The Best Popcorn Ball Recipe That Will Blow Your Mind

There are a lot of popcorn ball recipes out there, but this is the best one. It's simple and it will blow your mind! Follow these easy steps to make popcorn balls that are perfect for any occasion!

The Best Popcorn Ball Recipe That Will Blow Your Mind

What makes popcorn balls a fun treat?

Is it their portability? Or maybe it's the fact that they come in all sorts of flavors, from classic butter to cheesy cheddar. Maybe it's because it's a "classic" treat that we all had (or wished we had) as kids!

Either way you look at it, popcorn balls are also a great way to show off your culinary skills. After all, what could be more impressive than making a batch of homemade popcorn balls?

And, they don't require any baking. Which is always a huge plus in my mind!

Do You Have to Make the Popcorn Into Balls?

No, you don't have to make the popcorn into balls. You can just make it into a big popcorn cake! Or, if you want to get fancy, you can use a mold to form your popcorn into a fun shape. Or, spread the popcorn out on a sheet of parchment paper to dry and eat it loose!

The recipe is the same, no matter which way you go, so just follow your heart.

What Goes into Making Popcorn Balls?

• 6-7 cups popped popcorn
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup corn syrup
• ¼ cup water
• 1 cup M&M’s
• 3 tablespoon butter

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• 9"x13" baking dish
• Parchment paper

How to Make Popcorn Balls

In a small pot over medium heat, combine the butter, sugar and water.

Stir it until the butter melts, the sugar dissolves and you get a creamy mixture, then add corn syrup.

Continuously stir this mixture together until you it begins to thicken, then remove from the heat.

Leave the mixture to cool and continue to thicken for 5-10 minutes.

Place the popped popcorn into a large bowl, then pour the sugar mixture evenly over the top and add the M & M's.

Stir the ingredients together until all of the popcorn is coated.

Form the popcorn into balls using your hands and leave them to set for 10-15 minutes before you serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Make These Popcorn Balls Vegan?

Yes, you can make popcorn balls vegan! Just use a vegan butter substitute in place of the regular butter, and you're good to go. You can also use a plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. I like to use almond milk, but any kind will work.

Are These Popcorn Balls Gluten-Free?

Yes, popcorn balls are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use a popcorn that is labeled "gluten-free" to be safe - and all the other ingredients, too, just to be safe.

Tips to Nail Making Popcorn Balls

• The popcorn should be hot when you add the other ingredients, so it can all meld together and form into balls easily.
• If your popcorn balls are too soft, you can put them in the fridge for a bit to firm up. Just don't leave them in there for too long or they'll get hard!
• If your popcorn balls are too hard, you can microwave them for a few seconds to soften them up.
• You can make popcorn balls with any flavor of popcorn you want! Just add in some extra seasonings or mix-ins to customize them to your taste.

Tips for Storing Popcorn Balls

Popcorn balls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week - if they last that long!

You can also freeze popcorn balls for up to three months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before you want to eat them. Isn't that CRAZY?! But it totally works!

Looking for More No-Bake Desserts?

If you love the idea of a no-bake dessert so your kitchen doesn't heat up unnecessarily, join the club! We will be adding more delicious ideas here soon, but for now, check out these favorites that are often on our dessert menu. Make sure you bookmark the recipes or print them out so you will have them on hand when you need an easy treat!

• No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Recipe
• Vegan Energy Bites Recipe
• No-Bake Chocolate Oreo Lasagna Recipe

Recipe

Yield: 10-15 Popcorn Balls

Popcorn Balls

Print

This is the simplest, most easy recipe to make popcorn balls when you're looking for a classic, no-bake dessert.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 6-7 cups (750g) popped popcorn
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1 cup (340g) corn syrup
• ¼ cup (59ml) water
• 1 cup (203g) M&M’s
• 3 tablespoon (42.5g) butter

Instructions

1. In a small pot over medium heat, combine the butter, sugar and water.
2. Stir it until the butter melts, the sugar dissolves and you get a creamy mixture, then add corn syrup.
3. Continuously stir this mixture together until you it begins to thicken, then remove from the heat.
4. Leave the mixture to cool and continue to thicken for 5-10 minutes.
5. Place the popped popcorn into a large bowl, then pour the sugar mixture evenly over the top and add the M & M's.
6. Stir the ingredients together until all of the popcorn is coated.
7. Form the popcorn into balls using your hands and leave them to set for 10-15 minutes before you serve.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Reynolds Kitchens Pop-Up Parchment Paper Sheets, 10.7x13.6 Inch, 30 Count
• 
  Gorilla Grip Premium Stainless Steel, Spring-Loaded Scoop for Fruit, Cookie and Ice Cream, Easy Squeeze and Clean Release, Comfortable Handle, Medium, 2 tablespoon Scooper Size 30, Uniform Portions, Coral
• 
  Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl Set (3-Piece Set, Nesting, Microwave and Dishwasher Safe)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 53Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 47mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g