Nicole's Naturally Sweet Popcorn Balls

recipe photo

This classic snack is easy to make and, with a twist or two, becomes central to throwing a true movie night.

For your party, try choosing one or two recipes, and suggest to guests that they bring their favorite homemade popcorn. Trust us, people get pretty into this. We know because that's how we collected the recipes you see here. The Pottery Barn team picked a day for a popcorn party and sampled over fifteen different homemade varieties. The four you see here were our favorites – all personal recipes that have been perfected over the years. Before the party, prepare cones by taping pieces of butcher paper, waxed paper newspaper or wrapping paper into cones for popcorn holders. They make clean-up simple.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup agave syrup
  • ¼ cup barley malt syrup
  • ¼ cup maple sugar crystals
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6 - 7 cups freshly popped popcorn
  • 1 cup slivered or chopped almonds
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. On a rimmed non-stick baking sheet, toast the almonds and coconut for around 5–7 minutes. Mix them once or twice to ensure even toasting. Remove from oven and toss them into a large bowl with the popcorn until all is evenly distributed. In a small saucepan combine the agave syrup, barley malt syrup, maple sugar crystals and salt. Bring to a boil and stir constantly for around 6–10 minutes until the mixture has thickened. Pour sugar mixture over the popcorn and nut mixture. Wait a few minutes until the syrup cools and then form into small balls.