This classic Caramel Popcorn is the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack, perfect for movie nights, parties, or holiday gifts. The recipe combines fluffy popped corn with a luscious mixture of brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup, creating a glossy, crunchy coating that hardens as it cools. A touch of baking soda helps the caramel spread evenly and creates light, airy clusters rather than heavy bricks. The vanilla adds a warm, aromatic depth that balances the sweetness. It’s simple to make with pantry staples and offers a satisfying crunch in every bite. Serve it fresh for the best texture or store it in airtight bags for a quick treat later.
Caramel Popcorn
Description
This classic Caramel Popcorn is the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack, perfect for movie nights, parties, or holiday gifts. The recipe combines fluffy popped corn with a luscious mixture of brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup, creating a glossy, crunchy coating that hardens as it cools. A touch of baking soda helps the caramel spread evenly and creates light, airy clusters rather than heavy bricks. The vanilla adds a warm, aromatic depth that balances the sweetness. It&# 226;ÂÂs simple to make with pantry staples and offers a satisfying crunch in every bite. Serve it fresh for the best texture or store it in airtight bags for a quick treat later.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 300ðF (150ðC).
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Remove any unpopped kernels from the popcorn.
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Place popcorn in a large greased 17x12-inch baking pan and keep warm in the oven.
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In a heavy saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter (or margarine), and corn syrup.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
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Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
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Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture reaches 250ðF (121ðC) (hard-ball stage), about 4 minutes.
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Remove saucepan from heat.
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Quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla extract; the mixture will foam up.
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Pour the caramel mixture over the warm popcorn.
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Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all the popcorn evenly.
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Bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
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Bake for an additional 5 minutes.
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Transfer the mixture to large sheets of foil or parchment paper.
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Cool completely at room temperature until the caramel hardens.
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Break into clusters and store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 185kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5.5g9%
- Saturated Fat 3.2g16%
- Cholesterol 15mg5%
- Sodium 75mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 34g12%
- Dietary Fiber 2.5g10%
- Sugars 28g
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.