• Recipe Index
    • Appetizers & Snacks
      • Healthy Snacks
    • Breakfast
      • Breads and Muffins
      • Donuts and Scones
    • Desserts
      • Breads and Muffins
      • Cakes and Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Donuts and Scones
      • Frozen Treats
      • Pies
    • Drinks
      • Smoothies and Shakes
    • Main Course
      • 30 Minute Meals
      • Air Fryer
      • Instant Pot
      • Sandwiches & Wraps
      • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Spreads
    • Seasonal Favorites
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Fall
      • Halloween
      • St. Patrick’s Day
      • Valentine’s Day
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Air Fryer
  • Instant Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • Shop
  • Contact
    • Meet Gayle
    • Privacy Policy
↑

Pumpkin 'N Spice

Where easy recipes and lifestyle collide

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers & Snacks
      • Healthy Snacks
    • Breakfast
      • Breads and Muffins
      • Donuts and Scones
    • Desserts
      • Breads and Muffins
      • Cakes and Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Donuts and Scones
      • Frozen Treats
      • Pies
    • Drinks
      • Smoothies and Shakes
    • Main Course
      • 30 Minute Meals
      • Air Fryer
      • Instant Pot
      • Sandwiches & Wraps
      • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Spreads
    • Seasonal Favorites
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Fall
      • Halloween
      • St. Patrick’s Day
      • Valentine’s Day
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Air Fryer
  • Instant Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • Shop
  • Contact
    • Meet Gayle
    • Privacy Policy
You are here: Home / Appetizers & Snacks / Caramel Popcorn Balls

Caramel Popcorn Balls

Appetizers & Snacks Desserts Fall Recipes Halloween

  • Share30
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Email
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! #popcorn #popcornrecipes #popcornballs #caramelpopcorn #falldesserts #fallsnacks #fallrecipeideas #recipe

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.

  1. Simply warm up some caramel sauce until it just begins to boil.
  2. Pour it over the popcorn and stir in some mini marshmallows and powdered sugar.
  3. Grease your hands with some cooking spray (a must if you don’t want sticky fingers) and form into about eight balls.
  4. 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!

  • Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Popcorn
  • Rosemary Garlic Popcorn
  • Cookies and Cream Popcorn
  • White Chocolate Candy Cane Popcorn
  • Peanut Butter Candy Popcorn
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!
Print Pin

Caramel Popcorn Balls

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!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword fall dessert, halloween recipe, popcorn recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8 popcorn balls
Calories 496kcal

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup caramel sauce
  • 8 cups popped popcorn
  • ½ cup mini marshmallows
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 cups dark chocolate chips , melted

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, add in popcorn. Set aside.
  • Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, heat caramel sauce until it starts to boil. Remove from heat and pour over popcorn. Let cool for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in marshmallows and powdered sugar.
  • Grease your hands using cooking spray and form mixture into 8 balls. Place onto parchment paper.
  • Dip or drizzle each ball into melted chocolate. Let set until chocolate is hardened.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 496kcal | Carbohydrates: 91g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 106mg | Potassium: 385mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 19IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @pumpkin_n_spice or tag #pumpkin_n_spice!

Stay in the loop! Subscribe for all the latest recipes

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

By Gayle | October 30, 2015

Comments

  1. Sina @ Vegan Heaven says

    October 30, 2015 at 5:07 am

    What a great idea, Gayle! They look so delicious and I'm sure they'd make a great treat for Halloween! :-)
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:36 am

      Thanks, Sina! I couldn't get enough of the chocolate and caramel combo! :)
      Reply
  2. Mir says

    October 30, 2015 at 5:30 am

    I'm all for a popcorn ball that doesn't require a candy thermometer! These look so addictive! I'd love these with a giant cup of hot chocolate!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:37 am

      Yes! I don't even own a candy thermometer, so these popcorn balls are perfect for me! :)
      Reply
      • Theresa Guthrie says

        October 25, 2017 at 10:30 pm

        Does anyone know if marshmallows are necessary for holding balls together in this recipe, or just for added flavor?
      • Gayle says

        October 26, 2017 at 6:26 am

        Hi Theresa! The marshmallows definitely hold the balls together, plus add flavor, so they will probably not hold together if you skip the marshmallows. Thanks for stopping by and hope you like these if you try them!
  3. Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says

    October 30, 2015 at 7:05 am

    Caramel popcorn is totally my HUGEST snack weakness this time of year so I'm totally all over these popcorn balls! Only problem I see is that I would not be able to stop eating these!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:37 am

      It was SO hard not to devour this entire batch, Sarah! Caramel popcorn is my weakness, too! :)
      Reply
  4. Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Allergy Friendly Eats says

    October 30, 2015 at 7:46 am

    I can never say no to caramel corn! These are calling my name!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:37 am

      Thanks, Kelly!
      Reply
  5. annie@ciaochowbambina says

    October 30, 2015 at 7:58 am

    I don't even remember the last time I had a popcorn ball...maybe 12 at my friend's halloween party! I've missed so much all these years! Thanks for sharing this fun recipe - love it!!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:38 am

      Thanks, Annie! It's been so long since I had one too, so I couldn't wait to make them this year! :)
      Reply
  6. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    October 30, 2015 at 8:44 am

    Gayle, oh my gawd, I love this idea!!!! These would be great to hand out on Halloween or for any party!!! I love these popcorn balls!!!!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 10:00 am

      Thanks, Alice!
      Reply
  7. Jen | Baked by an Introvert says

    October 30, 2015 at 9:29 am

    It has been forever since I've had a popcorn ball! These would be the perfect treat for a Halloween party! Caramel was a great choice!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 10:00 am

      Thank you, Jen! I can't resist caramel anything! :)
      Reply
  8. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says

    October 30, 2015 at 9:42 am

    These are such fun treats! This month flew by so quickly - I just got back from my son's Halloween school party and we are hoping for good weather tomorrow when we go trick-or-treating. I love these popcorn balls - sweet and salty is the best!!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 10:01 am

      That will be so fun to go trick-or-treating, Kelly! It's supposed to be cold and rainy here tomorrow, but I'm still looking forward to passing out candy! :) Thanks for the popcorn love!
      Reply
  9. Sofie says

    October 30, 2015 at 10:19 am

    This sounds so delicious, perfect for an autumn movie night! xx, Sofie http://sofiecharlotte.com
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 10:35 am

      Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Sofie!
      Reply
  10. Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says

    October 30, 2015 at 10:56 am

    Caramel and chocolate popcorn balls? Yesssss! They're even better on a stick!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:16 pm

      Thanks, Rachelle!
      Reply
  11. Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says

    October 30, 2015 at 11:11 am

    That's the snack of my dreams Gayle. Popcorn, chocolate and caramel? Doesn't get much better. Can you believe I've never actually made popcorn balls though? And I have 3 kids. I think maybe they're a little deprived! :)
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:17 pm

      This was my first time making them, so don't feel too bad, Stacey! :) I think your kids would definitely love these!
      Reply
  12. Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says

    October 30, 2015 at 11:33 am

    Store bought popcorn balls are the worst! I love that you made your own. Plus the addition of caramel is the best thing ever!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:17 pm

      Thanks, Mariah! Caramel makes everything better! :)
      Reply
  13. Manali @ CookWithManali says

    October 30, 2015 at 12:07 pm

    these look so addictive, I won't be able to stop at 1 or two or more! YUM!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:18 pm

      It was SO hard not to eat these all, Manali! I'm a sucker for caramel popcorn! :)
      Reply
  14. Michelle @ My California Kitchen says

    October 30, 2015 at 12:54 pm

    I'm not a huge fan of store bought popcorn balls, either. I have never made my own, though! Love that these have marshmallows in them. I bet they give these a great texture!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:18 pm

      Thanks, Michelle! These are almost like a popcorn version of rice krispie treats! :)
      Reply
  15. Kelley @ Chef Savvy says

    October 30, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    I love caramel popcorn! One of my favorite desserts! Perfect for Halloween!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 2:47 pm

      Thanks, Kelley!
      Reply
  16. Harriet Emily says

    October 30, 2015 at 3:18 pm

    This recipe is absolutely perfect Gayle! I have such a sweet tooth, and I love anything with popcorn, so this delectable treat is something I can see myself getting so addicted to!!! I love the addition of marshmallows. Mmm! <3 I will definitely be making these over the weekend!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:24 pm

      Thanks, Harriet! This is the perfect combination for a little sweet an salty. Hope you love these if you try them!
      Reply
  17. Ashley says

    October 30, 2015 at 4:21 pm

    Oh wow it snowed there last halloween!! That's crazy!! These popcorn balls are just so fun! Perfect for the holidays! Have a great weekend Gayle!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:24 pm

      Luckily there will be no snow tomorrow, so we're safe this year! :) Thanks for the kind words, Ashley! Hope you have a great weekend, too!
      Reply
  18. Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says

    October 30, 2015 at 4:43 pm

    Ewwww, snow?! We often have snow here on Halloween too. Luckily, this year we shouldn't! I'm hoping I get a few more snowless weeks before it looks like a winter wonderland. These are so fun -- sweet and salty is my favorite combination lately!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:25 pm

      No snow here either for tomorrow! We're above normal for temps right now, so hopefully it stays that way! Thanks for the popcorn love, Ashley!
      Reply
  19. marcie says

    October 30, 2015 at 4:46 pm

    I've always wanted to make popcorn balls and have yet to do it. I love the sweet and salty thing going on here, and yes to that chocolate drizzle! Forget about the Halloween candy -- this is all I need right here. :)
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:25 pm

      Sweet and salty is one of my favorites, especially with a chocolate drizzle! :) Thanks for the kind words, Marcie!
      Reply
  20. Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says

    October 30, 2015 at 7:36 pm

    Okay, I love this!! popcorn balls? What a great idea!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:29 pm

      Thanks, Cathleen! It's a fun treat to make and eat! :)
      Reply
  21. Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says

    October 30, 2015 at 8:18 pm

    Salty-sweet combos are THE BEST! And since I'm in love with caramel corn (and chocolate, duh), I know I would adore these treats. So, so yum!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:29 pm

      Thanks for the popcorn love, Blair!
      Reply
  22. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says

    October 31, 2015 at 12:05 pm

    Snow on Halloween seems so early in the year for snow! Last year it rained here in Halloween. I felt so bad for all the little kids trick-or-treating. They were all cold and wet when they would come to the door for candy. These popcorn balls look delicious!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 31, 2015 at 1:09 pm

      It's cold and rainy here today! I'm hoping it clears up soon because I have a giant bowl of candy and I don't want to eat it all myself! :)
      Reply
  23. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    November 1, 2015 at 11:58 am

    First of all, I hope you had a spook-tacular Halloween, Gayle! And I hope it didn't snow! ;) second, I've never seen popcorn balls before! Probably thankfully, since I'm sure the store ones are crap! These look fabulous and THIS is how I want to be introduced to them! The caramel sauce, marshmallows, and dark chocolate paired with popcorn sounds like a heavenly treat! And probably dangerous, because I can imagine one you 'pop' one of these into your mouth you can't stop! Love it! Pinned! Cheers, lady! <3
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      November 1, 2015 at 2:55 pm

      Thank you, Cheyanne! It didn't snow, but it was cold and rainy! I think you would love these popcorn balls...they're so delicious to munch on! Hope you had a great weekend, friend!
      Reply
  24. mira says

    November 1, 2015 at 6:20 pm

    I've never make popcorn balls, because I always buy them. And they don't taste so good... It is time to make some and try your recipe Gayle! These look perfect!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      November 1, 2015 at 7:23 pm

      Thanks, Mira! The homemade kind is definitely better than store bought! :)
      Reply
  25. Izzy @ she likes food says

    November 1, 2015 at 7:54 pm

    I know, right? Time is just cruising by! And now it is November! I must be craving popcorn because my mouth is watering looking at these!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      November 2, 2015 at 8:20 am

      Thanks, Izzy!
      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Gayle

Welcome!

I’m glad you've stumbled on by and hope you’ll return to find some recipes that intrigue your senses! About Gayle

Popular Recipes

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Mac and Cheese

These Easy Breakfast Quesadillas are filled with fluffy, scrambled eggs, green peppers, bacon and cheddar cheeses, all enveloped between two crispy tortilla shells. It's an easy meal that's perfect for busy mornings!

Easy Breakfast Quesadillas

simple sweet potatoes in a bowl with a fork

Parmesan Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These Baked Parmesan Green Bean Fries are coated with a mixture of Parmesan cheese and spices, and then baked until golden. Crispy, crunchy, and full of flavor, these healthier fries make the perfect appetizer or easy side dish!

Parmesan Baked Green Bean Fries

Featured in:

Featured On

Stay in the loop! Subscribe for all the latest recipes

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

Copyright ©2022, Pumpkin 'N Spice. / Site by Pixel Me Designs
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers & Snacks
      • Healthy Snacks
    • Breakfast
      • Breads and Muffins
      • Donuts and Scones
    • Desserts
      • Breads and Muffins
      • Cakes and Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Donuts and Scones
      • Frozen Treats
      • Pies
    • Drinks
      • Smoothies and Shakes
    • Main Course
      • 30 Minute Meals
      • Air Fryer
      • Instant Pot
      • Sandwiches & Wraps
      • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Spreads
    • Seasonal Favorites
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Fall
      • Halloween
      • St. Patrick’s Day
      • Valentine’s Day
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Air Fryer
  • Instant Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • Shop
  • Contact
    • Meet Gayle
    • Privacy Policy