Description
Homemade caramel corn delights snack enthusiasts with its irresistible sweet crunch. Buttery caramel coats popcorn kernels, creating a simple yet addictive treat you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup/118 ml unpopped kernels)
- 1 cup (240 g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (113 g/4 oz) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Preparation: Arrange a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a greased mixing bowl to receive freshly popped kernels, meticulously removing any unpopped or burnt kernels.
- Caramel Creation: In a sturdy saucepan, blend brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat, stirring consistently until the mixture reaches a robust boil, maintaining the bubbling state for 4-5 minutes without interruption to develop a rich, complex flavor.
- Transformation: Remove from heat and vigorously incorporate baking soda and vanilla extract, watching the caramel evolve into a light, foamy texture that will gracefully envelop each popcorn kernel.
- Coating Process: Pour the molten caramel over the prepared popcorn, using a silicone spatula to ensure comprehensive and even coverage of each morsel.
- Crisping Stage: Transfer the caramel-coated popcorn to a preheated oven at 250F (120C), spreading in a single layer and rotating every 10 minutes during the 30-40 minute baking process to achieve uniform crunchiness and deep caramelization.
- Cooling and Serving: Remove from the oven and allow the caramel corn to cool completely, naturally forming delectable clusters ready for enjoyment.
Notes
- Select High-Quality Kernels: Use fresh, premium popcorn kernels for the best flavor and texture, avoiding stale or old corn that might compromise the final taste.
- Prevent Caramel Burning: Maintain constant stirring and watch the temperature closely to avoid scorching, which can create bitter undertones in the caramel sauce.
- Achieve Perfect Coating: Drizzle caramel slowly and fold gently to ensure each kernel gets an even, complete caramel coverage without clumping or uneven distribution.
- Customize Texture Options: Adjust baking time between 30-45 minutes based on desired crunchiness – shorter time creates softer caramel corn, while longer baking produces extra crispy results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg