Get ready to experience a mind-blowing snack that combines the ultimate crunch of popcorn, the rich sweetness of caramel, and the satisfying bite of peanuts! These Caramel Corn Squares are not just a snack – they're a flavor explosion that will transform your ordinary movie night into an extraordinary culinary adventure. Imagine a treat so addictive, you'll want to hide the batch from your family (and maybe yourself)!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 8 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature will help the caramel corn squares bake evenly without burning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 8 cups of popped popcorn and 1 cup of peanuts. Make sure to check for any unpopped kernels and remove them to avoid any surprises later.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Once melted, add 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of corn syrup. Stir the mixture continuously until it comes to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, stop stirring and let it boil for 4-5 minutes. This allows the mixture to thicken and caramelize slightly. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can burn quickly.
- After boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This will add a lovely flavor to your caramel sauce.
- Pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn and peanuts mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the mixture together, ensuring that all the popcorn and peanuts are evenly coated with the caramel sauce.
- Once everything is well combined, spread the mixture evenly onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use your spatula to press it down gently to form a cohesive layer.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This will help the caramel set and give the snack mix a nice crunch.
- After 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the caramel corn squares to cool completely on the baking sheet. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
- Once cooled, break the caramel corn squares into smaller pieces or bite-sized clusters. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week, or enjoy them immediately!
Tips
- Always use fresh, crisp popcorn for the best texture and flavor.
- Watch your caramel sauce carefully – it can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on the pot.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and preventing the caramel from sticking.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture.
- Make sure to spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet for consistent crunchiness.
- Allow the squares to cool completely to achieve the perfect crisp texture.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
- For a variation, try adding different nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the mix.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 30mg
