Fruity Popcorn Balls are a nostalgic candy treat that blends the airy crunch of popcorn with the bright, fruity sweetness of melted candy. Commonly made around holidays or school events, these colorful confections are shaped by hand into satisfying snack-sized portions. Their rainbow look and lightly sticky texture make them popular with kids and adults alike. This recipe calls for fruit-flavored candy tubes (like Lifesavers or Jujubes), which give each bite a chewy surprise and a spectrum of fun flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup unpopped kernels)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 2 tubes fruit-flavored candy ( e.g., Jujubes, Lifesavers), chopped)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tbsp margarine
- ½ cup unsalted peanuts (chopped)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Popcorn
- Place the popped popcorn into a large (6-quart) saucepan or mixing bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook Candy Mixture
- In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, light corn syrup, chopped fruit-flavored candy, salt, and margarine.
- Stir constantly until the mixture boils and the candy fully melts.
Step 3: Add Nuts and Combine
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the chopped peanuts.
- Quickly pour the mixture over the popcorn and stir well to coat evenly.
Step 4: Shape the Balls
- Spoon the coated popcorn mixture onto waxed paper and let cool slightly.
- Grease hands and shape into 1½-inch balls.
Tips
- Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.
- Try different candy types for varied textures (e.g., chopped gumdrops or mini marshmallows).
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for a warm aroma.
- Wrap each popcorn ball in wax paper for gifting or lunchbox treats.
- Omit peanuts for allergy-friendly versions.
Nutrition
Calories: 262kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 7gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0.2mgSodium: 18mgPotassium: 171mgFiber: 7gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 2mg
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