Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Overview:
This Caramel Popcorn recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, looking for a kid-friendly snack, or just craving a delicious treat. It combines the rich flavors of brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, margarine, and a touch of salt to create addictive caramel-coated popcorn that’s sure to be a hit. The recipe is straightforward, using both stovetop and oven methods to achieve perfectly coated popcorn with a delightful crunch.
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 quarts
Ingredients:
- 8 quarts popped popcorn
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup margarine
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions:
-
Prepare Popcorn:
- Start by popping 8 quarts of popcorn. You can use an air popper or any preferred method. Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl or two baking sheets lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Prepare Caramel Sauce:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, margarine, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
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Cook Caramel Sauce:
- Once boiling, let the mixture cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. The caramel should thicken slightly.
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Add Baking Soda:
- Remove the caramel sauce from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up slightly. Stir well to combine evenly.
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Coat Popcorn:
- Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently stir and coat the popcorn evenly with the caramel sauce.
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Bake in the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto two large baking sheets lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure the popcorn is spread out evenly to allow for even baking.
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Bake and Stir:
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This helps to ensure that all the popcorn gets evenly coated and crisps up nicely.
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Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheets. Break apart any large clumps if desired.
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Enjoy:
- Transfer the cooled caramel popcorn to serving bowls or containers. It’s now ready to enjoy as a delightful snack or to share with family and friends!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 704.1
- Total Fat: 37.2g
- Saturated Fat: 6.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 437.1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 93.9g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.5g
- Sugar: 58.3g
- Protein: 3.5g
Recipe Notes:
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for several days, though it’s so delicious it might not last that long!
- Variations: Feel free to add nuts (like peanuts or almonds) or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty twist.
This Caramel Popcorn recipe is not only simple to make but also versatile for various occasions. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a movie night, or just because, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the crunchy, sweet goodness of homemade caramel popcorn with this easy-to-follow recipe! 🍿