Basic Popcorn Balls

Vegetarian
Gluten Free
Basic Popcorn Balls
45 min.
6
314kcal

Suggestions


Are you looking for a delightful treat that combines nostalgia with a touch of creativity? Look no further than these Basic Popcorn Balls! Perfect for any occasion, these sweet and crunchy snacks are not only vegetarian and gluten-free, but they also come together in just 45 minutes. With a satisfying blend of textures and flavors, they make for an irresistible dessert that both kids and adults will love.

Imagine the joy of biting into a perfectly formed popcorn ball, where the light sweetness of granulated sugar and corn syrup meets the buttery richness of unsalted butter. The addition of a hint of vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, the fun of shaping these treats into 3-inch rounds adds an interactive element to your cooking adventure!

Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a fun family activity, or simply craving a sweet snack, these popcorn balls are sure to impress. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or sprinkles, to add a personal touch. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a batch of these scrumptious popcorn balls that will have everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients

  • 0.3 cup plus light
  • cup granulated sugar 
  • teaspoon kosher salt 
  • cups popped popcorn plain
  • tablespoons butter unsalted cut into small pieces ()
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract 
  • 0.3 cup water 
  • teaspoon vinegar white

Equipment

  • bowl
  • sauce pan
  • baking paper
  • kitchen thermometer
  • spatula

Directions

  1. Coat a large heatproof bowl with butter, vegetable oil, or cooking spray and place popcorn in the bowl.
  2. Place sugar, corn syrup, water, vinegar, and salt in a medium saucepan and stir to combine.
  3. Place over high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook until mixture registers 260°F on a candy/fat thermometer, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until melted and smooth.Immediately drizzle sugar mixture over popcorn and stir continuously with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom of the bowl, until popcorn is thoroughly coated and cool enough to handle, about 3 minutes.Using buttered or oiled hands, tightly press mixture (it may still be a bit warm) into 3-inch rounds.
  5. Place on waxed or parchment paper to cool completely, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories314kcal
Protein2.7%
Fat23.25%
Carbs74.05%

Properties

Glycemic Index
34.24
Glycemic Load
32.97
Inflammation Score
-2
Nutrition Score
2.6795651860859%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:313.83kcal
15.69%
Fat:8.46g
13.02%
Saturated Fat:4.89g
30.55%
Carbohydrates:60.65g
20.22%
Net Carbohydrates:58.26g
21.18%
Sugar:48.01g
53.34%
Cholesterol:20.07mg
6.69%
Sodium:402.71mg
17.51%
Alcohol:0.11g
100%
Alcohol %:0.16%
100%
Protein:2.21g
4.43%
Fiber:2.39g
9.57%
Manganese:0.19mg
9.38%
Phosphorus:61.36mg
6.14%
Magnesium:24.33mg
6.08%
Vitamin A:265.58IU
5.31%
Zinc:0.61mg
4.04%
Iron:0.55mg
3.05%
Copper:0.05mg
2.49%
Vitamin B3:0.39mg
1.93%
Vitamin B1:0.03mg
1.92%
Vitamin E:0.26mg
1.76%
Potassium:57.97mg
1.66%
Vitamin B2:0.02mg
1.38%
Folate:5.39µg
1.35%
Vitamin B6:0.03mg
1.31%
Source:Chow