Introduction

Marshmallow caramel corn is a delightful treat that combines the crunchy sweetness of caramel with the soft, gooey texture of marshmallows. This easy-to-make snack is perfect for movie nights, parties, or whenever you crave a cozy, sweet bite.

The image shows a close-up of popcorn coated in shiny caramel and melted marshmallow, creating a glossy, sticky texture that covers each popcorn piece evenly. The popcorn kernels are tightly packed together, with the caramel giving a light golden brown color and the marshmallow adding a smooth, white shine on top. The background is softly blurred, making the popcorn cluster the clear focus, with the lighting highlighting the shine and texture of the coating. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 package (10 oz) large marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Pop the popcorn and set it aside in a large bowl, removing any unpopped kernels.
Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, and light corn syrup together, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Add the marshmallows to the saucepan and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Pour the marshmallow caramel mixture over the popcorn and gently mix with a spatula or spoon until all the popcorn is evenly coated.
Step 6: Allow the coated popcorn to cool slightly so the coating sets before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, spread the coated popcorn on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added texture and flavor.
Substitute light corn syrup with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store the marshmallow caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It is best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated in a low oven if the coating becomes too firm.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with caramel corn popcorn, coated in light golden caramel sauce that gives a shiny look. The popcorn is fluffy and pale yellow with some pieces tinted light blue scattered inside. The bowl has a simple pattern with a pink rim, sitting on a white marbled surface. A few caramel corn pieces are placed around the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?

Yes, microwave popcorn works well. Just be sure to remove any unpopped kernels and skip adding extra salt if your popcorn is already salted.

What if I don’t have light corn syrup?

You can substitute light corn syrup with honey or pure maple syrup, though the texture may be slightly different. These alternatives add their own unique flavors to the caramel coating.

Marshmallow Caramel Corn Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 72 reviews

This Marshmallow Caramel Corn recipe combines the classic crunch of popcorn with a gooey marshmallow caramel coating. Perfect for snacking, movie nights, or festive treats, the sweet blend of brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and marshmallows creates a deliciously sticky and flavorful snack that’s easy to make at home.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 cups 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

12 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 package (10 oz) large marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare Popcorn: Pop the popcorn using your preferred method and place the 12 cups of popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Set aside to cool slightly.
Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup unsalted butter along with 1 cup packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons light corn syrup. Stir constantly to combine and prevent burning.
Add Marshmallows: Add the entire 10 oz package of large marshmallows to the melted mixture. Continue stirring until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Flavor with Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to add depth of flavor to the caramel mixture.
Combine: Immediately pour the warm marshmallow caramel mixture over the prepared popcorn. Gently stir and toss the popcorn to coat it evenly with the sticky caramel mixture, ensuring all popcorn is covered.
Cool and Serve: Spread the coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or leave it in the bowl to cool and firm up slightly. Allow it to cool completely or for a few minutes until it is no longer hot but still soft and chewy before serving.

Notes

For extra crunch, spread the coated popcorn on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
You can substitute light corn syrup with an equal amount of honey or golden syrup if desired.
Be careful when melting the marshmallow mixture as it can become very hot and sticky.

Keywords: Marshmallow Caramel Corn, Popcorn Snack, Sweet Popcorn, Caramel Popcorn with Marshmallows