Description
Legendary caramel puff corn recipe delivers sweet, crunchy snack perfection with minimal ingredients. Crisp kernels glazed in rich caramel make this treat irresistible for gatherings and movie nights you’ll devour quickly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 89 oz (2.52 kg) puffed corn (hull-less popcorn)
- 1 cup (226 g or 2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (118 ml) light corn syrup
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 tsp (5 g) baking soda
Instructions
- Preparation: Position an oven rack in the center and preheat to 250F (120C). Coat a large roasting pan with nonstick cooking spray, then spread puffed corn evenly across the surface.
- Caramel Creation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Blend brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until smooth. Bring to a rolling boil, continuing constant stirring for two minutes without interruption.
- Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and swiftly incorporate baking soda and vanilla extract. Gently fold ingredients, observing the dramatic foaming transformation that occurs during mixing.
- Coating Process: Drizzle caramel mixture over puffed corn, using a spatula to ensure comprehensive coverage. Fold gently to guarantee each kernel receives an uniform caramel layer.
- Baking and Caramelization: Place roasting pan in preheated oven. Rotate and redistribute coated puffed corn every fifteen minutes to prevent burning and promote even caramelization. Bake for a total of 45 minutes.
- Cooling and Storage: Immediately transfer caramelized puffed corn onto wax paper or aluminum foil. Allow to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, separate into bite-sized clusters and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Prevent Burning Technique: Consistently rotate the pan every 15 minutes to ensure even caramelization and prevent any kernels from scorching, which could impact the overall flavor and texture.
- Baking Soda Magic: When adding baking soda, expect a dramatic foaming reaction that helps create a lighter, more airy caramel coating, giving the puff corn a unique texture and volume.
- Coating Consistency: Use a spatula with gentle folding motions to guarantee each puff corn kernel receives an uniform caramel layer, avoiding clumps or uneven distribution.
- Storage Wisdom: Cool the caramel puff corn completely on wax paper before breaking into clusters, then store in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 202
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg