Name: Marshmallow Caramel Corn: A Sweet Snack You'll Adore
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 12 cups popped popcorn (fresh, fluffy popcorn); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (adds richness); 1 cup brown sugar (provides sweetness); 1/4 cup light corn syrup (prevents crystallization); 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances sweetness); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (infuses flavor); 4 cups mini marshmallows (create gooey texture)

As I sat down with a bowl of popcorn at movie night, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. A sprinkle of sweetness, perhaps? That’s when I decided to elevate our classic snack with a twist: Marshmallow Caramel Corn. This indulgence brings together crunchy popcorn and gooey marshmallows, all enveloped in a rich caramel that’ll keep you coming back for more. Not only is it a cinch to whip up—taking under an hour with just a handful of ingredients—but it’s also completely customizable to suit any dietary needs, even vegan! Perfect for gatherings or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this delightful treat becomes an instant crowd-pleaser. Are you ready to discover how to make this sweet crunchy delight?

Why Is Marshmallow Caramel Corn Irresistible?

Sweetness and Texture: Enjoy the heavenly combination of crunchy popcorn and gooey marshmallows that make each bite unforgettable.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and under an hour of your time, you can create this delicious snack that’s great for any occasion.
Customizable: Want a vegan treat? Easily swap ingredients to meet your dietary preferences, just like with my Pumpkin Cornbread Cinnamon twist!
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s for movie nights or festive gatherings, this Marshmallow Caramel Corn is sure to delight family and friends alike.
Store and Enjoy: Make ahead and store in an airtight container, so your popcorn stays crisp for days, making it the perfect go-to snack!

Marshmallow Caramel Corn Ingredients

For the Popcorn
• Popcorn – Use about 12 cups of fresh, popped popcorn for the perfect fluffy base.

For the Caramel
• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup) – Adds richness and is essential for creating the luscious caramel.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup) – Provides deep sweetness and a warm flavor profile to your caramel.
• Light Corn Syrup (1/4 cup) – Helps prevent crystallization; substitute with agave syrup for a unique twist.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Enhances the sweetness of the caramel beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Infuses your caramel with delightful flavor; almond extract works well too if you’re feeling adventurous.

For the Gooeyness
• Mini Marshmallows (4 cups) – Create that irresistible gooey texture in the Marshmallow Caramel Corn; feel free to use vegan marshmallows for a plant-based delight!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Marshmallow Caramel Corn

Step 1: Pop the Popcorn
Begin by popping approximately 12 cups of popcorn using an air popper or stovetop method. Once popped, transfer the fluffy popcorn into a large mixing bowl, ensuring it is completely free of any unpopped kernels. Set this bowl aside as you prepare the caramel sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar. Stir the mixture continuously for about 5–7 minutes until it melts and bubbles, reaching a smooth, rich consistency. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, and let the wonderful caramel aroma fill your kitchen!

Step 3: Add Marshmallows
Once the caramel mixture is bubbling and beautiful, stir in 4 cups of mini marshmallows. Keep stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and incorporated, resulting in a glossy caramel mixture. This gooey concoction is crucial for coating the popcorn perfectly, making your Marshmallow Caramel Corn irresistibly delicious.

Step 4: Coat the Popcorn
Gradually pour the warm caramel mixture over the popped popcorn in your mixing bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss the popcorn to ensure every kernel is evenly coated. Take your time here—each piece should be enveloped in that luscious caramel, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste.

Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Spread the caramel-coated popcorn evenly on a lined baking sheet to allow for even baking. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. This step will help set the caramel and provide a satisfying crunch to your Marshmallow Caramel Corn.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the baking time is up, remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will firm up, making it easier to break into delightful clusters. Once cooled, break apart the pieces and serve your Marshmallow Caramel Corn to family and friends, or store it in an airtight container for your next movie night!

Marshmallow Caramel Corn Variations

Feel free to get creative and tailor this recipe to your taste buds – the possibilities are endless!

Vegan Delight: Swap unsalted butter with coconut oil and use vegan mini marshmallows for a fully vegan treat.
Nutty Crunch: Toss in some roasted peanuts or almonds to add an irresistible crunch that complements the gooey sweetness. The combination of textures will make every bite more exciting!
Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled popcorn for an indulgent twist. It adds a delightful richness that chocolate lovers will adore.
Spiced Caramel: Infuse the caramel with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall gatherings. Just a pinch can spark joy in every mouthful!
Seasonal Sprinkles: Decorate your Marshmallow Caramel Corn with festive sprinkles during holidays, like red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter. It’s a simple way to make your treat visually delightful!
Savory Twist: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or sea salt to the caramel for a savory spin that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the marshmallows. It’s a daring yet rewarding flavor adventure!
Chewy Add-Ins: Incorporate dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins to add a chewy texture alongside the crunchy popcorn. This melds sweet and tart flavors for a delightful experience.

If you want more delicious ideas, don’t forget to check out my Marshmallow Caramel Corn for tips on how to create a sweet, crunchy delight that’s perfect for any occasion!

What to Serve with Marshmallow Caramel Corn?

When it comes to delightful snacking, let your imagination run wild as you build a memorable experience to complement this sweet treat.

Creamy Mac and Cheese: The rich, cheesy flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel corn, making for a comforting duo.
Savory Veggies Platter: Fresh, crunchy veggies with a zesty dip provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Marshmallow Caramel Corn.
Decadent Brownies: A fudgy brownie will satisfy your chocolate cravings and balance the sweetness of the caramel popcorn in perfect harmony.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced cider exudes cozy vibes and adds a festive touch, enhancing the enjoyment of your sweet snack.
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: These cookies offer nutty richness that complements the marshmallow shoutout, creating an irresistible flavor pairing.
Popcorn bar: Set up a mini popcorn bar with toppings like chocolate drizzle, nuts, and sprinkles for an interactive and fun experience!
Movie Night Soda: Pair with classic sodas or homemade fruit-infused sparkling water to wash down the sweetness and add refreshing bubbles!
Ice Cream Sundae: Top with scoops of vanilla or caramel ice cream, and drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert adventure.

How to Store and Freeze Marshmallow Caramel Corn

• Room Temperature: Store your Marshmallow Caramel Corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps keep it crunchy and fresh.

• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions of the popcorn in airtight bags. It can last up to 3 months; just remember to thaw it at room temperature before enjoying.

• Avoid Moisture: Keep your container in a dry place to prevent moisture from compromising the crunchiness of your popcorn.

• Reheating: If stored in the fridge or frozen, you can reheat it in the oven at 200°F (95°C) for a few minutes to revive its crispness!

Expert Tips for Marshmallow Caramel Corn

• Temperature Control: Monitor caramel’s temperature closely; maintain it between 240°F to 250°F to avoid burning.

• Ingredient Quality: Use fresh ingredients, especially popcorn and marshmallows, to elevate the flavor and texture of your Marshmallow Caramel Corn.

• Mixing Technique: Toss the popcorn gently when coating with caramel to ensure even coverage, avoiding broken kernels and ensuring delicious bites.

• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets to make cleanup easier and help prevent the caramel from sticking, ensuring perfect removal.

• Storage Tips: Keep your Marshmallow Caramel Corn in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its delightful crunch; avoid moisture!

Make Ahead Options

These Marshmallow Caramel Corn treats are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save precious time during busy weeknights! You can pop the popcorn and prepare the caramel mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Start by popping about 12 cups of popcorn and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. For the caramel, cook and let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator. To maintain that delightful texture, keep popcorn and caramel separate until you’re ready to coat. When it’s time to serve, simply reheat the caramel until it’s pourable, then mix it with the popcorn and proceed to bake as directed for freshly made, irresistible Marshmallow Caramel Corn!

Marshmallow Caramel Corn Recipe FAQs

What kind of popcorn should I use for Marshmallow Caramel Corn?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for fresh, popped popcorn—about 12 cups will do. You can use an air popper or stovetop method, just make sure there are no unpopped kernels mixed in for a crunchy snack.

How do I store my Marshmallow Caramel Corn?
Store your Marshmallow Caramel Corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This method helps to keep it crunchy. Make sure to place it in a dry location, as moisture can spoil the delightful crispiness!

Can I freeze Marshmallow Caramel Corn?
Very! For longer storage, you can freeze your Marshmallow Caramel Corn. Simply portion it into airtight bags or containers, and it will last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it at room temperature before munching away.

What should I do if my caramel burns while cooking?
Oh no! If your caramel burns, it’s important to start fresh. To avoid burning, monitor the temperature closely. Aim to keep it around 240°F to 250°F while stirring, and once it reaches that point, remove it from the heat immediately to enjoy the sweet, perfect caramel!

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To create a vegan version of Marshmallow Caramel Corn, simply use vegan butter and choose vegan mini marshmallows. The light corn syrup can also be replaced with agave syrup if you’d like. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious treat!

Are there any allergies I should be aware of for this recipe?
Yes, definitely be cautious! This recipe includes butter and mini marshmallows which may contain allergens like dairy and gelatin respectively. If you or someone you’re serving has allergies, always double-check the labels and feel free to make substitutions as needed to cater to those dietary needs.