Irresistible Crunchy Praline Popcorn Recipe for Sweet Snackers

When midnight snack cravings hit, this delectable crunchy praline popcorn recipe delivers pure sweet-and-salty magic.

Sweet caramel notes dance with buttery pecans, creating an irresistible treat that elevates movie nights.

Kernels transform into a golden, glazed delight with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crunch and rich caramel flavor.

Nuts add depth and texture to the classic popcorn experience.

The aroma alone will draw people from across the room, tempting them with its warm, sugary scent.

You won’t be able to resist this addictive snack that comes together in just minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 226 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients to Make Praline Popcorn Pop

• Popcorn Kernels: Light, airy base that creates a crunchy canvas for sweet praline coating.
• Pecans: Rich, buttery nuts that add delightful texture and deep nutty flavor to the snack.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers rich caramel-like sweetness and helps create sticky praline glaze.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances overall sweetness and contributes to crisp caramelization.
• Corn Syrup: Ensures smooth, glossy praline texture and prevents sugar crystallization.
• Butter: Provides luxurious richness and helps bind praline mixture to popcorn and nuts.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to elevate the praline's complex sweetness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor profile of the praline popcorn.
• Baking Soda: Creates light, airy texture in praline coating and helps achieve golden sheen.

Tools You’ll Need for Praline Popcorn

• Large Baking Sheet: Essential for spreading popcorn and baking the praline coating evenly.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining praline ingredients and coating the popcorn.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix and coat popcorn with the praline mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for the perfect sweet treat.
• Oven: Needed to toast and caramelize the praline popcorn.

How to Make Praline Popcorn from Scratch

• Prepare Baking Surface Create a non-stick foundation by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
• Warm the Oven Get your oven ready by setting the temperature to a gentle 250F (120C), ensuring a perfect environment for transforming your snack.
• Arrange Popcorn Mixture Scatter freshly popped popcorn and crisp pecans across the prepared baking surface, making sure they're spread out evenly for consistent caramelization.
• Craft Praline Coating In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and a dash of salt, heating until the mixture becomes a smooth, bubbling caramel sauce.
• Pour and Coat Drizzle the molten praline mixture over the popcorn and pecans, using a spatula to gently toss and ensure every kernel gets a delicious golden embrace.
• Bake to Perfection Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, letting the heat transform your mixture into a crunchy, sweet delicacy for about 45-50 minutes.
• Cool and Break After removing from the oven, allow the praline popcorn to cool completely, then break into delectable clusters perfect for snacking.

Ideas to Level Up Praline Popcorn

• Ensure the caramel praline mixture is evenly distributed by gently stirring the popcorn and pecans with a spatula during baking.
• Let the praline popcorn cool completely on the baking sheet to achieve a crispy, crunchy texture that's perfect for snacking.
• Verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free if preparing for someone with gluten sensitivities, especially checking the popcorn and vanilla extract.
• Swap pecans with almonds, cashews, or walnuts to create different flavor profiles and accommodate nut preferences or allergies.
• Store cooled praline popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Fun Ways to Serve Praline Popcorn at Gatherings

• Party Snack Platter: Arrange the praline popcorn in a decorative glass bowl surrounded by fresh fruit slices and chocolate truffles for an elegant dessert spread that delights guests.
• Sweet Movie Night Companion: Serve warm praline popcorn in individual paper cones or small mason jars during film screenings for a gourmet twist on classic movie snacking.
• Gifting Delight: Package the cooled praline popcorn in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic ribbon for a homemade edible gift that looks professionally crafted and tastes incredible.
• Brunch Accent: Sprinkle the praline popcorn as a crunchy topping over vanilla yogurt or alongside buttermilk pancakes for a surprising breakfast treat with delightful texture.

Store Praline Popcorn Without Losing Crunch

• Keep praline popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, preventing moisture from making it soggy.
• Make larger quantities and freeze in sealed freezer bags for 2-3 weeks, perfect for unexpected snack cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Pack individual portions in small zip-lock bags for work lunches, road trips, or school snacks, ensuring crispy freshness wherever you go.
• Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain the caramel's crunch and prevent ingredient separation, keeping your praline popcorn deliciously intact.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need to make praline popcorn?

You’ll need popped popcorn, pecans, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. These simple ingredients create a sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for snacking.

• Is praline popcorn difficult to make?

Not at all! This recipe is straightforward and requires basic cooking skills. The most important steps are creating the praline coating and evenly spreading it over the popcorn and pecans before baking.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes. Just make sure to use the same quantity as the recipe calls for pecans to maintain the right flavor and texture balance.

• How long will praline popcorn stay crispy?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, praline popcorn will remain crispy for about 3-4 days. Keep it away from humidity to maintain its delightful crunch.

Crunchy Praline Popcorn Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Praline Popcorn elevates classic snacking with a Southern-inspired sweet and crunchy twist. Caramelized pecans and brown sugar create an irresistible coating that tempts you to savor each delightful handful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 cups (2.4 L) popped popcorn (about 0.5 cup/120 mL unpopped kernels)
• 1 cup (240 mL) pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 cup (240 mL) light brown sugar, packed
• 0.5 cup (120 mL) unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup (60 mL) light corn syrup
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 tsp baking soda
• 0.25 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 250F (120C), creating a perfect caramelization environment, and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for easy cleanup.
2. Base Mixture: Spread freshly popped popcorn and roughly chopped pecans evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring uniform coverage for optimal caramelization.
3. Caramel Creation: In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, bubbling amber-colored glaze.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Remove caramel from heat and rapidly incorporate vanilla extract and baking soda, allowing the mixture to foam and become lighter in texture.
5. Coating Process: Pour the hot caramel over popcorn and pecans, gently folding to ensure complete coverage of every kernel and nut with the praline glaze.
6. Baking and Crisping: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, baking for 45 minutes and stirring every 15 minutes to prevent burning and promote even caramelization.
7. Cooling and Storage: Once the praline popcorn reaches a deep golden color and becomes crisp, remove from oven and cool completely on the baking sheet, then break into clusters and store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness and flavor.

Notes

Prevent Sugar Burning: Stir the caramel mixture constantly and maintain medium heat to avoid scorching, which can create bitter flavors and ruin the entire batch.

Select Nuts Wisely: Swap pecans for almonds or walnuts to add variety, ensuring you toast them lightly beforehand to enhance their natural nutty flavor and crunchiness.

Control Moisture Level: Allow popcorn to cool completely before storing to prevent soggy clusters, keeping the praline coating crisp and maintaining that signature crunchy texture.

Watch Baking Time Carefully: Use a timer and check the praline popcorn every 15 minutes during baking, rotating the baking sheet to ensure uniform caramelization and prevent uneven browning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 226
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg