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
Scale
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
