Ghost Popcorn Balls are a spooky treat perfect for Halloween! Made with fluffy popcorn, marshmallow goo, and a sprinkle of ghostly decoration, they’re fun to make and eat.
These cute little balls are not only a blast to craft, but they’re also a hit at parties! I love making them with my kids and watching their delight as they get covered in spooky sprinkles. 👻🍬
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Popcorn: Freshly popped popcorn is the star here! If you’re short on time, use pre-popped popcorn but check for flavors; you want plain popcorn to fully enjoy the sweet coating.
Marshmallows: Standard marshmallows are best, but if you’re looking for a fluffier texture, mini marshmallows also work well! If you’re vegan, try marshmallow fluff or a vegan marshmallow brand for a similar result.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for cooking. If you’re dairy-free, swap for coconut oil or plant-based butter, but use a neutral flavor to avoid overpowering the sweetness.
Candy melts: While white candy melts add that classic ghostly touch, you can use white chocolate chips or even yogurt-coated candies. Change the color for fun variations—think mint green or pastel shades!
How Do You Make Sure Your Popcorn Balls Hold Together?
Forming popcorn balls can be tricky if they fall apart. Here’s how to make sure they stick together:
- Press firmly but gently when shaping the balls. The heat will help the marshmallow adhere!
- Work quickly while the marshmallow mixture is warm. If it cools too much, it won’t stick as nicely.
- Don’t let the mixture get too dry; if it does, add a bit of melted butter or marshmallows to bring it back to sticky.
- If they still aren’t holding shape, you can always use some melted marshmallows to glue any loose bits together.
These popcorn balls are not just a treat to eat but also a fun project to create with your friends and family! Enjoy making and sharing them! 🎃👻
How to Make Ghost Popcorn Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Popcorn Base:
- 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows (about 40 large marshmallows)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Ghost Decoration:
- White candy melts or white chocolate chips (for ghosts)
- Mini black edible pearls or black decorating gel (for eyes and mouth)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun treat takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus some time for the candy ghosts to set. You’ll spend about 15 minutes popping popcorn and mixing everything together, and then another 15 minutes shaping and decorating your ghostly popcorn balls. Perfect for a Halloween gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Popcorn:
Start by popping about 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels; this should yield around 12 cups of popped popcorn. Transfer the popcorn to a large, greased mixing bowl, making sure it’s free of any unpopped kernels. Set it aside.
2. Make the Marshmallow Syrup:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract if you’re using it. This adds a nice flavor!
3. Combine the Popcorn and Marshmallow Mixture:
Immediately pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn. With a buttered spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold and stir the mixture until all the popcorn is evenly coated with the marshmallow syrup. Be careful not to crush the popcorn!
4. Form the Popcorn Balls:
Now it’s time to shape the treats! Lightly grease your hands with cooking spray or butter. While the mixture is warm but cool enough to handle, scoop out generous handfuls and gently press them into compact balls. Place your formed balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.
5. Make Ghost Toppers:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white candy melts or white chocolate chips in short intervals, stirring until smooth. On a piece of parchment paper, spoon out small ghost shapes, creating a rounded head and draped body. Allow the ghost shapes to set until firm.
6. Assemble the Ghost Popcorn Balls:
Once the candy ghosts are set, gently place one on top of each popcorn ball, pressing lightly to adhere. Make sure they’re secured nicely!
7. Decorate the Ghosts:
Use mini black edible pearls or a little dab of black decorating gel to make eyes and a mouth on each ghost. This is the fun part—get creative!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your spooky Ghost Popcorn Balls are ready to be served! Share them at your Halloween party, or enjoy them as a fun treat at home. These sweets are sure to delight everyone!
Enjoy the blend of crunchy popcorn with gooey marshmallow, beautifully decorated for Halloween fun! 🎃👻
Can I Use Other Types of Popcorn?
Absolutely! While fresh popped popcorn is ideal, you can also use pre-popped popcorn. Just make sure it’s the plain flavor to keep the sweetness intact. Avoid buttery or flavored popcorn, as it might clash with the marshmallow mixture.
How Do I Store Leftover Popcorn Balls?
Store any leftover popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If they get a little hard, you can gently microwave them for a few seconds to soften them up again!
Can I Make These Popcorn Balls Gluten-Free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the marshmallows and candy melts you use are labeled gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you’re serving someone with gluten sensitivities!
What If My Marshmallow Mixture is Too Sticky?
If your marshmallow mixture is overly sticky, you can try adding a little extra melted butter or shortening to help with shaping. Also, using greased hands while forming the popcorn balls can help prevent sticking!
