Marshmallow Caramel Corn

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet marshmallows and buttery caramel, all mixed with crunchy popcorn for a treat that’s hard to resist.

Arielle Baxter

Created by

Arielle Baxter

Last updated on 2025-12-18T16:07:36.822Z

This Marshmallow Caramel Corn recipe brings together the sticky sweetness of marshmallows and the rich flavor of caramel, creating a perfect crunchy snack. Ideal for movie nights, parties, or just a sweet indulgence at home!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and savory combination that satisfies every craving
  • Perfectly crunchy texture with a gooey marshmallow twist
  • Great for sharing at gatherings or keeping all to yourself

Perfect for Any Occasion

Marshmallow Caramel Corn is the ideal treat for a variety of occasions. Whether it’s a birthday party, movie night, or a festive gathering, this crunchy delight easily becomes the star of the show. Its appealing mix of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among both kids and adults alike. You can even package it in festive bags to share with friends or family, making it a thoughtful gift for any celebration.

Moreover, this recipe can be customized to fit different themes or seasons. Add colorful sprinkles for a birthday bash or drizzle some chocolate on top for a festive touch during the holidays. The versatility of this treat means you can adapt it to suit your personal taste or the occasion at hand, ensuring that it will always be a hit.

Easy to Make, Hard to Resist

One of the best aspects of making Marshmallow Caramel Corn is its simplicity. The recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and can be prepared in under an hour. This makes it perfect for those busy days when you want to whip up something special without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, the process of making caramel is a fun experience that can be enjoyed with family or friends.

The combination of gooey marshmallows and rich caramel creates an irresistible treat that’s crunchy, sweet, and savory all at once. Once you take your first bite, you’ll find it hard to stop reaching for more. It's the perfect balance of flavors that satisfies any sweet tooth while offering that delightful crunch that popcorn lovers crave.

Storage and Freshness Tips

To keep your Marshmallow Caramel Corn fresh for as long as possible, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its crunchy texture, preventing it from becoming stale. If you plan to make a large batch ahead of time, consider using a resealable plastic bag to portion it out, making it easy to grab a handful whenever the craving strikes.

If you find yourself with leftover caramel corn (which is rare!), you can also freeze it for later enjoyment. Just make sure to allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply let it thaw at room temperature, and it will taste just as delightful as the day you made it.

Ingredients

For the Caramel Corn

  • 10 cups popped popcorn
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Marshmallow Mixture

  • 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Mix well to coat all the popcorn and allow it to cool before serving.

Instructions

Prepare Popcorn

Pop the popcorn and place it in a large bowl. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels.

Make Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Add Baking Soda and Vanilla

Stir in baking soda and vanilla extract into the caramel mixture until well combined.

Combine Caramel and Popcorn

Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and quickly stir to coat all the popcorn evenly.

Prepare Marshmallow Mixture

In a separate saucepan, melt butter and marshmallows over low heat, stirring until smooth.

Combine with Popcorn

Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the caramel-coated popcorn and mix well.

Cool and Serve

Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and let it cool before breaking into pieces.

Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Variations to Try

While the classic Marshmallow Caramel Corn is undoubtedly delicious, you can easily switch things up by adding mix-ins or flavor variations. Consider tossing in some nuts, such as peanuts or almonds, for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. Alternatively, you can mix in some chocolate chips or M&Ms to create a sweet and colorful treat that kids will love.

For a more adventurous twist, try incorporating seasonal flavors. In the fall, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the caramel for a cozy autumn vibe. During the holidays, consider adding crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch. These variations not only enhance the flavor but also make your treat visually appealing.

Nutritional Information

While Marshmallow Caramel Corn is a delightful indulgence, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. Each serving packs a good amount of sweetness, primarily from the sugar and marshmallows. However, it also contains popcorn, a whole grain that can be a source of fiber, making it a more satisfying treat when enjoyed in appropriate portions.

If you're looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, consider using air-popped popcorn and reducing the amount of sugar in the caramel sauce. You can also explore sugar alternatives for a lower-calorie option. Keep in mind that while these adjustments can make the treat slightly healthier, the essence of this indulgent snack lies in its rich flavors and textures.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use microwave popcorn?

Yes, microwave popcorn works just fine. Just ensure it's plain or lightly salted.

→ How do I store leftover caramel corn?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits for variety.

→ Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free popcorn and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Marshmallow Caramel Corn

Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet marshmallows and buttery caramel, all mixed with crunchy popcorn for a treat that’s hard to resist.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Arielle Baxter

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Caramel Corn

  1. 10 cups popped popcorn
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  4. 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Marshmallow Mixture

  1. 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
  2. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

How-To Steps

Step 01

Pop the popcorn and place it in a large bowl. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels.

Step 02

In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 03

Stir in baking soda and vanilla extract into the caramel mixture until well combined.

Step 04

Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and quickly stir to coat all the popcorn evenly.

Step 05

In a separate saucepan, melt butter and marshmallows over low heat, stirring until smooth.

Step 06

Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the caramel-coated popcorn and mix well.

Step 07

Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and let it cool before breaking into pieces.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 30g
  • Protein: 2g