Classic caramel corn –There’s something about homemade caramel corn that brings back the best kind of memories. When I think of cozy movie nights or festive gatherings, caramel corn always stands out as the perfect snack. It’s sweet, crunchy, and simply irresistible. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe for Cassidy’s Classic Caramel Corn, which is sure to become a favorite in your home as well.
Delicious Caramel Corn Recipe
Get ready to indulge in a treat that combines the buttery goodness of caramel with the satisfying crunch of popcorn. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also allows you to customize your caramel corn with different toppings or mix-ins if you like.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup popcorn kernels (about 16 cups popped popcorn)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature will help ensure that the caramel corn becomes perfectly crisp in the oven.
- Pop the popcorn kernels using your preferred method and place the popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly for about 4-5 minutes until it becomes a nice golden brown and thickens slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so take care as you mix.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss the popcorn until it is evenly coated with the caramel. Be cautious—this can get sticky!
- Transfer the caramel-coated popcorn to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and baking.
- Once baked, allow the caramel corn to cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into clusters.
- Store the caramel corn in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
And there you have it! A mouthwatering batch of caramel corn that is perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself. Whether you’re snuggling up for a movie night or hosting a family gathering, this classic treat is always a hit. Enjoy every crunchy bite!