Soy-Free Classic Popcorn Balls
Indulge in a timeless treat with these Soy-Free Classic Popcorn Balls, a nostalgic snack perfect for movie nights, holiday gatherings, or festive parties! Made with freshly popped popcorn and coated in a luscious vanilla-infused caramel syrup, these popcorn balls offer the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch without any soy-based ingredients. This quick and easy recipe, ready in under 30 minutes, uses pantry staples like butter, light corn syrup, and granulated sugar to create a homemade delight that's as simple as it is satisfying. Formed into portable, fun-sized portions, these kid-friendly snacks are ideal for sharing or gifting. Plus, they store beautifully in an airtight container, making them a make-ahead treat you'll want to enjoy time and time again.
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Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Directions
Step 1
Pop the popcorn kernels using an air popper or on the stovetop. You should end up with about 12 cups of popped popcorn. Spread the popcorn on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2
In a heavy saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 3
Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Using a candy thermometer, allow the mixture to reach 250°F (hard-ball stage). This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Step 5
Immediately pour the hot syrup over the popcorn, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to coat the popcorn evenly. Be cautious as the syrup is very hot.
Step 6
With lightly buttered or damp hands, form balls with the coated popcorn, working quickly before the mixture cools and hardens. Each ball should be about the size of a small apple, but you can adjust the size according to your preference. This recipe should yield about 10 popcorn balls.
Step 7
Allow the popcorn balls to cool completely at room temperature before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (683.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2318.3 |
| Total Fat 53.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 28.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 124mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1232.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 466.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 379.2g | |
| Protein 13.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 24.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 349.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories