Easy homemade popcorn ball recipe (using JELL-O) (2024)

FAQs

Why are my popcorn balls falling apart? ›

Why are my popcorn balls falling apart? This can happen if the syrup mixture is not cooked to the correct temperature (soft-ball stage) or if the popcorn is not evenly coated. Ensure the syrup reaches 235°F and stir thoroughly when mixing with the popcorn.

If your syrup cools for longer it will become tough to chew as it cools. Less time will cause the syrup to not hold the balls together well. Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour the syrup over the popcorn mix and stir everything together very well, until all of the popcorn is coated.

Combine corn syrup, butter, water, confectioners' sugar, and marshmallows in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat and stir until the marshmallows have melted and the mixture comes to a boil. Carefully pour hot marshmallow mixture over popcorn and toss together to coat each kernel evenly.

If the syrup mixture is too hot it won't allow the popcorn to hold together and if it has cooled too much it will make it difficult to mold and form the popcorn into balls. The second issue can also be that there is not enough of a syrup to popcorn and toppings ratio.

Why is my popcorn chewy and rubbery? A top reason popcorn turns out chewy is because steam gets trapped in your pot when the popcorn kernels are popping. Fix this by using a well-vented lid or leave the pan slightly open to make a light and crispy popcorn.

Chewy popcorn is usually caused by cooking at too low a temperature. If it's an oil cooker, then the oil might not be hot enough before you begin.

A good lid is important when making popcorn, but there's a bit of a strategy here. For the best results, and lowest number of un-popped kernels leave the lid open just a hairline amount. It allows any steam or moisture to get out as well, resulting in fluffy kernels.

Our customer, Jamyce F, says canola oil is her go-to for making large batches of popcorn. “This canola oil is a fantastic product. I'm very pleased with the temperature that the oil can withstand. It cooks very well and certainly lasts a long time,” said Jamyce.

Popcorn balls will last for up to 5 days when stored properly in tightly sealed containers at room temperature. We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.

The black specs you may be seeing are not mold. In fact, these are burnt sugar crystals. Sometimes with Kettle Corn the sugar gets so hot that it burns, especially if you have a new or higher end microwave. This is 100% safe and not harmful.

What is the fluffy white stuff we eat in popcorn? ›

When the pressure gets high enough, the kernel explodes, turning itself inside out. The hard endosperm expands in volume turning the hard, inedible kernel into a fluffy, white, edible nugget.

Is Eating Popcorn Safe for Dogs? Yes and no. Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog on a regular basis, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won't hurt them.

You can use seasoning mixes or create your own by combining different spices. Some ideas for flavors include Classic Butter: Melted butter and a pinch of salt. Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle powdered cheddar cheese or nutritional yeast on the popcorn. Sweet & Salty: Mix caramel sauce with a dash of sea salt.

How to Re-Pop Popcorn Kernels. If you still have unpopped kernels, simply add an additional splash of oil to the pot and cover it. Return the heat to medium-high, and proceed as you would for new kernels. When the popping slows, remove from heat.

Drink water frequently as you snack on your popcorn. The water rinses your mouth, disallowing hulls from getting caught between your teeth.

How to Store Popcorn Balls. Place the wrapped popcorn balls in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature up to one week.