Evelyn'S Caramel Corn
Evelyn's Caramel Corn offers a rich, buttery sweetness with a hint of vanilla, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet snack anytime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt.
- Heat to boiling.
- Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add baking soda and vanilla; mix thoroughly.
- Pour the caramel over the popped corn in a large bowl.
- Spread the coated popcorn on two jelly roll pans or one large roasting pan.
- Bake at 200°F for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then place in a covered container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. If you’re out of light corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, although the taste will vary. Be careful not to overcook the caramel, as it can become too hard. For a fun twist, add nuts or pretzels to the popcorn before coating with caramel.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Evelyn's Caramel Corn as a delightful snack for movie nights or parties. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing drink, like lemonade or iced tea. You can also package it in decorative bags for gifts. For a sweet dessert pairing, consider serving it alongside Heavenly Frosted Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make the caramel soggy. If you want to enjoy it warm again, briefly reheat in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Evelyn'S Caramel Corn contains roughly 94 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 with microwavable popcorn?
Yes, you can use microwavable popcorn for convenience. Just be sure to pop it without any added butter or seasoning, as the caramel will provide all the flavor. Use around 8 cups of popped popcorn, adjusting the amount to your preference.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of your caramel corn, try decreasing the amount of brown sugar by a half cup. You can also add a pinch more salt to balance the flavors. Additionally, incorporating unsalted nuts can help offset the sweetness.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by using a plant-based butter substitute and maple syrup instead of light corn syrup. Ensure your popcorn is also dairy-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious treat without dairy, perfect for those following vegan recipes.
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).