Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls Recipe
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Peanut butter popcorn balls are a tasty treat you can make at home. They mix sweet and salty flavors in a fun, easy-to-eat snack. You can whip up a batch of 16 servings in just 25 minutes of prep and cooking time.
These treats are perfect for parties or movie nights. The recipe uses simple items like brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and peanut butter. You coat popcorn with this mix and form it into balls. For extra fun, you can drizzle them with chocolate syrup. Each ball has about 249 calories, giving you a yummy snack that’s not too heavy.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these yummy peanut butter popcorn balls:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup white corn syrup
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 20 cups popped popcorn
- Chocolate syrup (optional)
You’ll notice the recipe is pretty simple. The main ingredients are things you might already have in your pantry.
Don’t forget to pop your popcorn before you start! You can use microwave popcorn or pop it on the stove. Either way works great.
If you want to add a little extra sweetness, grab some chocolate syrup. It’s not required, but it makes the popcorn balls even more tasty.
Remember, this recipe makes about 16 servings. Each serving has about 249 calories. Yum!
Instructions
Ready to make some tasty peanut butter popcorn balls? Let’s get started!
Grab a large saucepan and add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring often. Keep cooking until it starts to boil.
Take the pan off the heat. Add the peanut butter and mix well until it’s smooth.
Put your popped popcorn in a big bowl. Pour the hot peanut butter mix over it.
Gently toss the popcorn to coat it evenly. Be careful, it’s hot!
Line a baking sheet with wax paper. This keeps the balls from sticking.
Now for the fun part! Shape the coated popcorn into balls. You should get about 16.
Place each ball on the wax paper, leaving some space between them.
Let the balls cool for at least 30 minutes. This helps them set.
If you like, drizzle some chocolate syrup over the top for extra yumminess.
Your peanut butter popcorn balls are ready to enjoy! They’re perfect for snacking or sharing with friends.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.
If you don’t have corn syrup, honey or maple syrup work well too. They’ll give the popcorn balls a unique sweetness.
For the popcorn, you can use air-popped, microwave, or stovetop popped corn. Each type will give a slightly different texture.
Want to add some crunch? Mix in chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips before forming the balls.
To make them extra fun, try these ideas:
- Roll the balls in sprinkles
- Add food coloring to the peanut butter mixture
- Mix in some mini marshmallows
You can also swap the optional chocolate drizzle for caramel sauce or leave it plain. The possibilities are endless!
Remember, changing ingredients may affect cooking time and texture. Keep an eye on your mixture as it cooks and adjust as needed.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
To make your peanut butter popcorn balls turn out perfect every time, try these handy tips:
- Wet your hands before shaping the balls. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your fingers.
- Work quickly while the mixture is still warm. It’s easier to shape when hot.
- For extra crunch, mix in some chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips.
Don’t let your popcorn balls go stale! Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Cool completely before storing
- Wrap each ball in plastic wrap
- Place in an airtight container
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days
Want to make them ahead? You can freeze your popcorn balls:
- Wrap individually in plastic wrap
- Place in a freezer bag
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Thaw at room temperature before eating
Remember, these treats are best enjoyed fresh. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but they’ll still be yummy!
