Description
Delight in this irresistible Caramel Puff Corn, a crunchy sweet snack perfect for holiday gift-giving or casual game day munching. Made with crunchy popcorn twists coated in a rich homemade caramel sauce, this recipe is easier to prepare than traditional caramel corn yet delivers that perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Popcorn Base
- 10 cups popcorn twists (175 grams, also called Puff Corn)
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup unsalted butter (225 grams)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed, 155 grams)
- 1/2 cup corn syrup (130 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the caramel popcorn.
- Prepare Popcorn: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the popcorn twists evenly over the sheet. Set aside while you make the caramel sauce.
- Heat Caramel Ingredients: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Whisk frequently as the mixture heats to prevent burning, bringing it to a boil.
- Boil and Add Baking Soda: Once boiling, continue to stir and boil the mixture for 2 minutes. Then, add the baking soda. The mixture will foam up; keep whisking and cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the foam settles slightly.
- Coat Popcorn with Caramel: Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn twists on the baking sheet. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all popcorn pieces evenly with the caramel.
- Bake to Set: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring the popcorn every 10 to 15 minutes to ensure even baking and coating.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the caramel puff corn from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes. Once cooled, break into smaller pieces as desired for serving.
- Storage: Store the cooled caramel puff corn in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. It will keep fresh for 1 to 2 weeks.
Notes
- This Caramel Puff Corn is incredibly addictive and perfect for holiday gift-giving or game day snacks.
- It’s easier to make than traditional caramel corn but offers the same delightful sweet and salty flavor profile.
- Make sure to stir every 10-15 minutes while baking to prevent burning and ensure even caramel coating.
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 337 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 129 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 48 mg
