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–+ servings
Fruity Popcorn Balls
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Candy, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 balls
Calories 95 kcal

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

  • Add a few drops of food coloring to customize the color theme.
  • Substitute margarine with butter for richer flavor.
  • Swap peanuts for almonds, cashews, or omit for nut-free.
  • Stir in mini marshmallows for extra chewiness.
  • Use flavored gel candies (like Jolly Rancher chews) for different fruit profiles.
  • Add sprinkles before shaping for a festive look.
  • Mix in freeze-dried fruit bits for added texture.
  • Shape into bars instead of balls for easier handling.
  • Wrap individually in cellophane for party favors or gifting.

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1.5gFat: 1.7gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.6gSodium: 60mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword fruity candy, holiday sweets, kid-friendly snacks, nostalgic food, old-fashioned treats, party treats, popcorn balls, vintage recipes
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