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Baked Caramel Corn
*Prep Time: 15 minutes
*Bake Time: 1 hour
*Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
*Servings: 10 cups
Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite homemade snack: Baked Caramel Corn. Perfectly sweet, amazingly crunchy, and irresistibly tasty, this classic snack is made fresh from your own kitchen. Ideal for movie nights or gatherings, dive into a bowl of this delightful treat to have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Why Make This Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the burst of sweet caramel and crunchy popcorn you get from every single bite of this homemade delight. It’s easy to make; all you need is a handful of simple ingredients. Once you’ve tried this homemade version, store-bought caramel corn just won’t cut it anymore!
How to Make Baked Caramel Corn
Ingredients
– 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup kernels)
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 2 cups brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
1. The first step is to preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Then, melt the butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt until it’s well mixed.
3. Now bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, let it cook without stirring for about 5 minutes.
4. After it’s done boiling, remove from heat and add the baking soda and vanilla extract. Watch out for the bubbling!
5. Next, pour this hot caramel sauce over the popped popcorn in a large bowl. Gently toss it around to coat every kernel.
6. Now evenly spread the coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Finally, bake it for 1 hour in the preheated oven, appropriately stirring every 15 minutes. This will ensure that you get a nice even coat and the popcorn comes out crispy.
8. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely. Break it into clusters when cool and it’s ready to serve.
How to Serve Baked Caramel Corn
Serve this sweet and crunchy caramel corn in a large bowl for sharing or divide into individual serving bowls. It’s perfect for movie nights, parties, or even as a homemade gift wrapped in cellophane bags!
How to Store Baked Caramel Corn
Simply store this delicious treat in an airtight container at room temperature and it should maintain its crunchiness for up to a week.
Tips to Make Baked Caramel Corn
Avoid overcooking your caramel mixture and use baking soda for it adds a little bit of air into the caramel mix and makes the popcorn crunchier.
Variation (if any)
You can add nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch or drizzle with melted chocolate for a sweet twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe? Yes, but be sure to use plain or lightly salted popcorn, not the butter variety.
2. Can I add any extras to my caramel corn? Absolutely, mix in some peanuts or almonds before baking for a nice twist.
3. How long does homemade caramel corn last? If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it should stay fresh and crunchy for about a week.
Enjoy every bite of sweet, crunchy delight that comes with every mouthful of this homemade Baked Caramel Corn!