Description
Homemade Caramel Puff Corn delivers sweet, crunchy magic in minutes with simple ingredients. Buttery caramel coats light corn puffs, creating an irresistible snack you’ll crave for movie nights and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 89 ounces (2.52 kilograms) puffed corn (hull-less popcorn)
- 1 cup (226 grams or 2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (220 grams) packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (118 milliliters) light corn syrup
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
Leavening Agent:
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the baking workspace by positioning an oven rack in the center and preheating to 250F (120C). Generously coat a large roasting pan with nonstick cooking spray, then distribute puffed corn evenly across the surface.
- Create a rich caramel base by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and unified. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, continuing to stir constantly, then maintain the boil for exactly two minutes without additional stirring.
- Remove the caramel mixture from heat and introduce baking soda and vanilla extract. Gently fold these ingredients, observing the dramatic foaming reaction that occurs during this process.
- Carefully drizzle the caramel mixture over the puffed corn, using a spatula to ensure comprehensive and uniform coverage. Use gentle folding motions to guarantee each kernel receives an even caramel coating.
- Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven. Rotate and redistribute the coated puffed corn every fifteen minutes to prevent burning and promote consistent caramelization. Total baking time should be 45 minutes.
- Once baking is complete, immediately transfer the caramelized puffed corn onto wax paper or aluminum foil. Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, separate into bite-sized clusters and transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- Swap out corn syrup with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness and unique flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free puffed corn varieties to make this recipe entirely gluten-free and suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Experiment with different spice blends like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of sea salt to enhance the caramel’s complexity and add unexpected depth.
- Cool the caramel puff corn completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain that perfect crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 319
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 109 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg