Todd'S Baked Caramel Corn
Todd's Baked Caramel Corn offers a sweet, buttery crunch with rich caramel flavor, perfect for satisfying snack cravings or sharing at parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter and stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; boil without stirring for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in baking soda and vanilla.
- Gradually pour the caramel mixture over the popped corn, mixing well.
- Turn the coated popcorn into a large shallow baking pan or two smaller pans.
- Bake in a 250°F oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven.
- Put onto wax paper on the countertop to cool.
- Break large pieces and store in an airtight container or plastic bags.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter by cooking the butter until it turns golden brown before adding the sugar. If you're out of corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but this may alter the taste slightly. To make it less sticky, try adding a pinch of baking powder along with the baking soda.
Serving Suggestions
This baked caramel corn is a delightful snack for movie nights or parties. It pairs beautifully with Heavenly Orange Jello for a sweet treat combo. Consider serving it in festive bowls or bags for a fun presentation. It also makes a great gift when packaged in decorative containers.
Storage & Reheating
Once the caramel corn has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness. You can also use resealable plastic bags for individual portions. To refresh the texture, reheat in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Todd'S Baked Caramel Corn contains roughly 580 calories, with 5g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (169% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1931mg per serving (84% 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, you can use microwave popcorn, but make sure to choose plain, unsalted varieties. The cooking time may vary, so ensure that you have enough popped corn to measure 6 quarts. Just be cautious of any added flavors that might interfere with the caramel's sweetness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Todd's Baked Caramel Corn gluten-free, ensure that the popcorn is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free alternatives for any ingredients, such as baking soda. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so as long as you check your ingredients, you should be good to go.
Can I add nuts or other toppings to the caramel corn?
Absolutely! You can mix in nuts like peanuts or almonds for added crunch and flavor. You can also sprinkle in chocolate chips or M&M's after baking, while the caramel corn is still warm, to create a fun and colorful treat. Just be sure to adjust baking times if adding larger 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).