Aunt Dorothy'S Scrumptious Carmelcorn
Aunt Dorothy's Scrumptious Caramelcorn offers a rich, buttery caramel coating on fluffy popcorn, perfect for snacking or sharing at parties and gatherings with a sweet, crunchy flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2 1/2 quart saucepan, combine the light brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Heat the mixture to boiling point over medium heat.
- Stir constantly and boil until it reaches the hard ball stage, or until it forms a good soft ball in water.
- Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda quickly and thoroughly.
- Pour the caramel mixture immediately over the popped popcorn in a large pan, such as a canning kettle.
- Stir until all popcorn is coated evenly.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes during baking.
- Turn out the caramel popcorn onto waxed paper, spread apart, and cool completely.
- Break apart and store in a tight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you want a nutty twist, add roasted nuts such as peanuts or almonds to the popcorn before pouring the caramel over it. Stirring constantly is key to preventing the mixture from burning, so stay attentive while it reaches the hard ball stage. For an added touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or vanilla extract into the caramel.
Serving Suggestions
This scrumptious caramel corn is perfect for movie nights or as a sweet snack during gatherings. Serve it in large bowls or individual bags for a fun treat. It pairs beautifully with a cozy cup of hot chocolate or as a delightful side to a dessert like Old Fashioned Crumb Cake. Guests will love this sweet addition to their snack options.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its crispness. If you find that it has lost some crunch, you can reheat it in a low oven at 200°F for about 10 minutes to refresh its texture. Avoid storing in the fridge, as moisture can make it chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Dorothy'S Scrumptious Carmelcorn contains roughly 677 calories, with 3g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (106% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 534mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use microwave popcorn, but make sure to choose a plain or lightly salted variety. Avoid flavored popcorn, as it may interfere with the caramel's sweetness. Just ensure you have about 6 quarts of popped popcorn, which usually requires about 3-4 bags of microwave popcorn.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
To make a healthier version of this caramel corn, consider substituting coconut oil for butter and using a sugar alternative, like coconut sugar or a sugar-free sweetener. You can also reduce the amount of corn syrup or use a natural syrup like maple syrup, although this will alter the flavor slightly.
How can I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?
To keep the caramel corn from becoming too hard, be sure to monitor the cooking time closely. Remove the caramel from heat as soon as it reaches the hard ball stage. Additionally, you can add a bit more butter to the caramel mixture to help maintain a softer texture once cooled.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).