Get ready to indulge in a sweet and crunchy treat that will have you reaching for more! This Caramel Popcorn recipe by Kassie Holbrook is not just any snack; it's a delightful combination of buttery popcorn coated in a rich, golden caramel that’s perfect for movie nights, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a homemade version that far surpasses anything you’d find at the store. So, grab your popcorn kernels and let’s dive into this deliciously addictive recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature will help keep your caramel popcorn crunchy without burning it.
- In a large pot, add 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels and cover it with a lid. Heat the pot over medium-high heat, shaking it occasionally until the popping slows down to about 2 seconds between pops. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup of corn syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring. It should turn a golden amber color. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious. Stir until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the popped popcorn with the caramel sauce. Gently stir to coat all the popcorn evenly with the caramel.
- Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to spread it out evenly to allow for even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the popcorn from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. The caramel will harden as it cools.
- Once cooled, break the popcorn into pieces and serve. Enjoy your homemade Caramel Popcorn!
Tips
- Choose the Right Kernels: For the best popping results, use high-quality popcorn kernels. This will ensure that you have fluffy, white popcorn to coat in your caramel.
- Keep an Eye on the Caramel: When boiling the sugar mixture, watch it closely! The difference between perfectly caramelized and burnt can happen in a matter of seconds. Aim for a golden amber color.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze!
- Stir Gently: When combining the popcorn with the caramel, be gentle to avoid crushing the popcorn. You want to maintain that light and airy texture.
- Cool Completely: Allow the caramel popcorn to cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into pieces. This will ensure the caramel hardens properly, giving you that satisfying crunch.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add your own twist! Consider incorporating nuts, chocolate drizzles, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra flavor kick.
- Store Properly: To keep your caramel popcorn fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make the caramel sticky.Enjoy creating this delightful treat, and watch it disappear in no time!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
