Description
These Monster Popcorn Balls are a fun and spooky treat perfect for Halloween or themed parties. Made with buttery kettle corn coated in neon green marshmallow, they are shaped into apple-sized balls and decorated with plastic vampire teeth, candy eyeballs, and dried papaya tongues for a creepy-cute monster effect.
Ingredients
Popcorn Balls
- 10 ounces (1 package) mini marshmallows
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon neon green food color
- 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
- 12 cups popped kettle corn
Decorations
- 8 plastic vampire teeth
- Candy monster eyeballs
- 2 to 4 long pieces dried papaya (for tongues)
Instructions
- Prepare Marshmallow Mixture: Place mini marshmallows in a large heat-proof microwave-safe bowl and add cubed butter on top. Microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes until marshmallows puff up. Remove and whisk well until butter is fully incorporated. Add neon green food color, sea salt, and vanilla extract, whisking to combine evenly. Alternatively, this step can be done on the stovetop in a saucepan over low heat.
- Coat Popcorn: Transfer 12 cups of popped kettle corn into a very large mixing bowl. Pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon to coat as evenly as possible. Note that some pieces may remain uncoated due to the sticky, gooey texture.
- Shape Popcorn Balls: Lightly grease or spray your hands with baking spray to prevent sticking. Shape the coated popcorn into 8 apple-sized balls on a piece of parchment paper. Re-grease hands as needed. Once shaped, refrigerate the popcorn balls until firm to help them hold their shape.
- Add Vampire Teeth: Use a knife to carefully cut a slit on one side of each popcorn ball. Insert plastic vampire teeth into the slit, shaping the popcorn around the teeth. If the teeth are too springy and cause splitting, cut the teeth apart at the hinges with scissors and insert as two pieces. Reshape as necessary.
- Attach Candy Eyes and Papaya Tongues: Stick candy eyeballs above the vampire teeth using their natural stickiness. If they don’t adhere well, secure with frosting or melted chocolate. Slice dried papaya pieces in half lengthwise and insert them inside the monster mouths as tongues.
- Serve or Package: Serve the monster popcorn balls stacked on a cake plate, or individually wrap them in clear cellophane bags for gifting or storage.
Notes
- Use plenty of butter or baking spray on hands to prevent sticking when shaping popcorn balls.
- If candy eyeballs don’t stick properly, use a dab of frosting or melted chocolate for better adhesion.
- Adjust green food coloring to achieve your preferred neon shade.
- Use plastic vampire teeth gently to avoid breaking popcorn balls; cutting teeth into halves can help.
- Store popcorn balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them firm.