Let's make a deal. For every naughty treat I post, I'll post a nice one, ok? I might have made you Gooey Butter Cake Cookies that will single-handedly be responsible for some holiday weight gain, but then I made you Chocolate Peppermint Mousse with Greek yogurt as an apology. My apology for those Candy Cane Cookies that you will probably steal from Santa is these popcorn balls. Popcorn balls are a little old fashioned, yes, but we need to bring them back. I think we're allowed to consider popcorn a whole grain these days. So, rolling with that tide, I used natural sweeteners (maple syrup and brown rice syrup) to make a sweet and sticky popcorn ball that you'll feel good about bringing to a potluck.
Holiday parties and potlucks this time of year can seem like calorie warfare. There are too many desserts on the table that are often a mishmash of two or more desserts, thus quadrupling the calories. Oreos stuffed inside anything else--I'm lookin' at you. So, if you have to bring something to a dessert potluck, these light popcorn balls sweetened with brown rice syrup and maple syrup are just the thing to keep you out of trouble. They don't taste naturally-sweetened at all, I promise!
If you can pull off holiday sprinkles, you could add those for some festive flair. I had 'festive sprinkles' on my grocery list, but somehow never followed through. But, I think these popcorn balls are still pretty on a festive holiday plate. You can also stir in nuts, mini chocolate chips, cinnamon, whatever your little heart desires. Have fun with it!
If you're having trouble locating brown rice syrup, go to the natural foods section of your store. It's usually by the natural peanut butters and coconut oil. I've only ever seen one brand. Here's a peek at the Lundberg Family Farms jar to guide you. It's usually about $6/jar, but I get two full-sized desserts out of one jar. I use brown rice syrup frequently to make Heidi's naturally-sweetened rice crispy treats, so I've managed to find it in almost any store. Sometimes, I have to request that the store carries it, but they're usually more than happy to bring in a new product.
You could just let the popcorn dry on a sheet and munch on it like caramel corn, too. But I think it's so fun to wet your hands and form little balls out of it. Plus, I hear that kids like to do it too, but there's just something about little sticky fingers that makes me nervous. You probably have more patience than me. Kids or no kids, I think you'll love this old-fashioned holiday treat.
Everyone will love these yummy popcorn snacks! I adapted this recipe from Heidi's Spiced Caramel Corn in her first book, Super Natural Cooking.Popcorn Balls {healthy}
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
9
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 79Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 127mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 0gSugar: 11gProtein: 0g
Eva @ Eva Bakes says
This looks like a great treat to make with my 4-year old, even though she'd probably end up with half of it in her hair! :)
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
You know what? I appreciate this amidst all the heavy, chocolatey, sugary recipes going around. Don't get me wrong, I want your butter cookies, like yesterday, but this would be very appreciated after a hearty holiday meal. Pinned :)
gina says
these look good! also, if you are looking for adorable holiday sprinkles in st. louis, i highly suggest checking out urzi's italian market on the hill... they have an amazing collection of sprinkles!
Christina Lane says
Wow, thanks for the rec, Gina! I will definitely check them out. I love The Hill :)
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
Love the less guilt-ridden treats! I grew up eating popcorn balls, but made with marshmallows...and I never actually rolled them into balls, because it was gone before it even had a chance to dry ;)
Christina Lane says
haha, Jennifer! I had to make this recipe again last night to be certain of the yield because I kept eating the popcorn straight from the bowl before rolling it into balls! So tempting!
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps says
I totally agree - popcorn balls need a comeback! My grandma used to make the stickiest, most delicious popcorn balls every year for us kids, but seeing as she's 96 years old at moment, we haven't seen her homemade popcorn balls in years, and I miss them! These totally take me back!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
i have a major addiction to caramel popcorn so i could definitely use this for a change.
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
i mean healthier change :)
Yvonne king says
This is one I will be doing over the holidays with my daughter. Sweet.
Sandra says
Rock on, girlfriend! Bring it on - we are not complaining! ;-) :-)
Vicki P says
They look yummy! It brings back memories of the wonderful pop corn balls my mother used to make. :)
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
It's all about the balance. Love these popcorn balls with all my heart. Pinned.