Marshmallow Caramel Corn Recipe

Make Sweet Memories with this Fluffy Marshmallow Caramel Corn Recipe

A sweet marshmallow caramel corn that melts in your mouth and sparks instant joy.

Irresistible crunchy kernels get coated with gooey, buttery goodness that makes snack time feel magical.

Everyone will beg you to share this addictive treat at gatherings.

The delightful sticky clusters that combine classic caramel richness with soft marshmallow magic.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet and salty sensations that dance across your taste buds.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary and memorable.

Who can resist such a delectable creation that brings smiles and excitement to any moment?

Grab a handful and watch how quickly this incredible snack disappears.

Why Marshmallow Caramel Corn Is Totally Addictive

  • Create a Sweet Carnival Treat: Transform ordinary popcorn into a decadent dessert that feels like a carnival in your mouth, blending gooey caramel and fluffy marshmallows for an irresistible snack.
  • Effortless Crowd-Pleasing Recipe: Whip up this simple yet impressive treat in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings, movie nights, or spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • Customize Your Snack Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by adding nuts, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles to create a personalized twist that keeps everyone coming back for more.
  • Nostalgic Comfort in Every Bite: Enjoy a classic comfort food that brings back childhood memories while satisfying adult sweet tooths with its rich, indulgent flavor profile.

Ingredients You Need for Marshmallow Caramel Corn

Base Ingredients:
  • Popcorn: Essential base for this sweet snack, light and crispy foundation for caramel coating.
  • Marshmallows: Soft, sweet binding agent that creates creamy caramel texture.
  • Butter: Rich flavor enhancer and crucial component for smooth caramel sauce.
Sweetening Agents:
  • Brown Sugar: Deep, molasses-like sweetness that adds complex caramel flavor.
  • Corn Syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization and creates smooth, glossy coating.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, subtle background flavor that complements caramel sweetness.
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Prevents popcorn from sticking to baking sheet and aids easy removal.

Quick Steps to Make Marshmallow Caramel Corn

Step 1: Prepare Popcorn Kernels

Pop your popcorn using an air popper, stovetop method, or microwave. Transfer the fluffy white kernels into a spacious mixing bowl. Carefully remove any unpopped kernels to prevent unexpected crunch.

Step 2: Create Caramel Marshmallow Magic

Grab a large saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add these ingredients:
  • Butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Corn syrup
Stir the ingredients until they blend smoothly and sugar dissolves completely. Lower the heat to medium-low and introduce:
  • Marshmallows

Continuously stir until marshmallows melt into a silky, creamy mixture. Pull the pan off the heat and swirl in vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Step 3: Coat Popcorn With Deliciousness

Drizzle the warm caramel marshmallow sauce over your popcorn. Gently fold and mix until every single kernel gets a luxurious golden coating.

Step 4: Spread And Cool

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the coated popcorn across the surface, allowing it to cool and set for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Break And Enjoy

Once cooled, break the popcorn into tempting clusters. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container to preserve the irresistible sweetness.

Pro Tip: This treat is perfect for movie nights, parties, or sudden sweet cravings!

Tips to Get Perfect Marshmallow Caramel Corn Texture

  • Kernel Cleanup: Carefully remove unpopped kernels before coating to prevent unexpected crunchy surprises and ensure a smooth snacking experience.
  • Smooth Stirring Technique: Use a silicone spatula when mixing caramel-marshmallow coating to prevent sticking and ensure even distribution across popcorn.
  • Non-Stick Preparation: Generously spray baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent caramel corn from adhering and make cleanup easier.
  • Quick Cooling Strategy: Allow popcorn to set at room temperature for precise texture – not too soft, not too hard – creating perfect crispy clusters.
  • Storage Secret: Keep marshmallow caramel corn in airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, consuming within 2-3 days for best taste and texture.

How to Keep Marshmallow Caramel Corn Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Transfer leftover marshmallow caramel corn to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to preserve its crispy texture and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Room Temperature Storage: Keep the popcorn at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring the container remains sealed to maintain optimal freshness and crunch.
  • Avoid Moisture: Place a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb any excess moisture and prevent the caramel corn from becoming soggy.
  • Reheating Method: Warm briefly in a preheated oven at 250°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the popcorn's original crispiness and revive its delicious caramel coating.

Great Matches for Marshmallow Caramel Corn

  • Pair with Creamy Comfort: Enjoy this sweet marshmallow caramel corn alongside a cold glass of whole milk or a rich hot chocolate. The creamy beverages perfectly balance the crunchy, sugary popcorn clusters.
  • Elevate with Nutty Companions: Serve alongside roasted almonds or pecan halves to add a delightful crunch and complement the caramel's rich sweetness. These nuts bring a sophisticated texture contrast to the marshmallow-coated treat.
  • Match with Cozy Companions: Combine this dessert with a warm apple cider or chai tea for a comforting autumn-inspired snacking experience. The spiced beverages enhance the caramel's deep, warm flavors and create a wonderfully indulgent moment.
  • Dessert Wine Delight: Pair with a sweet dessert wine like moscato or a light port to elevate the treat's sugary profile. The wine's subtle sweetness and smooth finish complement the marshmallow caramel corn's rich, decadent texture.

Ways to Change Up Marshmallow Caramel Corn

  • Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the caramel marshmallow corn for an extra rich treat. Cool completely to let the chocolate set, creating a decadent layer of sweetness.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Mix in chopped roasted almonds, pecans, or peanuts before adding the caramel marshmallow mixture. The nuts will provide a satisfying crunch and boost protein content.
  • Coconut Paradise Batch: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the coated popcorn while it's still warm. The coconut adds a tropical hint and interesting texture to the classic recipe.
  • Seasonal Spice Version: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice into the caramel marshmallow mixture for a warm, festive flavor profile. These spices work perfectly during autumn and winter seasons.

Marshmallow Caramel Corn Questions Answered

  • Why use both caramel and marshmallows in this recipe?

The combination creates an incredibly rich, sweet treat with a unique texture. Marshmallows add a creamy smoothness while caramel brings a deep, buttery flavor that makes the popcorn irresistibly delicious.

  • Can I use microwave popcorn instead of air-popped?

Absolutely! Microwave popcorn works perfectly. Just choose a plain or lightly salted variety to ensure the caramel-marshmallow coating remains the star of the recipe. Avoid butter-flavored options that might interfere with the final taste.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly to make together?

Yes! This is a fantastic family cooking project. Kids can help measure ingredients, stir the marshmallow mixture, and break the popcorn into clusters. Just supervise the stovetop part to keep things safe and fun.

  • How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Keep the heat at medium-low and stir continuously. Remove the mixture from heat immediately after marshmallows melt completely. Constant stirring ensures even heating and prevents any burnt spots in your caramel sauce.

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Marshmallow Caramel Corn Recipe

Marshmallow Caramel Corn Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Crispy golden kernels meet gooey marshmallow caramel corn in this irresistible sweet-and-salty treat perfect for movie nights and gatherings. Crunchy, sweet clusters will have snackers reaching for handful after handful of this addictive midwestern delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 cups popped popcorn (about 12 cup unpopped kernels)
  • 1 package (10 ounces / 280 grams) large marshmallows (approximately 35 marshmallows)

Sweeteners and Syrups:

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare a spacious mixing vessel and carefully separate the freshly popped corn kernels from any unpopped remnants, ensuring a clean base for the caramel coating.
  2. Select a heavy-bottomed saucepan and melt the butter until it becomes a golden liquid, gradually incorporating brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir consistently to create a harmonious blend, allowing the sugar to fully dissolve and transform into a rich, glossy mixture.
  3. Reduce the stovetop temperature to a gentle simmer, then introduce marshmallows into the caramel foundation. Continuously whisk the ingredients, watching them meld into a smooth, velvety consistency. Once fully integrated, remove from heat and infuse with a splash of vanilla extract for an aromatic enhancement.
  4. Cascade the molten caramel-marshmallow mixture over the prepared popcorn, using a silicone spatula to gently fold and coat each kernel thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of the sweet glaze.
  5. Prepare a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and lightly coated with non-stick spray. Carefully transfer the glazed popcorn, spreading it into an even layer to facilitate uniform cooling and setting.
  6. Allow the coated popcorn to rest and solidify at room temperature for approximately 10-15 minutes, during which the caramel will transform into a delicate, crisp coating.
  7. Once completely set, lovingly separate the popcorn into rustic clusters, ready to be served immediately or stored in an airtight container to preserve its delectable crunch and flavor.

Notes

  • Opt for freshly popped popcorn to ensure maximum crispiness and flavor absorption.
  • Remove all unpopped kernels before coating to prevent unexpected hard bites and potential dental mishaps.
  • Use a silicone spatula for smooth, even mixing to guarantee each kernel gets perfectly glazed with caramel-marshmallow goodness.
  • Quick cooling prevents soggy texture, so spread popcorn in a single layer on the baking sheet for crisp, crunchy clusters.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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