Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls Recipe
Introduction
Peanut butter popcorn balls are a delightful snack that combines the crunch of popcorn with the rich creaminess of peanut butter. Perfect for parties or a fun treat, these sweet and nutty balls are easy to make and sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 5 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove any unpopped popcorn kernels from the bowl. Then mix the popcorn and dry roasted peanuts in a large bowl.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, bring the granulated sugar and light corn syrup just to a boil over medium heat.
- Step 3: Once all the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is bubbly, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the popcorn and peanuts, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5: Let the mixture cool until it is safe to handle. Grease your hands with a little butter or oil, then grab a handful of the popcorn mixture and form it into a ball, pressing slightly to help it hold together.
- Step 6: Place each ball on a sheet of wax paper to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap in plastic wrap until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
- Use chunky peanut butter for added texture and nutty bites.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled popcorn balls.
- Substitute the dry roasted peanuts with almonds or cashews for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Store the peanut butter popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks. Reheat slightly in a microwave for a few seconds if they become too firm before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may make the mixture less sticky, so you might need to handle the popcorn balls more carefully when shaping.
How do I prevent the popcorn balls from falling apart?
Make sure the peanut butter mixture is warm and sticky when mixing with the popcorn. Also, greasing your hands before shaping helps the balls hold together better.
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Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 popcorn balls 1x
Description
Delight in these crunchy and sweet Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls, a nostalgic treat combining the rich creaminess of peanut butter with the satisfying crunch of popcorn and peanuts. Perfect as a snack or party treat, they are easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Popcorn Mixture
- 5 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
Syrup and Binding Ingredients
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Popcorn and Peanuts: Make sure to remove any unpopped popcorn kernels from the bowl. Then mix together popcorn and dry roasted peanuts evenly.
- Make Syrup Mixture: In a large saucepan or dutch oven, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup and bring just to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture is bubbling.
- Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Remove the pan from heat as soon as the syrup is boiling and sugar is dissolved. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Coat Popcorn and Peanuts: Immediately add the popcorn and peanuts to the syrup mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the peanut butter syrup.
- Form Popcorn Balls: Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it is safe to handle but still pliable. Grease your hands lightly and scoop a handful of the coated popcorn mixture. Press and shape into firm balls, helping them hold together.
- Cool and Store: Place each formed popcorn ball on a sheet of wax paper to cool completely and set. Once cool, wrap each ball in plastic wrap to keep fresh until ready to serve.
Notes
- Be cautious when handling the hot syrup to avoid burns.
- Greasing hands prevents the sticky mixture from adhering to your skin.
- You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter but the texture may vary.
- For a nuttier flavor, try using salted peanuts.
- Store popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peanut butter, popcorn balls, snack, sweet, peanut butter treat, easy recipe, popcorn snacks
