Irresistible Caramel Popcorn Delight
This Irresistible Caramel Popcorn Delight is a sweet and crunchy treat that will take your gatherings to the next level! Passed down from a friendly neighbor, this recipe has become a favorite at parties and makes for thoughtful gift-giving, especially during the holiday season. With its golden caramel coating and optional peanuts for an added crunch, this popcorn will surely disappear fast, making it a delightful addition to any snack table. So why wait? Treat yourself and others to this deliciously buttery, sweet popcorn that combines nostalgia and indulgence in every bite!
12
Servings
260
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Prepared popcorn
1-2 gallons (Popped and set aside)
Brown sugar
2 cups (Packed)
Butter
1 cup (Unsalted, cubed)
Corn syrup or maple syrup
1/2 cup (Unflavored corn syrup or pure maple syrup)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Peanuts (Optional)
1 cup (Roasted and unsalted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2
Prepare 1-2 gallons of popcorn using your favorite method (air-popped, stovetop, etc.) and set aside in a large bowl.
3
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup (or maple syrup). Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
4
Once boiling, maintain a gentle boil for exactly 5 minutes without stirring.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, and peanuts (if using) until everything is well incorporated.
6
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the popcorn, ensuring even coverage. Use a large spatula to gently toss the popcorn, making sure every piece is coated.
7
Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto greased cookie sheets in an even layer.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes for even baking.
9
Once baked, allow the popcorn to cool completely on the sheets before storing. Store in large Zip Lock bags or airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
35g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Irresistible Caramel Popcorn Delight?
It is a sweet and crunchy treat featuring a golden caramel coating and optional peanuts, perfect for gatherings and gift-giving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 250°F (120°C).
How much popcorn is required for this recipe?
You will need between 1 and 2 gallons of prepared popcorn.
Can I use a substitute for corn syrup?
Yes, you can use pure maple syrup as a substitute for corn syrup.
How long do I boil the sugar and butter mixture?
Maintain a rolling boil for exactly 5 minutes.
Should I stir the mixture while it boils?
No, you should maintain a gentle boil for 5 minutes without stirring.
What ingredients are added after boiling the caramel?
After removing from heat, stir in baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, and peanuts if using.
Are peanuts required for this caramel popcorn?
No, peanuts are optional and can be omitted if desired.
What is the total baking time?
The popcorn should bake in the oven for a total of 1 hour.
How frequently should I stir the popcorn during baking?
Stir the popcorn every 20 minutes to ensure even baking.
How should the finished popcorn be stored?
Once completely cooled, store it in large Zip Lock bags or airtight containers.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gifts?
Yes, this recipe is a favorite for thoughtful gift-giving, especially during the holiday season.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of unsalted, cubed butter.
What methods can I use to pop the popcorn?
You can use any favorite method, such as air-popped or stovetop.
What is the nutritional content for calories?
There are approximately 260 calories per serving.
Does this snack contain fat?
Yes, there is approximately 14g of fat per serving.
How much brown sugar do I need?
You need 2 cups of packed brown sugar.
What is the purpose of baking soda in the recipe?
Baking soda reacts with the syrup to create a lighter, aerated caramel coating that is easier to bite into.
Can I use roasted peanuts?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1 cup of roasted and unsalted peanuts.
How do I ensure the popcorn is evenly coated?
Drizzle the sauce over the popcorn and use a large spatula to gently toss it until every piece is covered.
Should the cookie sheets be prepared in any way?
Yes, the caramel-coated popcorn should be spread onto greased cookie sheets.
What is the protein content of this snack?
Each serving contains about 1.5g of protein.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Can I use unflavored corn syrup?
Yes, the recipe specifies using unflavored corn syrup or pure maple syrup.
How much vanilla extract should be added?
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the caramel mixture.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 35g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the popcorn cooled before storage?
Yes, allow the popcorn to cool completely on the sheets before storing.
Why is it important to stir every 20 minutes while baking?
Stirring ensures that the caramel dries evenly and prevents the popcorn from burning.
What are common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include caramel popcorn, snack, dessert, party food, holiday treats, and homemade gifts.