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.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Base Mixture: Spread freshly popped popcorn and roughly chopped pecans evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring uniform coverage for optimal caramelization.
- 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.
- Flavor Enhancement: Remove caramel from heat and rapidly incorporate vanilla extract and baking soda, allowing the mixture to foam and become lighter in texture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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