Easy Halloween Marshmallow Popcorn Balls (no corn syrup!)

Easy Halloween Marshmallow Popcorn Balls (no corn syrup!) are the ultimate gooey, fun Halloween treats that are more fun than frightening. Made with melted marshmallows instead of corn syrup, these easy Halloween snacks are perfect for kids’ Halloween parties, school fall events, or festive family nights.

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Whether you’re throwing a Halloween party for kids or looking for a quick no-bake Halloween dessert, these marshmallow popcorn balls are simple to make and even more fun to decorate with Halloween sprinkles and candy.

Why You’re Going to Love These Popcorn Balls

These Halloween marshmallow popcorn balls are everything you want in a festive fall treat: easy to make, fun to decorate, and free from corn syrup. If you have made Rice Krispies treats, you already know how to make this fun treat. It is as simple as you melt, mix, and shape!

Instead of using sticky corn syrup, which is essentially pure processed sugar and something our family is trying to cut back on, we’re using melted marshmallows to bind these popcorn balls.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Aren’t marshmallows made with corn syrup too?” Yes, they typically are, but using them means you’re not dumping in a full cup of straight corn syrup. It’s a more balanced approach, and you still get that soft, chewy texture that holds the popcorn together beautifully. Plus, decorating is half the fun. Just mix in Halloween sprinkles, candy corn, or M&M’s for a festive touch. Kids love helping, and these are perfect for Halloween dessert tables, party favors, or school-friendly treats.

You can easily find marshmallows without corn syrup, including vegan options made with natural sweeteners like tapioca syrup. Brands like Dandies or Trader Joe’s vegan marshmallows are great store-bought choices. If you prefer homemade, you can make your own marshmallows using honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a more wholesome alternative that still gives you that soft, fluffy texture.

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Tools Needed to Make Homemade Marshmallow Popcorn Balls

• Large pot 8 Quarts (for melting butter and marshmallows)
• Large spoon or spatula (sprayed with nonstick cooking spray or buttered to prevent sticking)
• Large bowl (optional: for mixing popcorn and marshmallow mixture, if not using the pot)
• Dash popcorn ball molds (or use your hands, greased with butter or vegetable oil)
• Wax paper or parchment paper (for cooling and setting the popcorn balls)
• Plastic wrap bags (for storing after they cool)
• Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for greasing utensils and hands)

Simple Ingredients for Easy Marshmallow Popcorn Balls (No Corn Syrup)

• 4 tablespoons of butter (unsalted or salted)
• 1 (10 oz) bag of regular-size marshmallows
• teaspoon vanilla extract
• 16 to 20 cups of Skinny Pop Popcorn or plain popped popcorn (about ½ a bag of SkinnyPop)
• Optional mix-ins: Halloween sprinkles, M&M’s, Candy corn.
  💡 Tip: Make sure the popcorn is plain and unsalted, without added butter or seasoning, for best results.

How to Make This Fun Halloween Treat

1. Melt the Butter:
2. In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Add the Marshmallows:
4. Once the butter is melted, add the entire bag of marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.
5. Stir in the Vanilla:
6. Remove the pot from the heat and mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
7. Add the Popcorn:
8. Carefully fold in 16 to 20 cups of popped popcorn. Use a buttered or sprayed spoon or spatula to prevent sticking as you mix everything together.
9. Add Decorations:
10. While the marshmallow mixture is still warm, stir in your favorite Halloween sprinkles, M&M’s, or candy corn.
11. Form the Popcorn Balls:
12. Butter your hands or use Dash popcorn molds to shape the warm popcorn mixture into 2–3 inch balls. Place them on wax paper or parchment paper to cool.
13. Let Them Set:
14. Allow the popcorn balls to cool at room temperature or place them in the fridge for quicker setting.
15. Store for Freshness:
16. Once fully cooled and firm, wrap each one in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.

Tips & Hints for the Best Marshmallow Popcorn Balls

• Use freshly popped popcorn: For the best texture, use plain popped popcorn (air-popped or microwave) with no added butter or salt. Avoid flavored popcorn—it can interfere with the marshmallow mixture sticking properly. Make sure you do not have any seeds in the popcorn.
• Spray your tools and hands: Coat your spatula, mixing spoon, and hands with nonstick cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent the gooey mixture from sticking. This makes shaping the popcorn balls much easier!
• Mix quickly while warm: The melted marshmallow mixture sets fast as it cools, so stir in your popcorn and decorations while it’s still warm for even coating.
• Use molds for even sizes: If you’re making these for a Halloween party favor, use Dash popcorn molds to create consistently shaped and sized popcorn balls that are easy to wrap and serve.
• Customize with fun mix-ins: Get creative with seasonal add-ins like Halloween sprinkles, M&M’s, or candy corn. You can even try mini chocolate chips or pretzel bits for a sweet-and-salty twist—just mix quickly before the mixture cools.
• Store properly to stay fresh: Once your popcorn balls are set, wrap each in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for several days—perfect for holiday treats or make-ahead snacks.

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