Hey there! Anne Carter here from Beyond the Bayou Blog. You know, after years of working in restaurants, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I love sharing with you all. Today, I’m excited to bring you my take on a classic treat: Caramel Popcorn.
This recipe brings back memories of movie nights and fairs, but with a homemade touch that’s hard to beat. I’ve tweaked it over time to get it just right – not too sweet, with a perfect crunch. It’s become a favorite in my house, and I’m betting it’ll be in yours too.
Whether you’re looking for a snack to munch on during your next binge-watch or something special to share with friends, this Caramel Popcorn hits the spot. It’s simple to make but tastes like you spent hours on it. Ready to give it a try? Let’s get popping!
What Is Caramel Popcorn?
Caramel popcorn, also known as caramel corn, is a type of popcorn coated in a rich, buttery caramel sauce that hardens to create a crunchy, sweet treat. It’s a popular snack and gift idea because it’s quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive to make.
It can also be customized with various additions like colorful sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate drizzles to fit any occasion or holiday.
To make the best caramel popcorn, it’s often recommended to start with popcorn cooked on the stove in a heavy-bottomed pot.
This traditional method, while more time-consuming than using microwave popcorn, is said to produce popcorn with a superior taste and texture. However, microwave popcorn can also be used as a convenient alternative.
What Makes This The Best Caramel Corn?
- Texture: This homemade caramel popcorn is perfectly crunchy and chewy, with a rich caramel coating. It’s so much tastier than anything you can buy at the store, county fair, or candy shop.
- Taste: Many caramel corn recipes are just plain sweet, but not this one! Our caramel corn has a fantastic blend of flavors. It’s sweet, salty, buttery, and absolutely delicious.
- Ease: This recipe is super simple and almost anyone can make it. Seriously, if you can pop popcorn, you can make this caramel corn. Unlike other recipes that require you to stand by the stove stirring for 45 minutes, this one is baked, making it much easier and more user-friendly.
Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup Popcorn kernels
- 3 tbsp Oil
- ¼ cup Butter
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Vanilla Essence
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Baking Soda
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot, add 3 kernels, cover, and cook until they pop.
- Add remaining kernels, cover, and cook until all kernels pop. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a pan, add brown sugar, and mix. Add water and cook until bubbling.
- Add vanilla, salt, and baking soda. Stir until foamy.
- Pour caramel over popcorn, mix well, and spread on a parchment-lined pan.
- Let cool until crispy, then store in an airtight container. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Helpful Tips for the Best Caramel Popcorn!
- Use Freshly Popped Popcorn: For the best results, use freshly popped popcorn. If you’re popping it yourself, make sure it’s free of any unpopped kernels before adding the caramel.
- Work Quickly: When the caramel is ready, work quickly to drizzle and coat the popcorn. The caramel will start to harden as it cools, so you want to make sure it’s evenly distributed before it sets.
- Stir Occasionally While Baking: To ensure every piece gets a nice, even coating of caramel, stir the popcorn a few times during baking. This will also help prevent clumping.
- Adjust the Salt: Taste your caramel before drizzling it over the popcorn. If you prefer a salted caramel flavor, you can add a bit more salt to the caramel mixture.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on your popcorn to prevent burning. You’re looking for a golden-brown color and a dry, crunchy texture.
- Cool Completely: Let the caramel popcorn cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into pieces. This will give it the perfect crunch and prevent it from being sticky.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Don’t be afraid to get creative with add-ins like nuts, chocolate, or other treats. Just make sure they are evenly distributed and mixed in before the caramel sets.
What To Serve With Caramel Popcorn?
