Doris Lowery'S Caramel Popcorn
Sweet, crunchy caramel popcorn with peanuts, perfect for sharing at parties or snacking. Rich caramel flavor with a hint of vanilla and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar, margarine, Karo, salt, and vanilla; boil together for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in baking soda.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the popped corn and peanuts; stir to coat evenly.
- Spread out in a large baking pan or cookie sheet with sides.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour onto waxed paper and cool.
- Break into clumps and store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel mixture. If you prefer a vegan version, substitute margarine with vegan butter and ensure the popcorn is dairy-free. Instead of peanuts, you can use almonds or cashews for a different texture. Always stir the caramel mixture continuously while boiling to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this caramel popcorn as a delightful snack at movie nights or parties. It pairs beautifully with Tea Puffs for a sweet and savory combination. Consider offering it alongside other treats like cookies or brownies for a dessert platter that guests will love. It's also a fun addition to gift bags during holidays or celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the caramel popcorn to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to reheat it, spread it on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Doris Lowery'S Caramel Popcorn contains roughly 713 calories, with 26g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (165% of the Daily Value) and protein (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1536mg per serving (67% 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 different types of popcorn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of popped corn, such as kettle corn or microwave popcorn, as long as it's plain and unsalted. Just make sure the popcorn is fresh and crunchy for the best texture in the final dish.
How can I make the caramel less sticky?
To reduce stickiness, ensure that the caramel mixture is cooked just long enough to achieve a thicker consistency before pouring it over the popcorn. You might also want to add a bit more baking soda to help aerate the mixture, which can make it less sticky.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the popcorn and Karo syrup are certified gluten-free. Always check labels to avoid any cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.
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).