Discover the ultimate homemade baked caramel corn delight, combining buttery caramel, crisp corn, and a touch of salt for an irresistibly sweet and crunchy treat!
Introduction
If you're on the hunt for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness with a satisfying crunch, look no further than this Ultimate Homemade Baked Caramel Corn Delight. This delectable recipe is perfect for movie nights, festive gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. It's a timeless classic that's easy to whip up, but hard to put down. With this step-by-step guide, you'll create a caramel corn so irresistibly good, it might just become your new favorite treat!
Ingredients
- 10 cups of freshly popped popcorn
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 2 cups of light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup of light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Pop Your Corn
Begin by preparing roughly 10 cups of popcorn. You can use an air popper or stove-top method for the best results. Once popped, set the popcorn aside in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels to avoid unpleasant surprises later.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the caramel from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the packed brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
Allow it to boil without stirring for 4 to 5 minutes. During this time, the caramel will thicken and reach a luscious consistency.
Step 4: Add Baking Soda and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up and foam. This reaction ensures the caramel is light and airy.
Step 5: Combine Popcorn with Caramel
Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn in the mixing bowl. Stir immediately to evenly coat all the popcorn with the caramel mixture. Take your time to ensure every piece is well covered.
Step 6: Bake the Caramel Corn
Transfer the caramel-coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and coating.
Step 7: Cool and Break Apart
Remove the caramel corn from the oven after an hour. Allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, gently break apart any large clumps. Your caramel corn will have a beautiful glossy sheen and a crunchy texture.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've just created a batch of the most irresistible homemade baked caramel corn. It's a treat that's perfect for sharing, although you might find yourself wanting to keep it all to yourself. Packed with rich caramel flavor and a satisfying crunch in every bite, this caramel corn delight is sure to become a staple for many happy occasions. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Enjoy this sweet and crunchy masterpiece with family and friends, or savor it as a well-deserved indulgence just for you. Happy munching!