🍿 Marshmallow Caramel Corn
Sweet, buttery, chewy, and completely addictive, this Marshmallow Caramel Corn combines crunchy popcorn with a rich caramel-marshmallow coating. It’s an easy homemade treat for movie nights, parties, holidays, bake sales, or gifting.
⏱ Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: About 20 minutes
Yield: 8 cups
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 8 cups popped popcorn
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 10 oz (283 g) marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Popcorn
Place the 8 cups popped popcorn in a very large mixing bowl.
Remove any unpopped kernels you find.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Set aside.
2. Make the Caramel Mixture
Place the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the sugar mixture becomes smooth.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously.
Don’t let the mixture boil aggressively.
3. Add the Marshmallows
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the marshmallows to the caramel mixture.
Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
This should take approximately 2–4 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Add the Vanilla
Immediately stir in the vanilla extract.
Be careful—the mixture will be very hot.
Stir until completely incorporated.
Coat the Popcorn
5. Pour Over the Popcorn
Immediately pour the hot marshmallow caramel mixture over the popped popcorn.
Using a large silicone spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss until the popcorn is evenly coated.
Work quickly because the coating becomes thicker as it cools.
Tip:
Lightly grease your spatula or spoon with butter or nonstick spray to make mixing easier.
Cool
6. Spread Out
Transfer the coated popcorn to the prepared baking sheet.
Spread it into an even layer.
For individual caramel corn clusters, gently separate some of the larger pieces while the mixture is still warm.
7. Let It Set
Allow the caramel corn to cool at room temperature for approximately 20–30 minutes, or until the coating is set enough to handle.
Break apart any large clusters.
🍿 Serve
Transfer to a large serving bowl and enjoy immediately.
For parties, place individual portions into small bags or cups.
⭐ Chef’s Tips
Use Fresh Popcorn
Freshly popped popcorn gives the best texture. Avoid heavily buttered microwave popcorn because the extra moisture and seasoning can affect the caramel coating.
Remove Unpopped Kernels
Nothing ruins a bite of caramel corn faster than a hard popcorn kernel.
Work Quickly
The marshmallow caramel thickens as it cools, so coat the popcorn immediately after making the mixture.
Don’t Overcook
Unlike traditional hard caramel corn, this version is meant to stay soft and chewy. Prolonged boiling can make the coating hard instead of marshmallow-soft.
Make Clusters
For big, chewy pieces, gently press portions of the coated popcorn together on the baking sheet before cooling.
🍫 Fun Variations
Chocolate Marshmallow Caramel Corn
Drizzle the cooled caramel corn with melted chocolate.
Peanut Butter Caramel Corn
Stir ¼ cup creamy peanut butter into the melted marshmallow mixture.
Salted Caramel
Sprinkle the finished popcorn with ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt while still warm.
Holiday Caramel Corn
Add colorful sprinkles, mini chocolate candies, or crushed peppermint once the coating has cooled slightly.
S’mores Caramel Corn
Add mini chocolate chips and crushed graham crackers after the caramel corn has cooled.
Storage
Store completely cooled caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature.
It is best enjoyed within 3–4 days.
Keep it away from humidity, which can make the popcorn lose its crunch.
🍿 Recipe Summary
This Marshmallow Caramel Corn is the ultimate combination of crunchy popcorn, buttery brown-sugar caramel, and gooey melted marshmallows.
It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require a candy thermometer.
Make a big bowl for movie night—or package it into little bags for an irresistible homemade treat!