Maud'S Caramel Corn

Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

Sweet and crunchy caramel corn with rich toffee flavor, perfect for sharing at parties or as a nostalgic treat for popcorn lovers. Customizable with peanuts.

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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks margarine or butter
  • 2 cups brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup white Karo syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 6 quarts popped popcorn

Instructions

  1. Remove from heat and stir in soda.
  2. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped corn.
  3. Bake in a 200°F oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
  4. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.
  5. Optionally, add peanuts before baking for extra flavor.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra twist, consider using coconut oil instead of margarine or butter for a unique flavor. If you want to reduce sweetness, cut back on the brown sugar slightly or use a sugar alternative like agave syrup. Make sure to pop your popcorn without salt or butter to let the caramel shine through. Stirring the popcorn every 15 minutes during baking ensures even coating and crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Maud's Caramel Corn makes a delightful snack for movie nights or parties and pairs beautifully with Black And Whites(Half Moons) for a sweet treat platter. Consider serving it alongside a warm beverage, such as hot chocolate or spiced cider, for a cozy touch. It can also be a fun topping for ice cream sundaes, adding a crunchy element to your dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispness. If stored properly, it can last for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigerating, as this can introduce moisture and make the caramel sticky. To refresh the texture, you can re-bake it in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Maud'S Caramel Corn contains roughly 1964 calories, with 7g protein, 490g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (166% of the Daily Value), iron (121% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 46g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1964 kcal 98% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.9g 14% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 490.4g 100% DV
Fiber 46.4g 100% DV
Sugar 116.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 421mg 18% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 5.4mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 16.7mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 187.7mg 14% DV
Iron 21.8mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 regular corn syrup instead of white Karo syrup?

Yes, you can substitute regular corn syrup for white Karo syrup in this recipe. The flavor will remain similar, but it may slightly alter the texture of the caramel. Just ensure it is still a light corn syrup to maintain the desired sweetness and consistency.

What can I do if my caramel is too hard after baking?

If your caramel corn turns out too hard, it may be due to baking too long or at too high a temperature. To soften it, try microwaving a small portion for about 10 seconds. You can also try adding a bit of melted butter or oil to help rehydrate the caramel before serving.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can easily make Maud's Caramel Corn dairy-free by substituting margarine for a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Be sure to check labels when choosing your ingredients to ensure they are completely dairy-free.

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).

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