Description
Caramel corn brings nostalgic sweetness from childhood memories. Buttery, crunchy kernels glazed with rich caramel create an irresistible snack you cannot stop eating.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- ½ cup unpopped popcorn
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
Syrup and Oil:
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 teaspoons molasses
Seasoning and Optional Add-ins:
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup roasted peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, unsalted butter, light corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Continue cooking the caramel mixture until it reaches a deep golden amber color and registers 250°F (120°C) on a candy thermometer, which typically takes about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove the caramel from heat and quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam and become lighter in color, creating a smooth, glossy texture.
- Immediately pour the hot caramel over freshly popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl, using a spatula to gently fold and coat the popcorn evenly.
- Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in a single, even layer, ensuring each kernel is separated to prevent clumping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring the popcorn every 15 minutes to promote even caramelization and crispiness.
- Remove from the oven and allow the caramel corn to cool completely on the baking sheet. The caramel will harden and become crisp as it cools.
- Break the caramel corn into bite-sized clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Crafted with love, this homemade caramel corn transforms ordinary kernels into a sweet, crunchy delight that’ll make your taste buds dance.
- Perfectly balanced coating guarantees each popcorn piece gets drenched in rich, golden caramel goodness without becoming soggy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain maximum crispness and prevent moisture from turning your treat into a sad, chewy mess.
- Choose fresh, high-quality popcorn kernels for the best texture and most satisfying crunch that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
- Customize your batch by adding nuts like almonds or pecans for extra flavor and a delightful textural contrast that elevates the classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg