Midway Caramel Corn
Sweet, buttery caramel corn with toasted nuts, perfect for sharing at parties or cozy gatherings, offering a crunchy, chewy texture with rich caramel flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn and keep warm in a large roasting pan in the oven.
- Lightly spray the popcorn with Pam.
- Combine butter, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the brown sugar dissolves, then continue to boil to soft ball stage (234° to 235°).
- Remove from heat and stir in baking soda.
- Pour the hot syrup over the popped corn and nuts, stirring to combine well.
- Return to the preheated 250° oven for 15 minutes.
- Stir the corn and return to oven, repeating the heating and stirring process two more times.
- Cool thoroughly on a brown paper sack.
- Store in airtight containers in a cool place.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, make sure the popcorn is well-coated with the caramel mixture. You can substitute margarine with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. If you're short on time, pre-popped popcorn can be used, but make sure to choose a plain variety without added flavorings. For a fun twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of chocolate after baking. This caramel corn pairs beautifully with Grandma'S Chocolate Delight.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful caramel corn as a sweet snack at movie nights or parties. It also makes for a great topping on ice cream or yogurt for a fun dessert. For special occasions, consider packaging the caramel corn in decorative bags as party favors. It pairs nicely with beverages like hot cocoa or spiced apple cider, adding a festive touch to any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. Avoid refrigerating it, as moisture can make it chewy. If you need to reheat, place the caramel corn in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 200°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore its crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Midway Caramel Corn contains roughly 212 calories, with 0g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1003mg per serving (44% 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 nuts in this caramel corn?
Absolutely! You can customize your caramel corn by using various nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Just make sure to toast them lightly before adding to the mixture for enhanced flavor. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts entirely and enjoy the caramel corn on its own.
How can I make the caramel corn less sticky?
To reduce stickiness, ensure that the caramel sauce is cooked to the correct temperature, specifically the soft ball stage (234° to 235°). Additionally, letting the caramel corn cool completely before storing it can help. If you find it still sticky, break up any clumps gently before serving.
What can I do if my caramel sauce crystallizes?
If your caramel sauce crystallizes, it’s often due to sugar crystals forming during cooking. To prevent this, avoid stirring the mixture once it starts boiling. If it does crystallize, you can try adding a little water and gently reheating the mixture while stirring until the sugar dissolves again.
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).