Caramel Popcorn Balls

by Gayle on Oct 30, 2015 (updated Sep 28, 2021) 52 comments »

These Caramel Popcorn Balls combine fresh popcorn, caramel sauce, marshmallows, and dark chocolate. This easy snack is perfect to munch on when you need to satisfy those sweet and salty cravings!

four caramel popcorn balls on a countertop

Can you believe that Halloween is tomorrow? Where has the time gone? I feel like it was just yesterday that I was making all the summer goodies in my kitchen. And within the blink of an eye, we’re at the end of October.

And speaking of Halloween, it snowed here last year. Yep, you read that right. Luckily, it was just a light dusting, so nothing really accumulated. But it was a reminder that winter was coming in the Midwest!

Instead, let’s think happier thoughts and munch on these Caramel Popcorn Balls. This easy snack combines fresh popcorn, caramel sauce, marshmallows, and some chocolate. This sweet treat is perfect to snack on when you need to satisfy those sweet and salty cravings. After all, what goes better with popcorn than some caramel?

I will be the first to admit that I do not like those store-bought popcorn balls. They seem to pop up everywhere this time of year, and I always do my best to avoid them. Those popcorn balls have a different texture and taste. It’s hard to explain, but it just doesn’t taste like popcorn to me.

a row of homemade popcorn balls drizzled with chocolate

Ingredients in Caramel Popcorn Balls

These Caramel Popcorn Balls are nothing like the store-bought kind! With only five ingredients, you can control what goes into this treat and how it tastes. And let me tell you, these popcorn balls are oh-so good.

The caramel coating gives the popcorn a rich and delicious flavor. And because they’re served on a stick, you can having fun eating them, too!

Here’s what you’ll need to make these easy popcorn balls:

Caramel sauce
Popped popcorn
Mini marshmallows
Powdered sugar
Chocolate chips

a caramel popcorn ball on a countertop surrounded by popped popcorn

How to Make Popcorn Balls

Did I mention how easy these Caramel Popcorn Balls are to make? So easy, friends.

Simply warm up some caramel sauce until it just begins to boil.
Pour it over the popcorn and stir in some mini marshmallows and powdered sugar.
Grease your hands with some cooking spray (a must if you don’t want sticky fingers) and form into about eight balls.
Then drizzle some melted chocolate over the balls and let them set for a few minutes.

One bite and you’ll be hooked on these Caramel Popcorn Balls! It’s crunch, salty, sweet and the perfect treat to cure those snack (and Halloween) cravings!

How to Store Popcorn Balls

Store these homemade popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last up to 5 days (but they’re really best eaten the day they’re made).

a row of homemade popcorn balls drizzled with chocolate

Tips for Making Caramel Popcorn Balls

I used my homemade salted caramel sauce to make these easy popcorn balls, but you can use any kind you’d like.
I used semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can use milk or dark if desired. Or, use a blend of chocolates!
You can pop the popcorn yourself, or you can buy a bag of pre-popped popcorn at the store. Just make sure it’s not flavored!

Looking for more popcorn recipes? I’ve got you covered!