Say goodbye to store-bought: how to create rich and buttery caramel corn from scratch

Craving a sweet and crunchy snack? Look no further than homemade caramel corn! This classic treat is surprisingly easy to make from scratch, and the taste is simply irresistible. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through every step of the process, so you can enjoy delicious caramel corn whenever you want.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make caramel corn from scratch, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup popcorn kernels
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Prepare Your Popcorn

• Pop the popcorn kernels according to the package directions.
• Spread the popped popcorn evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Make the Caramel Sauce

• In a large saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Combine the Caramel and Popcorn

• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn and stir to coat evenly.

Add the Baking Soda

• Sprinkle the baking soda over the caramel corn and stir vigorously. This will cause the caramel to foam and become light and airy.

Bake the Caramel Corn

• Spread the caramel corn evenly on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Cool and Break Apart

• Remove the caramel corn from the oven and let it cool completely.
• Break the caramel corn into bite-sized pieces.

Enjoy Your Homemade Caramel Corn

Your delicious homemade caramel corn is now ready to enjoy! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Tips for Perfect Caramel Corn

• Use fresh popcorn kernels for the best results.
• Make sure the caramel sauce is hot before pouring it over the popcorn.
• Stir the popcorn constantly while baking to prevent burning.
• Let the caramel corn cool completely before breaking it apart to prevent it from sticking together.

Variations

• Add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to the caramel corn for extra flavor.
• Use different types of sugar for a variety of flavors, such as brown sugar or coconut sugar.
• Drizzle chocolate or melted marshmallows over the caramel corn for a decadent treat.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I make caramel corn without a stovetop?
A: Yes, you can make caramel corn in the microwave. Combine the butter, sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir and microwave for an additional 1 minute, or until the sauce has thickened.

Q: How do I store caramel corn?
A: Store caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze caramel corn?
A: Yes, you can freeze caramel corn for up to 2 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.