Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
Indulge in these classic Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls made with brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and creamy peanut butter. A nostalgic treat perfect for holidays, parties, or cozy family gatherings.
16 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup white corn syrup
- ¼ cup butter unsalted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 20 cups popped popcorn
Instructions
Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, white corn syrup, and butter. Stir the mixture continuously until it reaches a rolling boil, which should take approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat promptly.
Incorporate Peanut Butter:
- Immediately add the creamy peanut butter to the hot mixture. Stir thoroughly until the peanut butter is completely melted and the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
Coat the Popcorn:
- Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Gradually pour the peanut butter mixture over the popcorn, ensuring even distribution. Stir gently until all the popcorn is well-coated with the peanut butter mixture.
Shape into Balls:
- Allow the coated popcorn to cool slightly for easier handling. With buttered hands, form the popcorn mixture into approximately 16 balls of uniform size. Arrange the popcorn balls on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet.
Allow to Set:
- Permit the popcorn balls to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. Once firm, they are ready to enjoy or package for later consumption.
Notes
To ensure this recipe is gluten-free, verify that the popcorn, corn syrup, and peanut butter used are all certified gluten-free. While most brands are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination can occur during manufacturing, so it's best to double-check.