Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
This easy popcorn balls recipe uses marshmallows instead of corn syrup.
Did you know there's any easy and yummy alternative to making popcorn balls with corn syrup and a candy thermometer? .I came up with this method one Halloween when the my kids wanted to make popcorn balls but I didn't have all the correct ingredients. I made them in a manner similar to Rice Krispies Treats -- and they require only three ingredients. You can even make these popcorn balls completely in the microwave.
Making popcorn balls is basically a guaranteed sticky mess, albeit a tasty and fun mess. At least with this method is it is a fairly quick and easy mess.
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 to 2 bags Act II 96% fat-free microwave popcorn
- 1 bag mini marshmallows
- 1 stick real butter
Instructions
- Pop the microwave popcorn one bag at a time. You may use the "buttered" microwave popcorn if you like, but in my opinion the "butter flavoring," while fairly good when the popcorn is hot and fresh, turns greasy and unappetizing when it cools. The 96% fat-free variety does not have that "faux butter" so it stays much crisper and crunchier, even after it cools.
- While the popcorn cools, place the butter in a large glass or ceramic mixing bowl. Microwave the butter on about 30% power for 60 seconds. Stir or swirl, then microwave at 30% for 60 more seconds. Repeat until butter is melted but is not overly hot, smoking or popping.
- Pour the entire bag of mini marshmallows into the melted butter. Stir to coat marshmallows with butter.
- Microwave marshmallows on full power for 60 seconds. Stir and microwave for 60 more seconds. Stir and repeat until marshmallows are melted.
- Sort out any unpopped corn kernels, then stir about half a bag of popped popcorn into the marshmallow mixture. Toss the coat popcorn, and add the rest of the bag. Once that popcorn is mixed in, add another half bag. The more popcorn you add, the more difficult it is to stir in, but if you like less "goo" and more popcorn, stir in the last half bag and do your best to coat all the popcorn evenly with the marshmallow mixture. If you like your popcorn balls a little sweeter and with more "goo," you can leave that last half bag out.
- Butter your hands and mold the popcorn mixture into balls. Place each ball on a plate, platter or large piece of foil that has been sprayed lightly with cooking spray. Or, place on waxed paper, with needs no cooking spray. Do not allow popcorn balls to touch one another.
- Allow popcorn balls to cool, then wrap each individually with plastic wrap or waxed paper. Store in a loosely covered container.
