Dad'S Caramel Corn
A rich, crunchy caramel popcorn treat with peanuts and warm spices, perfect for snacking or sharing at parties and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine popped corn and peanuts in a large container and keep warm in a 250° oven.
- In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter.
- Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, molasses, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water.
- Cook to 290° on a candy thermometer (hard-crack stage).
- Slowly pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and nuts, stirring to coat evenly.
- Spread the mixture in a buttered 15 1/2 x 10 1/2-inch jelly roll pan.
- Return to the 250° oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Stir the mixture after 10 minutes.
- Cool the caramel corn and break into pieces before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more gourmet touch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt or using mixed nuts instead of just peanuts. If you want a bit of flair, consider adding a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled caramel corn. Make sure to keep an eye on the temperature when cooking the caramel, as reaching the hard-crack stage is crucial for that perfect crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious caramel corn as a sweet snack during movie nights or at parties. It pairs beautifully with Granny Grace'S Whipping Cream Pound Cake for a delightful dessert spread. To elevate your serving, consider presenting it in festive bowls or bags for a fun touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep it fresh and crunchy, avoid refrigerating it, as moisture can make it chewy. If it does become soft, place it in a preheated oven at 200°F for a few minutes to re-crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Caramel Corn contains roughly 298 calories, with 4g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 555mg per serving (24% 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, using microwave popcorn can save time, but be sure to choose a plain, unbuttered variety to avoid altering the flavor of the caramel. Just pop it according to package instructions and measure out the 3 to 4 quarts needed for this recipe.
How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too quickly?
To keep the caramel sauce pourable longer, ensure that you cook it to exactly 290°F, as overcooking can cause it to harden quickly. If it does harden, you can gently reheat it with a splash of water until it softens again.
Can I make this caramel corn ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make caramel corn a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Prepare it for a party or special occasion by making it ahead and having it ready for guests to enjoy.
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).