Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Crunch Recipe

The Fluffiest Marshmallow Caramel Crunch Recipe Ever Created

Dessert lovers rejoice as this marshmallow caramel crunch recipe brings sweet magic to your kitchen.

Clusters of gooey marshmallow swirl perfectly with rich caramel and crispy elements.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

The treat combines simple ingredients with delightful complexity.

caramel lovers will adore the deep, golden notes threading through each morsel.

Kids and adults alike cannot resist its irresistible charm.

This decadent snack promises pure indulgence with every delectable handful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s in the Marshmallow Caramel Crunch Mix

For Base Ingredients:
  • Popcorn: Light and airy canvas for sweet coating, choose freshly popped or kernels with good volume and minimal unpopped kernels.
  • Baking Sheet: Essential for cooling and spreading, select a rimmed sheet for easy handling and even coating distribution.
  • Foil: Provides non-stick surface and easy cleanup, use heavy-duty for best results.
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures smooth release and prevents sticking.
For Caramel Binding Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates rich, smooth foundation for caramel sauce, select unsalted for precise flavor control.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create golden caramel texture.
  • Light Corn Syrup: Provides smooth consistency and prevents sugar crystallization, choose clear version for clean appearance.
  • Marshmallows: Adds fluffy sweetness and binding power, pick fresh, soft marshmallows for best melting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes, use pure extract for authentic taste.
For Finishing:
  • No additional ingredients needed.

Must-Have Tools for Crunchy Caramel Marshmallows

  • Large Bowl: Essential for mixing popcorn with caramel-marshmallow coating.
  • Large Rimmed Baking Sheet: Needed for spreading and cooling the popcorn.
  • Aluminum Foil: Used to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent popcorn from sticking to the foil.
  • Large Saucepan: Perfect for melting butter, sugar, and marshmallows.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients smoothly and preventing burning.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Marshmallow Caramel Crunch at Home

  • Popcorn Preparation

Grab your favorite popcorn and spread it out in a spacious mixing bowl. Get ready for a sweet adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Caramel Foundation

Warm up a large saucepan and melt butter until it’s smooth and silky. Introduce brown sugar and light corn syrup, stirring them into a magical golden blend that promises deliciousness.

  • Marshmallow Magic

Gently lower the heat and sprinkle marshmallows into the warm mixture. Watch them transform into a fluffy white cloud, stirring constantly to create a creamy concoction that’s irresistibly smooth.

  • Flavor Fusion

Pull the pan off the heat and splash in some vanilla extract for an extra flavor kick. Pour this heavenly mixture over your waiting popcorn, tossing and turning until every kernel is generously coated with sweet, gooey goodness.

  • Cooling and Setting

Spread your coated popcorn across a lined baking sheet. Let it rest and cool at room temperature, allowing the caramel to crisp up and create a crunchy, mouthwatering treat that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Flavor Tips for Caramel Crunch

  • Enhance the sweet flavor by adding a light pinch of flaky sea salt over the popcorn after coating, creating a delightful sweet-salty balance.
  • Toss chopped almonds, pecans, or peanuts into the popcorn before adding the caramel-marshmallow mixture for extra crunch and nutty depth.
  • Once the popcorn has cooled, melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a decadent chocolate-caramel twist.
  • Experiment with different marshmallow varieties like vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate to create unique flavor profiles that transform the classic recipe.

Ways to Serve Marshmallow Crunch with Style

  • Serve as Sweet Movie Night Snack: Create a cozy cinema experience by presenting this crunchy popcorn in individual paper bags or large popcorn bowls for easy sharing during film time.
  • Craft Party Dessert Centerpiece: Arrange the marshmallow caramel crunch in decorative glass jars or on elegant serving platters for a stunning dessert display at gatherings.
  • Pack for Delightful Portable Treat: Portion the cooled popcorn into sealed zip-lock bags for a delectable grab-and-go snack during road trips, picnics, or afternoon work breaks.
  • Design Kids' Birthday Party Favor: Package small batches in colorful cellophane bags tied with ribbons as fun take-home treats that children will absolutely adore.

Store That Crunchy Treat the Right Way

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store the Marshmallow Caramel Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it away from direct sunlight and humidity to maintain its crispy texture.
  • Quick Batch Preparation: Whip up a double batch and freeze portions in sealed freezer bags for convenient snacking, ensuring you always have a delicious treat ready within minutes.
  • Separation Strategy: Layer sheets of parchment paper between popcorn clusters to prevent sticking and maintain individual piece integrity when storing multiple batches.
  • Moisture Management: Keep silica gel packets inside storage containers to absorb excess humidity, protecting the crunch and preventing the caramel coating from becoming sticky or soft.
Print
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Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Crunch Recipe

Gooey Marshmallow Caramel Crunch Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

French-inspired marshmallow caramel crunch combines silky caramel with crisp marshmallow layers for an indulgent dessert. Sweet textures and rich flavors will delight your senses with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 10 oz (284 g) bag large marshmallows (approximately 35 marshmallows)
  • 8 cups popped popcorn
  • 1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup (113 g) butter
  • 2 tbsps light corn syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

  1. Prepare Workspace: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray to create a smooth surface for the caramel popcorn.
  2. Create Caramel Base: Melt butter in a spacious saucepan over medium heat, then incorporate brown sugar and corn syrup. Whisk continuously until the mixture transforms into a glossy, uniform caramel sauce, maintaining a smooth consistency.
  3. Marshmallow Integration: Reduce heat to medium-low and gently fold marshmallows into the caramel, stirring persistently until they completely dissolve and blend seamlessly, creating a rich, creamy mixture.
  4. Flavor Infusion: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, allowing the aromatic essence to permeate the caramel-marshmallow blend, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  5. Coating Process: Pour the warm mixture over freshly popped popcorn, using a silicone spatula to ensure every kernel receives an even, comprehensive coating of the sweet caramel mixture.
  6. Cooling and Setting: Spread the coated popcorn on the prepared baking sheet in an uniform layer, allowing it to rest at room temperature for 20-25 minutes until the coating solidifies into a crisp, delectable crunch.

Notes

  • Butter Melting Technique: Melt butter slowly without browning to maintain a smooth, clean flavor profile and prevent bitter undertones.
  • Sugar Syrup Consistency: Whisk brown sugar and corn syrup continuously to create a glossy, uniform caramel that ensures even coating on popcorn kernels.
  • Marshmallow Integration: Stir marshmallows gently and completely to prevent clumping and achieve a silky-smooth caramel mixture.
  • Cooling and Setting: Allow the coated popcorn to rest at room temperature, giving the caramel time to set and create a delicate, crisp texture that doesn’t become overly sticky.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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