Sweet Marshmallow Caramel Corn Recipe

Fluffy Marshmallow Caramel Corn Recipe: A Sweet Snack Delight

Homemade caramel corn with sweet marshmallow coating creates a dangerously addictive snack that’ll have everyone begging for more.

Crunchy kernels dance with gooey caramel in this irresistible treat.

Clusters of golden popcorn drizzled with marshmallow goodness make movie nights and gatherings unforgettable.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sugary sweetness and satisfying crunch.

Preparing this recipe takes less than thirty minutes, making it a quick and delightful dessert option.

Simple ingredients transform ordinary popcorn into an extraordinary snack you’ll want to make again and again.

The combination of caramel and marshmallow guarantees a crowd-pleasing treat that disappears faster than you can serve it.

FAQs

  • Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, you can chop regular marshmallows into smaller pieces to help them melt more evenly in the caramel sauce.

  • Is this recipe good for kids' parties?

Absolutely! This sweet and crunchy marshmallow caramel corn is a fun treat that kids will love and can be easily shared.

  • How can I prevent the popcorn from getting soggy?

Ensure you stir the popcorn every 10 minutes while baking and use a low oven temperature to maintain crispiness. Also, make sure to spread the popcorn in a single layer on the baking sheet.

  • What's the best way to store this caramel corn?

Store the cooled marshmallow caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its crunch and flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Marshmallow Caramel Corn Fun

For Base Ingredient:
  • Popcorn Kernels: Crisp, light foundation with nutty undertones, choose fresh kernels for maximum pop and minimal unpopped pieces.
For Caramel Sauce Base:
  • Brown Sugar: Deep, molasses-rich sweetener that creates complex caramel flavor with warm undertones.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creamy binding agent that adds rich, silky texture and enhances overall taste profile.
  • Heavy Cream: Luxurious dairy element that smooths caramel and ensures glossy, consistent sauce.
For Sweetness And Binding:
  • Mini Marshmallows: Fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth confection that provides stretchy, gooey consistency and extra sweetness.
For Optional Finishing Touches:
  • Salt: Delicate mineral enhancer that balances sweet caramel and intensifies overall flavor complexity.
  • Extra Caramel Sauce: Additional drizzle for heightened richness and indulgent presentation.

Popcorn Tools You’ll Want to Have

  • Large Bowl: Spacious container for mixing popcorn with caramel-marshmallow sauce.
  • Baking Sheet: Flat pan for spreading and baking caramel-coated popcorn evenly.
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick liner to prevent popcorn from sticking and ease cleanup.
  • Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for preparing caramel sauce and melting marshmallows.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Tool for stirring caramel sauce and mixing popcorn.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measuring tools for ingredients.
  • Air Popper, Stovetop, or Microwave: Equipment for popping popcorn kernels.
  • Oven: Used for baking and crisping the caramel-coated popcorn.

Stir Up a Sweet Marshmallow Caramel Batch

  • Gather Popping Equipment

Grab your preferred popcorn-making tool like an air popper or microwave. Ensure you’ll create a generous batch of fluffy kernels for your sweet treat.

  • Createal Caramel Blend

Melt brown sugar, butter, and cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch the mixture transform into a golden, bubbling liquid. Toss in marshmallows and stir until everything becomes a smooth, irresistible sauce.

  • Transform Popcorn

Pour the caramel-marshmallow over your freshly popped kernels. Gently fold and mix until every piece gets a delicious, sticky coating.

  • Crisp Up the Goodness

Spread your coated popcorn on a baking sheet. Slide it into a 250F oven and bake for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even crunchiness. For an extra flavor punch, sprinkle a pinch of salt across the top.

  • Cool and Devour

Allow your caramel marshmallow creation to cool completely. Break into delightful clusters and enjoy the sweet, crunchy you’ve created.

Tips That Help Balance Gooey and Crunchy

  • Ensure every kernel gets a delicious caramel-marshmallow hug by gently folding the mixture, preventing any dry spots.
  • Store cooled caramel marshmallow corn in an airtight container for up to 3 days, maintaining its crispy texture and sweet crunch.
  • Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, and use vegan marshmallows to create a plant-based treat that everyone can enjoy.
  • Experiment with add-ins like chopped nuts, drizzled dark chocolate, or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the classic caramel marshmallow corn experience.
  • Transform this recipe into a fun family activity by letting children help mix and break the popcorn into clusters, creating sweet memories together.

Present Caramel Corn in a Fun Way

  • Sweet Movie Night Companion: Serve this marshmallow caramel corn alongside classic movies for a delightful snacking experience that elevates your home entertainment.
  • Festive Party Crowd-Pleaser: Pack the caramel corn into colorful paper bags or clear cellophane bags, tie with ribbons, and distribute as fun party favors or dessert table treats that guests will adore.
  • Gift-Worthy Homemade Delight: Prepare the caramel corn in decorative mason jars or cute tins, perfect for holiday gifts, teacher appreciation, or surprising friends with a personal, delectable touch.
  • Game Day Snack Station: Create a snack bar with this marshmallow caramel corn alongside other munchies like pretzels and nuts, offering a sweet alternative to traditional savory game day treats.

Save Marshmallow Corn for Snacking Later

  • Keeping Your Marshmallow Caramel Corn Fresh
  • Store the cooled caramel corn in a sealed container at room temperature for maximum crispness. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work best to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Enjoy your delicious treat within 3-5 days for optimal taste and crunchiness. After preparing, let the popcorn cool completely before sealing to prevent unwanted sogginess.
  • Keep the caramel corn away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Room temperature storage between 65-70°F ensures the best flavor and prevents the caramel from becoming sticky or separating.
  • If the popcorn loses its crunch, spread it on a baking sheet and warm in a 250°F oven for 5-10 minutes. This quick refresh will help restore the initial crispy texture, making your snack feel freshly made.
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Sweet Marshmallow Caramel Corn Recipe

Sweet Marshmallow Caramel Corn Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade Marshmallow Caramel Corn brings nostalgic sweetness to classic snack traditions. Crisp kernels coated in gooey marshmallow and caramel create an irresistible treat you won’t stop munching.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 cups (2.8 l / 2.8 liters) popped popcorn
  • 1 package (283 g / 10 oz) large marshmallows
  • 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) light corn syrup
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Popcorn Preparation: Deploy a preferred popping method, meticulously removing unpopped kernels. Transfer pristine popcorn into a parchment-lined, expansive heat-resistant vessel.
  2. Caramel Creation: In a saucepan, amalgamate brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Whisk vigorously until the mixture evolves into a lustrous, effervescent golden elixir, simmering for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Marshmallow Integration: Gently fold mini marshmallows into the caramel, stirring until they melt completely, forming a silky, uniform sauce that glistens with sweet potential.
  4. Coating Technique: Drench the popcorn with the molten marshmallow-caramel mixture, employing a gentle folding motion to ensure comprehensive coverage of each kernel.
  5. Caramelization Process: Position the coated popcorn in an oven preheated to 250F. Periodically redistribute the mixture to promote uniform caramelization and prevent burning, continuing for approximately 30 minutes.
  6. Cooling and Finishing: Remove the golden-brown clusters from the oven. Allow complete cooling, optionally embellishing with a delicate sea salt sprinkle or additional caramel drizzle for enhanced flavor complexity.
  7. Serving Preparation: Gently separate the popcorn into delectable clusters, ready for immediate enjoyment or shared indulgence.

Notes

  • Kernel Quality Control: Remove all unpopped kernels before coating to prevent dental hazards and ensure a smooth snacking experience.
  • Caramel Whisking Technique: Continuously stir the caramel mixture to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy texture without crystallization.
  • Even Coating Strategy: Fold gently and consistently to distribute marshmallow-caramel sauce evenly, preventing clumpy or dry popcorn sections.
  • Temperature Monitoring: Watch oven heat closely during baking, rotating pan every 10 minutes to prevent burning and create uniform golden-brown clusters.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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