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Enter your email below & I'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from me each week!Welcome to the Cast Iron Lane Maple Monday Series where I feature a delicious recipe that includes maple syrup. With Indiana’s Maple Syrup production increasing in recent years – I thought this would be a fun way to introduce more of its use to my friends and family.
You can browse a wide selection of maple syrups here. Keep in mind that all maple syrups are not equal. If you have tried a maple syrup in the past and you found it to be bitter, try again. It’s probably just that brand or particular harvest or process that you do not like.
Make sure that you use real maple syrup in the recipe, and not corn syrup – which is what most table syrups are. It can greatly affect the taste of the recipe if maple syrup is not used.
Maple Popcorn Balls Recipe
Maple popcorn balls bring a touch of nostalgia, combining the traditional crunch of popcorn with the sweet essence of maple syrup. These treats offer a simple yet satisfying taste of the past.
This treat combines the crunchiness of popcorn with the rich, sweet flavor of maple syrup. These tasty snacks are created by coating freshly popped popcorn with a sticky maple syrup mixture, then forming them into compact balls. The result is a yummy combination of sweet and savory, making maple popcorn balls a favorite for those seeking a delicious and portable treat.
Grab your popcorn popper, and let’s get started!
Ingredients to Make Maple Popcorn Balls
To whip up Hamburger Stroganoff, you’ll need a simple yet flavorful combination of pantry staples that transforms into a comforting and satisfying dish in no time.
- 2 quarts popped popcorn
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 10 1/2 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
How to Make Maple Popcorn Balls
STEP 1: Using popcorn popper, follow directions and pop corn. Salt. Set aside in large bowl.
STEP 2: Prepare bowl or sink with cold water.
STEP 3: Attach candy thermometer to thick saucepan. Stirring constantly – heat butter, maple syrup, and sugar together to 275.
STEP 4: Slowly pour mixture over popcorn.
STEP 5: Dip hands in cold water. Dry hands. Shape covered popcorn into balls. Place on wax paper to dry.
STEP 6: Shape covered popcorn into balls. Place on wax paper to dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my popcorn balls falling apart?
To make the best popcorn balls, it’s important to get the balance right between the popcorn and the sugar/syrup mix. If there’s too much sugar mix, the balls will be too sticky; if there’s too little, they won’t stick together.
Why are my popcorn balls chewy?
Popcorn may become chewy if steam gets trapped in the pot during popping. To prevent this, use a lid with good ventilation or leave the pan slightly open for light and crispy popcorn.
I sometimes use an air popcorn popper to help to avoid this. If you find that your popped corn is still chewey from the air popper, try hydrating your kernels prior to popping. To do this, put 1 teaspoon for every 1 cup of corn in a sealed container. Shake it and put it in the fridge for 2-3 days to spread the moisture evenly.
Why won’t my popcorn balls stay together?
If the syrup mix is too hot, the popcorn won’t stick together; if it’s too cold, shaping the popcorn into balls becomes tough. Another problem might be not having enough syrup for the popcorn and toppings.
Also, don’t add too many extras. If the syrup doesn’t cover them, the balls won’t stick together.
What is the shelf life of homemade popcorn balls?
Popcorn balls stay good for about 5 days if you keep them in well-sealed containers at room temperature.
Popcorn balls are a versatile and delightful snack that can be customized with various flavors and toppings. Whether enjoyed at holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for everyday cravings, these simple yet tasty creations offer a nostalgic and satisfying munching experience.
I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!
Kitchen Items for this Recipe
Enjoy and happy cooking!
How to Make Maple Popcorn Balls
Ingredients
- 2 quarts popped popcorn
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 10 1/2 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Using popcorn popper, follow directions and pop corn. Salt. Set aside in large bowl.
- Prepare bowl or sink with cold water.
- Attach candy thermometer to thick saucepan. Stirring constantly – heat butter, maple syrup, and sugar together to 275.
- Slowly pour mixture over popcorn.
- Dip hands in cold water. Dry hands. Shape covered popcorn into balls. Place on wax paper to dry.
- Shape covered popcorn into balls. Place on wax paper to dry.
Notes
Did you make today’s Maple Popcorn Balls?
These are always a favorite around the holidays!