Caramel Puff Corn Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Puff Corn is a delightful snack that combines the light crunch of puffed corn with a rich, buttery caramel coating. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing during movie nights or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3.5 oz. butter-flavor puffed corn
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, combine corn syrup, butter, brown sugar, and salt.
- Step 3: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a rolling boil. Boil for 1 full minute or until the sauce reaches the soft ball stage.
- Step 4: Spray a large bowl with non-stick baking spray. Pour the hot caramel sauce over the puffed corn and stir constantly until the corn is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Spray a large sheet pan with cooking spray, then spread the coated puffed corn evenly on the pan.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the pan before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use non-stick baking spray on your bowl and pan to prevent the caramel-coated popcorn from sticking.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract into the caramel sauce before boiling.
- Try mixing in nuts like almonds or peanuts for a crunchy variation.
Storage
Store caramel puff corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep it away from moisture to maintain crunchiness. You can enjoy it as is; reheating is not necessary.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
What is the soft ball stage?
The soft ball stage is a candy-making term where heated sugar syrup reaches about 235–245°F. You can test this by dropping a bit of syrup into cold water—it should form a soft, flexible ball.
Can I use regular popcorn instead of puffed corn?
Regular popcorn can be used, but puffed corn has a lighter texture that absorbs caramel differently, resulting in a crunchier, more delicate treat.
Print
Caramel Puff Corn Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
Description
A deliciously sweet and crunchy caramel puff corn recipe featuring a buttery caramel sauce that coats light, airy puffed corn. Perfect for a snack or party treat, this easy-to-make caramel puff corn is baked low and slow for an hour to achieve the perfect caramelization and crunch.
Ingredients
Caramel Sauce
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Puffed Corn
- 3.5 oz. butter-flavor puffed corn
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for the slow baking process that will crisp up the caramel coating.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the light corn syrup, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Continue boiling for 1 full minute or until the sauce reaches the soft ball stage, which ensures the caramel will set properly.
- Coat the Puffed Corn: Spray a large mixing bowl with non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the hot caramel sauce over the 3.5 oz. of butter-flavor puffed corn and stir constantly until the puffed corn is evenly coated with the caramel sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Spray a large sheet pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Evenly pour the caramel-coated puffed corn onto the pan and spread it out.
- Bake the Puff Corn: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake the caramel puff corn at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour. Stir the mixture every 15 minutes during baking to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and allow the caramel puff corn to cool on the pan. The cooling process will help the caramel to harden and the corn to become crunchy.
Notes
- Ensure the caramel sauce reaches the soft ball stage for the ideal texture; a candy thermometer can be used (around 235°F to 240°F).
- Stirring every 15 minutes during baking prevents burning and helps achieve an even caramel coating.
- Store the cooled caramel puff corn in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness.
- Make sure to spray the bowl and pan well to avoid sticking during mixing and baking.
- Adjust the salt to taste for a balance of sweet and salty flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel puff corn, caramel corn, sweet snack, homemade caramel corn, buttery puffed corn, caramel coated popcorn alternative
