Irresistible Root Beer Popcorn Balls: A Sweet Treat for Any Gathering
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 16
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and savory with these irresistible Root Beer Popcorn Balls, perfect for sharing at parties, movie nights, or simply enjoying as a nostalgic snack. Bursting with flavor and a satisfying crunch, this recipe from lovewithrecipes.com will certainly become a favorite among your friends and family.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 14 cups | Popped popcorn |
| 1 cup | Salted peanuts |
| 2 cups | Sugar |
| 1 cup | Light corn syrup |
| ½ cup | Butter |
| ¼ teaspoon | Salt |
| 1 teaspoon | Root beer extract |
| ¼ cup | Water |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 239.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 7.6 mg |
| Sodium | 180.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 29.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g |
| Sugars | 16 g |
| Protein | 4.1 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Popcorn Mixture: In a large, buttered bowl, combine the freshly popped popcorn with the salted peanuts. This creates a delightful base that marries the sweetness of the popcorn with the nuttiness of the peanuts.
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Create the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, light corn syrup, butter, root beer extract, and salt. This syrup will be the magic that brings all the ingredients together, infusing them with a delightful root beer flavor.
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Cook the Syrup: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until it reaches a temperature of 240 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer, which is the perfect stage for making a sticky candy coating.
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Combine the Mixtures: Once the syrup reaches the desired temperature, carefully pour it over the popcorn and peanut mixture in the large bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir everything together until the popcorn and peanuts are thoroughly coated with the sweet syrup.
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Let it Cool: Allow the mixture to stand for about 10 minutes. This cooling period will help the syrup to set slightly, making it easier to shape the popcorn balls.
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Shape the Popcorn Balls: With buttered hands, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into 3-inch balls. The butter on your hands will prevent the mixture from sticking, making the shaping process much smoother.
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Wrap and Store: Once shaped, wrap each popcorn ball in cellophane to keep them fresh and easy to handle. These treats are perfect for sharing, and their whimsical shape will surely bring smiles to everyone.
Conclusion
These Root Beer Popcorn Balls are not only fun to make but also deliciously addictive, making them a fantastic choice for large gatherings or cozy nights in. Share them at your next event or keep them on hand for an afternoon snack; either way, they’re sure to be a hit! Enjoy the unique combination of flavors and the delightful crunch that makes these popcorn balls truly special.
