Enjoy a sweet and crunchy treat with this classic Caramel Corn recipe. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or just a delicious snack, this caramel corn is sure to be a hit with everyone.
📋 Ingredients:
- 🍿 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter
- 🍬 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 🌽 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🍦 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🥄 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
📝 Directions:
Prepare the Popcorn:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels.
Make the Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Once it reaches a boil, stop stirring and let it boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
Coat the Popcorn:
- Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn in the large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly with the caramel sauce.
Bake the Caramel Corn:
- Spread the caramel-coated popcorn evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
Cool and Serve:
- Remove the caramel corn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Once cooled, break it into clusters and serve.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 200 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- For added flavor, you can mix in nuts (like almonds or pecans) with the popcorn before coating it with caramel.
- To make the caramel corn extra crunchy, bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- If you prefer a darker caramel, you can let the caramel sauce cook a bit longer before adding the vanilla and baking soda, but be careful not to burn it.
Enjoy your sweet and crunchy Caramel Corn! 🍿✨🍬