Oven Caramel Corn Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful crunch and sweetness of this Oven Caramel Corn recipe! Perfect for snacking or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is not only kid-friendly but also ideal for Christmas gatherings or weeknight treats. With just under 4 hours from start to finish, including prep and baking time, you’ll have a generous yield of approximately 15 cups of caramel-coated popcorn to enjoy.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 15 cups | Popcorn |
| 1 cup | Brown sugar |
| 1/2 cup | Butter |
| 1/4 cup | Margarine |
| 1/2 cup | Light corn syrup |
| 1/2 tsp | Salt |
| 1/2 tsp | Baking soda |
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature ensures gentle cooking and even caramelization without burning the popcorn.
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Prepare the Popcorn: Divide the popcorn evenly between two ungreased rectangular pans, each measuring 13x9x2 inches. This step ensures that the caramel coating evenly coats all the popcorn for maximum flavor in every bite.
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Prepare the Caramel Mixture: In a 3-quart saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, margarine, light corn syrup, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it becomes bubbly around the edges. This step ensures that all the ingredients are well combined and the sugar is fully dissolved.
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Cook the Caramel: Allow the mixture to cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This cooking time allows the caramel to thicken slightly and develop its rich flavor profile. Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat to prevent overcooking.
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Incorporate Baking Soda: Stir in the baking soda until well combined. The baking soda helps to aerate the caramel mixture, giving the finished caramel corn its light and crispy texture.
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Coat the Popcorn: Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the prepared popcorn in the pans. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir the popcorn until it is well coated with the caramel mixture. Take care to coat each kernel evenly for a deliciously indulgent treat.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the pans of coated popcorn in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This intermittent stirring helps to ensure that the caramel corn cooks evenly and develops a golden brown color without burning.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the pans from the oven and allow the caramel corn to cool completely before serving. Break apart any large clusters for easy snacking, and enjoy the irresistible combination of crunchy popcorn and sweet caramel flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 156.6
- Fat Content: 6.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 16.3mg
- Sodium Content: 172.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 24.9g
- Fiber Content: 1.2g
- Sugar Content: 15.7g
- Protein Content: 1.1g
Serving Suggestions:
This Oven Caramel Corn makes for a fantastic snack any time of day! Serve it up at your next movie night, pack it in lunchboxes for a special treat, or package it in festive bags for holiday gifts. However you choose to enjoy it, this sweet and crunchy caramel corn is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. So go ahead, indulge in this irresistible homemade snack and savor every delicious bite! 🍿🎁
