Kahlua Caramel Crunch Popcorn
Dive into a delightful fusion of buttery caramel and rich coffee liqueur with Kahlua Caramel Crunch Popcorn. This enhanced recipe adds a gourmet twist to your classic caramel corn, offering a sophisticated snack perfect for any occasion. Embrace the luscious blend of sweet Kahlua syrup enveloping fluffy popcorn and crunchy almonds. It's an indulgence you won't want to miss. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a decadent treat to savor on your own.
8
Servings
225
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Air popped popcorn
2 quarts (No preparation needed)
White sugar
1 cup (No preparation needed)
Kahlua
1/2 cup (No preparation needed)
Cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (No preparation needed)
Unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (No preparation needed)
Roasted almonds
3/4 cup (Chop coarsely if desired)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and keep the popcorn warm in a shallow baking pan.
2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the white sugar, Kahlua, and cider vinegar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3
Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir, let it boil until it reaches the hard crack stage (300°F/150°C) on a candy thermometer.
4
Remove from heat and carefully stir in the unsalted butter until fully melted and combined.
5
In a large bowl, combine the warm popcorn and roasted almonds.
6
Gradually pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and almonds, stirring constantly to ensure even coating.
7
Spread the coated popcorn mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8
Let cool completely at room temperature, allowing the caramel to set.
9
Once cooled, break apart any large clumps and store in an airtight container. Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored for several weeks under airtight conditions.
Nutrition Information
37.5
Carbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kahlua Caramel Crunch Popcorn?
Kahlua Caramel Crunch Popcorn is a gourmet snack featuring popcorn and almonds coated in a coffee-liqueur-infused caramel.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are air-popped popcorn, white sugar, Kahlua, cider vinegar, unsalted butter, and roasted almonds.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 225 calories per serving of this popcorn.
What kind of popcorn should I use?
Air-popped popcorn is recommended for the best texture and to keep the snack from becoming too oily.
Can I use regular sugar instead of white sugar?
White sugar is specifically called for to create the clear, brittle caramel required for this recipe.
What is the purpose of the cider vinegar?
Cider vinegar helps balance the sweetness and assists in the sugar crystallization process for the caramel.
How do I make the Kahlua syrup?
You combine sugar, Kahlua, and vinegar in a saucepan, dissolve the sugar, and then boil it until it reaches the hard crack stage.
What temperature should the caramel reach?
The caramel mixture should reach 300°F (150°C), which is known as the hard crack stage on a candy thermometer.
Can I substitute the Kahlua?
You can use any coffee liqueur or a non-alcoholic coffee-flavored syrup as a substitute.
Do I need a candy thermometer?
Yes, a candy thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the caramel reaches the exact temperature for the proper crunch.
How do I prepare the almonds?
The almonds should be roasted. You can chop them coarsely if you prefer smaller pieces in your popcorn.
Why do I need to preheat the oven to 200°F?
Preheating the oven keeps the popcorn warm, which prevents the caramel from setting too quickly while you are mixing.
When do I add the butter?
Remove the boiling syrup from the heat first, then carefully stir in the unsalted butter until it is fully melted.
Should I stir the mixture while it is boiling?
No, once the mixture begins to boil, do not stir it, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize and become grainy.
How do I coat the popcorn evenly?
Gradually pour the hot caramel mixture over the popcorn and almonds in a large bowl while stirring constantly.
Can I add other types of nuts?
Yes, you can substitute or add other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or cashews.
How long does the popcorn need to cool?
It should cool completely at room temperature until the caramel is hard and no longer sticky.
How should I store the finished popcorn?
Store the popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch.
How long will the popcorn stay fresh?
If stored in an airtight container, the popcorn can stay fresh for several weeks.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the label of your Kahlua and popcorn to ensure no cross-contamination.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can attempt to make it vegan by substituting the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
What is the texture of the finished popcorn?
The popcorn has a crunchy, brittle exterior from the caramel and a firm crunch from the roasted almonds.
Can I use salted butter?
You can use salted butter, but it will change the flavor profile slightly; unsalted is used to control the overall saltiness.
Is there caffeine in this popcorn?
Because Kahlua contains coffee extract, there may be trace amounts of caffeine in the snack.
What size saucepan should I use?
A medium saucepan is best to accommodate the bubbling and expansion of the sugar as it boils.
How much popcorn does 2 quarts equal?
2 quarts is equivalent to approximately 8 cups of popped popcorn.
Can I add salt to the recipe?
Yes, a light sprinkle of sea salt over the wet caramel can create a delicious sweet and salty flavor.
Is this snack suitable for parties?
Absolutely, its gourmet flavor and crunchy texture make it an excellent party treat.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you will need a very large mixing bowl and may want to work in batches to ensure even coating.