Golden Caramel Popcorn is the perfect indulgence for movie nights or a special treat for gatherings. It's a delightful mix of sweet and crunchy, with homemade caramel coating each kernel to perfection. Let's dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have you munching on irresistible caramel popcorn in no time!
The magic starts with popcorn kernels. They form the base that holds all the caramel goodness. Using an air popper makes this step oil-free, keeping the popcorn light and crisp. Next, unsalted butter provides the rich, creamy base for our caramel. Brown sugar adds depth with its molasses notes, while light corn syrup keeps the caramel smooth and prevents it from crystallizing. A dash of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. The surprise ingredient, baking soda, reacts to create a lighter, crunchier caramel. Vanilla extract rounds everything out with a warm aroma.
Golden Caramel Popcorn is perfect for sharing in bowls at a party or packaging in cellophane bags for a thoughtful homemade gift. Pair it with a selection of cheeses and nuts on a snack platter for an interesting sweet and savory contrast.
First things first, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). A low temperature is key to baking the popcorn evenly without burning the caramel. While the oven warms up, pop your popcorn kernels using an air popper. Once popped, sift through the batch to remove those pesky unpopped kernels — nobody wants a surprise crunch.
Next, grab a medium saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it's melted, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Keep stirring until you have a smooth mixture, then let it come to a gentle boil. This is where patience comes in; let the caramel bubble away without stirring for about 4-5 minutes. The goal is a rich, golden color, but be vigilant — caramel can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
Once your timer's up, take the pan off the heat and add baking soda and vanilla extract. This will cause a bubbly reaction, so stir carefully until it's well combined. Now, it's time to get that luscious caramel onto your popcorn. Pour it over the popcorn and gently stir everything together until each kernel is evenly coated.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out the caramel-covered popcorn in an even layer. Pop it in the preheated oven and set your timer for 45 minutes, but don’t wander too far! Every 15 minutes, give the popcorn a gentle stir to ensure an even bake and prevent any sticking.
Once the baking time is up, take the popcorn out and let it cool completely. This cooling period is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch. Once cooled, break the popcorn into pieces, and you’re ready to enjoy your homemade treat!
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