This post is sponsored by the National Peanut Board. I received compensation, but all opinions and content are my own.
Chocolate and peanut butter balls recipe turned into lollipops for a fun back to school treat.
For many of us, it’s that time of year that we start shuffling our kids back to school. For me, back to school also means that all things fall are hot on its tail. I love this time of year, as it brings back some great memories (and routine!) for me.
When I was in school, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on new packs of paper, brand new pencils, stiff binders, and a new favorite bookbag. No, I didn’t like to admit it at the time, but there was really such a sense of excitement that came with starting a new school year.
Now I’m the mom, and I’m loving the routine that comes with the new school year. My kids are back to school already, we start at the beginning of August in our area, and to make a bit fun, I’ve been making tasty treats every few days.
Back to school treats and snacks ideas:
- Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies!
- Grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, so good, they’re warm and goes great with a bowl of chili.
- Fun chocolate and peanut butter popcorn ball lollipops, so quick and easy to make.
Yes, there’s a tasty pattern happening and it’s all about peanut butter.
Peanut butter is a staple in our home, always has been. There isn’t a mealtime or snack that can’t benefit by incorporating peanut butter as the key ingredient.
Back to school and all things peanut butter go hand in hand beautifully. Peanut butter contains protein and good fats, tastes wonderful in recipes both savory and sweet, can be enjoyed all year long and we love it. We go through it so fast, that at one point, I was considering buying everyone their own jar of peanut butter and writing their names on it for their own personal stash, this still might happen!
This peanut butter popcorn balls recipe turned lollipops is so fun and easy to make. Perfect for back to school, fall party foods, Halloween, the Holidays, and more.
Here’s another great peanut butter recipe to try if you like a classic PB & J, this peanut butter and jelly babka recipe. So good!
Want more recipe inspiration? Head here to find more peanut butter recipes to enjoy for your back to school needs. Don’t forget to share in the comments your favorite way to spread the peanut butter love in your home and use the #HowDoYouPB.
How to Make this Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Popcorn Balls Recipe.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Popcorn Balls Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 cups popped salted popcorn
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 ounce bag caramels
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels melted
- 1 cup honey roasted or salted peanuts crushed
- Optional Add In Ingredients:
- ½ cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate morsels
- ½ cup roasted peanuts
- ½ cup peanut butter chocolate mini cups cut in half
- ½ cup caramel morsels
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with wax or parchment paper, set aside.
- Pour the popped salted popcorn into a large bowl.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine unsalted
butter, caramels, and peanut butter, stir constantly to prevent sticking. Cook for about 3 – 5 minutes or until everything has melted and is smooth. - Pour the caramel mixture over popcorn and stir to coat.
- Either spray hands with non-stick spray or coat hands with butter. Working quickly, measure approximately ½ cup of popcorn mixture, using hands, press together tightly to form a ball, place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat quickly until you have finished with remaining mixture. (Be careful, the mixture may be hot).
- After you have finished, insert a popsicle stick into popcorn balls to make lollipops. Allow to popcorn balls to set for about 10 minutes until firm.
- In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate over medium heat until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 3 – 5 minutes.
- Roll each popcorn lollipop in melted chocolate halfway up sides, then roll in crushed peanuts. Set aside on parchment-lined baking sheet. Best served day made, can be stored for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container kept at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
