Sweet Movie Night Treat

By: Casey Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:07:37 GMT Tasty Snacks
Casey, recipe creator at Cooking with Casey
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Casey shares simple, delicious recipes and inspiring stories, making cooking fun and accessible for all.

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:07:37 GMT

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A close-up of a bowl filled with popcorn drizzled in caramel sauce, set against a window backdrop. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl filled with popcorn drizzled in caramel sauce, set against a window backdrop.

Let me share my favorite movie night treat - Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn! This gooey, sticky-sweet snack combines the best of caramel corn and marshmallow treats into one irresistible bowl. It's ready in minutes and always disappears just as quickly!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

What makes this popcorn so special is how it combines two classic treats - caramel corn and marshmallow cereal treats. It's quick, uses just 6 ingredients, and there's no fussy candy thermometers or baking needed. The result is perfectly chewy, buttery, and sweet!

What You'll Need

  • The Basics:
    • 12 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup kernels)
    • Light brown sugar
    • Light corn syrup
    • Butter
  • The Magic:
    • Regular marshmallows
    • Pure vanilla extract

Let's Make Some Magic

Prep Your Popcorn:
Pick out any unpopped kernels - nobody wants a surprise crunch!
Make the Caramel:
Melt butter brown sugar and corn syrup together stirring constantly.
Add Marshmallows:
Mix in marshmallows and vanilla stir until melted and smooth.
Coat and Cool:
Pour over popcorn mix quickly spread on a baking sheet to set.

My Best Tips

  • Use any kind of popcorn you like - microwave fresh-popped or store-bought
  • Keep stirring that caramel mixture to prevent burning
  • Work quickly once everything's melted
  • Let it cool on a baking sheet to prevent clumping
  • For sweet-salty perfection use movie theater butter popcorn
A brown bowl filled with popcorn drizzled with caramel sauce, set against a window with a brick background.
A brown bowl filled with popcorn drizzled with caramel sauce, set against a window with a brick background.

Keep It Fresh

This treat tastes best the day it's made before the popcorn loses its crunch. If you have leftovers store them in an airtight container for 1-2 days but I bet you won't have that problem!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why remove unpopped kernels?

Prevents biting into hard kernels and ensures even coating.

Can I use different popcorn?

Yes, any plain popped popcorn works - microwave, air-popped, or stovetop.

How long does this keep?

Best eaten same day but keeps 2-3 days in airtight container.

Why use corn syrup?

Helps prevent sugar crystallization for smoother caramel.

Can I add other flavors?

Yes, try different extracts or add nuts/candy for variety.

4.20 from 243 votes

Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

Prep Time:
15 Minutes
Cook Time:
~
Total Time:
15 Minutes
Servings:
4
A close-up of a bowl filled with popcorn drizzled in caramel sauce, set against a window backdrop.

A chewy, sweet popcorn treat coated in marshmallow caramel sauce. Quick to make and perfect for movie nights.

Ingredients

  • 1 (3.2 oz) bag microwave popcorn, popped.
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter.
  • 1 cup brown sugar.
  • 1 tbsp light corn syrup.
  • 20 large marshmallows (or 3 cups mini).
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Instructions

1.

1. Pop Popcorn: Pop popcorn, remove unpopped kernels, place in bowl.

2.

2. Combine Ingredients: Combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup in saucepan over medium heat.

3.

3. Stir Mixture: Stir until melted and combined.

4.

4. Add Marshmallows: Add marshmallows and vanilla, stir until marshmallows melt.

5.

5. Pour Coating: Pour over popcorn.

6.

6. Mix Evenly: Mix until evenly coated.

7.

7. Set The Popcorn: Spread on baking sheet to set.

Notes

  1. Best eaten same day.
  2. Can use any plain popped popcorn.
  3. Remove unpopped kernels before coating.
  4. Store in airtight container if needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Saucepan.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Rubber spatula.
  • Baking sheet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 2 g