Baked Caramel Corn
Baked Caramel Corn is a sweet, crunchy treat featuring caramel-coated popcorn enriched with salted peanuts. Its rich caramel flavor and slight saltiness make it perfect for snacking, parties, or gifting. The baking process ensures a crispy texture that lovers of sweet and salty combinations will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan.
- Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in the baking soda and vanilla.
- Gradually pour the caramel over the popped corn and salted peanuts.
- Mix well with greased hands to coat evenly.
- Turn the coated popcorn and peanuts into two large shallow pans.
- Bake at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Break apart the caramel corn and store in covered containers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo for a more natural taste. If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can use less brown sugar or substitute some with honey. Make sure to stir constantly while boiling to prevent burning. If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the salted peanuts or replace them with sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve baked caramel corn as a delightful snack during movie nights or parties. It pairs beautifully with Icebox Treat for a sweet treat combo. You can also use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt for added crunch. For a festive touch, consider packaging it in decorative bags as gifts.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. It can stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to enjoy it warm again, spread it on a baking sheet and warm in a low oven for about 10 minutes, ensuring it doesn't burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Caramel Corn contains roughly 439 calories, with 0g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1936mg per serving (84% 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 make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the oleo with a plant-based butter and using a vegan-friendly corn syrup. Ensure the peanuts are also vegan, which most are.
What type of popcorn should I use?
Use plain, unbuttered popcorn for this recipe, as the caramel will provide all the flavor. Air-popped popcorn or stovetop popcorn is ideal, avoiding any pre-packaged varieties that come with added seasonings.
How can I make this caramel corn crunchier?
To achieve a crunchier texture, ensure you coat the popcorn evenly with caramel and bake it thoroughly, stirring every 15 minutes. You can also let it cool completely on a wire rack after baking to avoid steam buildup.
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).