Caramel Crunch Delight
Indulge in the irresistible Caramel Crunch Delight, a delightful snack that combines the warmth of caramelized sweetness with the satisfying crunch of popcorn and nuts. This recipe is inspired by a classic treat from the Karo Light Corn Syrup label, but with a twist that elevates the flavor and texture. Perfect for movie nights, gatherings, or just a satisfying snack on its own, this mixture of freshly popped popcorn, toasted pecans, and whole almonds coated in a buttery caramel blend will keep you coming back for more. Easy to prepare and fun to share, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again!
N/A
Servings
1833
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Popped Popcorn
2 quarts (Popped and unsalted)
Pecans
1 1/3 cups (Chopped or whole, toasted if desired)
Whole Almonds
2/3 cup (Sliced or whole, toasted if desired)
Clear Corn Syrup
1/2 cup (None)
Sugar
1 1/3 cups (Granulated)
Margarine
1 cup (Melted)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to keep the finished mixture warm and crunchy.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 quarts of popped popcorn and 1 1/3 cups of pecans and 2/3 cup of whole almonds, mixing until evenly distributed.
3
In a saucepan (1 1/2 quarts or larger), add 1 1/3 cups of sugar, 1 cup of margarine, and 1/2 cup of clear corn syrup.
4
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and bring it to a rolling boil. Allow it to boil without stirring for 4-5 minutes until it reaches a light caramel color.
5
Once the caramel is ready, remove it from the heat and carefully stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
6
Quickly pour the hot caramel mixture over the popcorn and nut mixture, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix thoroughly.
7
Spread the coated mixture evenly onto two cookie sheets lined with parchment paper, ensuring it's in a single layer for even drying.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to keep it crunchy.
9
After baking, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Once cool, break into pieces and store in a tightly covered container. Enjoy your delightful snack!
Nutrition Information
103g
Fat
205g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramel Crunch Delight?
Caramel Crunch Delight is a sweet and crunchy snack made of popcorn, pecans, and almonds coated in a buttery caramel glaze.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are popped popcorn, pecans, almonds, clear corn syrup, sugar, margarine, and vanilla extract.
How much popcorn is required?
The recipe calls for 2 quarts of popped and unsalted popcorn.
What oven temperature is used?
The oven should be preheated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit or 120 degrees Celsius.
Can I use salted popcorn?
The recipe recommends unsalted popcorn to better control the flavor of the caramel coating.
What nuts are used in this recipe?
It uses 1 1/3 cups of pecans and 2/3 cup of whole almonds.
Can I substitute the nuts?
Yes, you can substitute other nuts like walnuts or cashews, or omit them entirely if preferred.
How do I prepare the caramel?
Combine sugar, margarine, and corn syrup in a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil.
How long should the caramel boil?
Allow the mixture to boil without stirring for 4 to 5 minutes until it reaches a light caramel color.
Should I stir the caramel while it boils?
No, the instructions state to let it boil without stirring for the designated 4 to 5 minutes.
What type of corn syrup should I use?
Clear corn syrup, also known as light corn syrup, is required for this recipe.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter can be used as a substitute for margarine for a richer flavor.
When do I add the vanilla extract?
Stir in the vanilla extract after removing the hot caramel mixture from the heat.
Why is the mixture baked after coating?
Baking at a low temperature for 30 minutes helps set the caramel and ensures a crunchy texture.
How often should I stir the mixture during baking?
You should stir the mixture every 10 minutes while it is in the oven.
What should I use to line the cookie sheets?
Lining cookie sheets with parchment paper is recommended to prevent the caramel from sticking.
How should I store Caramel Crunch Delight?
Store the cooled pieces in a tightly covered container to maintain crunchiness.
How long does it stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, it remains fresh and crunchy for up to one week.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can omit the nuts and replace them with extra popcorn if needed.
What is the total calorie count for this recipe?
The entire batch contains approximately 1833 calories.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels for specific brands.
How do I know when the caramel is ready?
It is ready when it reaches a light caramel or golden brown color after 4 to 5 minutes of boiling.
How do I break the snack into pieces?
Once the mixture has cooled completely, use your hands to break it into bite-sized clumps.
Can I add chocolate to this snack?
Yes, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled mixture for added variety.
Why did my popcorn turn out soggy?
Sogginess usually occurs if the mixture isn't baked long enough or if it isn't stored in an airtight container.
Is this a good recipe for parties?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or as a gift.
What is the total fat content?
The recipe contains approximately 103 grams of total fat.
What type of sugar is best?
Granulated white sugar is used to create the caramel base.
Can I use sliced almonds?
Yes, the recipe allows for either whole or sliced almonds depending on your preference.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, with only 7 ingredients and straightforward steps, it is considered an easy recipe.