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Crunchy Caramel Popcorn Recipe

A close-up of a white bowl overflowing with crunchy caramel popcorn, with peanuts scattered around.
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Make glossy, crisp caramel popcorn that stays crunchy for gifting and parties. This recipe avoids stickiness and offers a delicious homemade alternative to store-bought treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 cups popped popcorn
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup salted peanuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Do not stir after it starts boiling.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
  5. Place the popped popcorn and peanuts (if using) in a very large bowl. Pour the hot caramel mixture over the popcorn and peanuts. Stir quickly to coat everything evenly.
  6. Spread the coated popcorn in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even crisping and prevent burning.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. Break apart any large clumps.

Notes

  • For the best crunch, ensure your popcorn is fresh and fully popped.
  • Store cooled caramel popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • You can omit the peanuts for a classic caramel corn.
  • For a gift, layer the cooled popcorn in decorative jars or bags.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/caramel-popcorn-recipe-crunchy/