Description
This homemade Caramel Corn recipe delivers the perfect combination of sweet, buttery crunch with a touch of salt. Ideal for parties, gifting, or snacking, it’s a nostalgic treat that’s easy to make and hard to resist.
Ingredients
- Popcorn Kernels: 1/2 cup (yields about 12 cups popped)
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick)
- Corn Syrup: 1/4 cup
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Optional Nuts (like peanuts or almonds): 1 cup
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 250°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Let it boil gently for 4–5 minutes without stirring.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: While the caramel cooks, place your popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. If using nuts, add them here.
- Assemble the Dish: Remove the caramel from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam. Immediately pour over the popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook to Perfection: Spread the coated popcorn onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Serve and Enjoy: Break into clusters and serve or package for gifts.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Stir gently to avoid crushing popcorn.
- Add cinnamon or cayenne for a spiced twist.
- Store only when fully cooled to keep the crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: caramel corn, popcorn snack, sweet popcorn, homemade snack, caramel popcorn recipe