold glass of milk or enjoy it on its own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Marshmallow Caramel Corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing

You can freeze this treat if you want to store it longer. Place the cooled popcorn in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw it at room temperature.

Reheating

If the popcorn becomes soft, place it on a baking sheet in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp it back up.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works just fine for this recipe. It’s a quicker option if you want to save time.

2. How can I prevent the popcorn from being too sticky?

Let the caramel-marshmallow mixture cool slightly before pouring it over the popcorn to prevent it from being overly sticky.

3. Can I add other mix-ins to the popcorn?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or candy pieces to make the treat even more exciting.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free popcorn and caramel sauce, this recipe is gluten-free.

5. Can I use other types of sugar for the caramel sauce?

You can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a deeper, more robust flavor in the caramel.

6. Can I make this recipe without marshmallows?

If you don’t want to use marshmallows, you can substitute with more caramel sauce, but the texture will differ slightly.

7. How do I store the popcorn for longer?

Store the popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. If it becomes soft, re-crisp it in the oven at 250°F for a few minutes.

8. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can make this recipe vegan by using vegan butter, dairy-free caramel, and vegan marshmallows.

9. How long does this caramel corn last?

Stored in an airtight container, it will last for about a week at room temperature.

10. Can I add salt after baking?

Yes, you can sprinkle salt over the caramel corn after baking for an extra salty-sweet flavor.

Conclusion

Marshmallow Caramel Corn is a delightful treat that combines the best of sweet and salty flavors with a crunchy and chewy texture. Whether you’re making it for a party, a gift, or just to enjoy at home, this simple and indulgent recipe will leave everyone asking for more. With minimal ingredients and a quick baking time, you’ll have a delicious snack ready in no time!

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