1. Pop the Popcorn
Start by popping your popcorn. You can use an air popper, stovetop, or even microwave popcorn (without butter or salt). Once popped, measure out 10 cups of popcorn and place it in a large, heatproof bowl. Be sure to remove any unpopped kernels to avoid any unpleasant surprises later.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once it starts boiling, stop stirring and let it boil for 4-5 minutes. The caramel should be bubbly and slightly thickened.
4. Add Baking Soda and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up slightly—this is normal and helps to aerate the caramel, making it easier to coat the popcorn.
5. Coat the Popcorn
Pour the hot caramel sauce over the popped popcorn in the large bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir and toss the popcorn, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated with the caramel sauce.
6. Bake the Caramel Corn
Spread the caramel-coated popcorn evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
As the caramel corn bakes, it will become crisp and develop that irresistible crunch.
7. Cool and Break Apart
After 45 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the caramel corn cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, break the caramel corn into clusters or individual pieces.
Tips for Perfect Baked Caramel Corn
- Even Coating: Make sure to stir the popcorn thoroughly when adding the caramel sauce to ensure every piece is coated.
- Low and Slow Baking: Baking the caramel corn at a low temperature for a longer time allows it to crisp up without burning.
- Add-ins: For a fun twist, you can add nuts (like almonds or pecans) to the popcorn before coating it with caramel, or drizzle with melted chocolate once it’s cooled.
Serving Suggestions
Caramel corn is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Movie Night: Serve in a big bowl for a perfect movie snack.
- Gift Idea: Package in decorative bags or tins for a homemade gift.
- Party Treat: Set out bowls at your next party for guests to munch on.
Conclusion
Baked Caramel Corn is a timeless treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any day. The crunchy texture, combined with the rich caramel flavor, makes it an irresistible snack for any occasion. Making it at home is not only fun but also ensures you get that perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. So, the next time you’re looking for a comforting, homemade snack, give this baked caramel corn recipe a try.
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your thoughts and any creative variations you tried in the comments below. Enjoy your perfect day with a bowl of caramel corn!