Decadent Chocolate Caramel Popcorn Delight
Indulge in the irresistible combination of crunchy popcorn, rich caramel, and luscious chocolate with our Decadent Chocolate Caramel Popcorn Delight recipe. Inspired by the classic taste of Boy Scouts chocolate popcorn, this sweet treat offers a satisfying crunch that lasts, thanks to a special baking technique. Perfect for gifting or enjoying on movie night, this recipe makes a delightful showcase of caramel's buttery sweetness and chocolate's velvety richness. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to create a homemade treat that is sure to impress friends and family alike!
20
Servings
120
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Popped popcorn
3 quarts (lightly salted)
Light brown sugar
1 cup (firmly packed)
Unsalted butter
1/2 cup (sweet, use real butter)
Light corn syrup
1/4 cup (none)
Peanuts
1/2 cup (optional)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Milk chocolate
1 lb (dipping chocolate (Ghirardelli's recommended))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
2
In a large stockpot or the biggest baking pan available, add the popped popcorn. If necessary, split into two batches to ensure there's room for mixing.
3
In a separate very large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Make sure to use real butter for the best flavor!
4
Once the butter is melted, add the firmly packed light brown sugar and the light corn syrup. Stir constantly while bringing it to a boil. Allow the mixture to boil for precisely 5 minutes, continuing to stir to prevent scorching.
5
If you're adding peanuts, toss them in at this point and stir well to combine.
6
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up, so be prepared!
7
Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn. Use a spatula to mix thoroughly so that all the popcorn is evenly coated.
8
Transfer the caramel-coated popcorn to a large baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 10-15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent sticking. This baking process is key to achieving that perfect crunchy texture.
9
Once done, remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool completely. Stir it every few minutes as it cools to keep it from sticking together.
10
Prepare a cookie sheet by spraying it lightly with oil or covering it with parchment paper.
11
Melt half of the dipping chocolate according to the package directions. You can melt more if needed as you continue dipping the popcorn.
12
Dip individual popcorn pieces into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are well coated, and place them on the prepared cookie sheet to set. Repeat until all popcorn is coated.
13
Store the finished chocolate-covered popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep it cool to prevent melting.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
18g
Carbs
1g
Protein
9g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Chocolate Caramel Popcorn Delight?
It is a sweet and crunchy treat inspired by Boy Scouts chocolate popcorn, combining popcorn, buttery caramel, and melted milk chocolate.
How much popcorn is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 quarts of lightly salted popped popcorn.
What type of butter should I use for the caramel?
You should use 1/2 cup of real unsalted butter for the best flavor.
How long should the caramel mixture boil?
The mixture of butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup should boil for precisely 5 minutes while stirring constantly.
Why is baking soda added to the caramel mixture?
Baking soda causes the mixture to foam up, which helps it coat the popcorn more evenly and creates a lighter texture.
Can I add nuts to this popcorn recipe?
Yes, you can add 1/2 cup of optional peanuts right before adding the baking soda.
What temperature should the oven be for baking the popcorn?
Preheat your oven to a low temperature of 200°F (93°C).
Why do I need to bake the caramel popcorn for an hour?
Baking the popcorn at a low heat for one hour is the key to achieving a satisfying and long-lasting crunch.
How often should I stir the popcorn while it is in the oven?
You should stir the popcorn every 10 to 15 minutes to ensure an even coating and to prevent the pieces from sticking.
What kind of chocolate is recommended for dipping?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of milk chocolate dipping chocolate, specifically Ghirardelli's.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 20 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this popcorn?
There are approximately 120 calories per serving.
What is the best way to store the finished popcorn?
Store the popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep it cool and prevent the chocolate from melting.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
While the recipe calls for milk chocolate, you can use dark chocolate as a substitute depending on your preference.
How much brown sugar is needed?
You will need 1 cup of firmly packed light brown sugar.
Is corn syrup required for this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of light corn syrup is used to help create the smooth caramel texture.
How much fat is in a single serving?
Each serving contains about 6g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in this recipe per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 9g of sugar.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as Candy.
How much protein does this snack provide?
This popcorn provides 1g of protein per serving.
What should I do to prevent the popcorn from sticking while it cools?
Stir the popcorn every few minutes as it cools to keep the pieces separate.
How do I prepare the cookie sheet for the chocolate dipping phase?
Lightly spray a cookie sheet with oil or cover it with a sheet of parchment paper.
Is this a good recipe for holiday gifts?
Yes, its long-lasting crunch and gourmet appearance make it a perfect homemade gift.
What should I do if my stockpot isn't large enough to mix the popcorn?
You can split the popcorn into two batches to ensure you have enough room to mix in the caramel thoroughly.
Should the popcorn be salted before adding caramel?
Yes, using lightly salted popcorn provides a great sweet-and-salty flavor balance.
How do I melt the dipping chocolate?
Melt the chocolate according to the specific directions on the package, usually in the microwave or a double boiler.
What is the main inspiration for this flavor combination?
The recipe is inspired by the classic taste of Boy Scouts chocolate popcorn.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter to better control the sodium levels, but salted butter can be used if you prefer a saltier caramel.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include chocolate popcorn, caramel corn, snacks, candy, homemade gift, dessert, holiday treats, and movie snacks.