Description
Classic caramel corn recipe promises a delightful sweet and crunchy snack perfect for gatherings. Crisp popcorn coated in rich, golden caramel creates an irresistible treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (118 ml) unpopped popcorn
- 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup (113 g) butter
- ¼ cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) canola oil
- 1 cup (150 g) roasted peanuts (optional)
- 2 tsps molasses
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Preparation: Position oven rack to center and heat to 250°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for optimal caramel corn distribution.
- Caramel Creation: Combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium-high temperature, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. Cook until mixture transforms into a rich amber hue and reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Flavor Enhancement: Remove caramel from heat source and swiftly incorporate baking soda and vanilla extract. Watch as the mixture foams and develops a glossy, light texture.
- Coating Process: Transfer hot caramel over freshly popped popcorn in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold using a spatula to ensure uniform coverage, creating an even caramel layer across all kernels.
- Baking Technique: Spread caramel-coated popcorn onto prepared baking sheet in a single, loose layer. Bake for 45-50 minutes, interrupting every 15 minutes to stir and promote consistent crispness and caramelization.
- Cooling and Storage: Allow caramel corn to cool completely on baking sheet. As it cools, caramel will solidify and develop a satisfying crunch. Gently break into bite-sized clusters and preserve in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Prevent Burning Carefully: Constant stirring is crucial when cooking caramel to avoid scorching and ensure a smooth, golden texture without bitter notes.
- Temperature Precision Matters: Use a reliable candy thermometer to hit exactly 250°F, which guarantees perfect caramel consistency and prevents under or overcooking.
- Separate Popcorn Kernels: Spread caramel-coated popcorn in a single layer during baking to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent sticky, clumped clusters.
- Storage Smart Strategy: Keep caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature, consuming within 5 days for optimal crunch and flavor preservation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg