Homemade Caramel Popcorn

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Crispy and healthier homemade caramel popcorn is great for movie nights, parties and holiday gifts just like hot chocolate bombs, chocolate strawberries, pumpkin spice hot chocolate bombs, banana bread muffins and sugar donuts. Crave for some caramel corn now? Trying out this crispy homemade caramel popcorn recipe! Let’s learn how to make this simple, easy and delicious homemade caramel popcorn with step by step photo instructions and a video.

Like sweet stuff? check out these mango pomelo sago, honeydew popsicle, taro ice cream, Asian shaved ice, mango sticky rice dessert, mango popsicles and fresh strawberry muffins recipes.

homemade caramel popcorn in the bowl with a towel

What is caramel popcorn?

Caramel popcorn is a sweet and crunchy snack made by coating popped popcorn with a mixture of caramelized sugar. Typically, it has a rich, sweet flavor and a slightly sticky texture because of the caramel coating. Also, it is a popular treat at movie theaters, fairs, parties and as a homemade snack.

To make caramel popcorn, usually start by popping plain popcorn kernels. Then, prepare a caramel sauce by melting sugar, butter and corn syrup in a saucepan. This mixture is heated until it reaches the desired caramelization stage. Once the caramel is ready, it's poured over the popped popcorn and mixed thoroughly to coat the popcorn evenly. You can customize it with additions like nuts, chocolate drizzles or other flavorings to create different variations of this popular snack.

Usually caramel popcorn uses quite a lot of butter. But, in this homemade caramel popcorn recipe, I tried to make it healthier with less butter and crispy. Besides, my kids love this homemade caramel popcorn because they cannot stop eating them once I made it. Also, it is great for movie time, party treats or holiday gifts.

What does caramel popcorn taste or flavor like?

Caramel popcorn has a distinctive flavor and taste that combines the sweetness of caramelized sugar with the natural flavor of popcorn. The exact flavor of caramel popcorn can vary depending on the specific recipe and the ingredients used. Some caramel corn recipes may have a more intense caramel flavor, while others may emphasize the buttery taste. In general, it has a delightful combination of sweet, buttery, toasty and popcorn flavors.

Why try this homemade caramel popcorn recipe?

You will love this homemade caramel popcorn recipe because it is crispy, crunchy, sweet and healthier because less butter is used. Also, I am going to share some tips, step by step photo instructions and a video for how to make homemade caramel popcorn.

Why is my caramel corn grainy?

If your caramel corn is turning out grainy, it's likely because of the caramelization process or the sugar in the caramel sauce. The most common reason for grainy caramel is the formation of sugar crystals. If the sugar syrup is cooked at too high a temperature, it can caramelize unevenly or too quickly, leading to graininess. Using a candy thermometer can help ensure you reach the correct temperature for caramelization.

Also, sugar has a tendency to crystallize, especially if there are any sugar crystals on the sides of the pot during the caramelization process. To prevent this, it's essential to start with a clean pot or brush down any sugar crystals that may form on the sides of the pot and avoid stirring the caramel once it starts boiling. In addition, adding a small amount of cream of tartar will help and prevent sugar from crystallizing.

In addition, overcooking the caramel can cause it to become grainy. Caramel should be taken off the heat as soon as it reaches the desired color and temperature. If it's cooked for too long, it can become hard and grainy as it cools.

How do I make my popcorn crunchy and crispy?

To make your popcorn crunchy and crispy, use fresh popcorn kernels. Also, ensure that your popcorn is fully popped. Undercooked or unpopped kernels can be chewy instead of crunchy. Remember to let the seasoned popcorn cool and air dry completely before storing or serving. This helps lock in the crunchiness.

Store your crunchy popcorn in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from moisture and humidity. Avoid exposing it to air, as this can lead to loss of crispness over time. Besides, just be aware that coatings can soften the popcorn over time, so it's best to consume them relatively quickly if you want to maintain maximum crunchiness.

What are the ingredients for caramel corn?

This crispy homemade caramel popcorn recipe, the ingredients are corn kernels, butter, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, salt, cream of tartar and baking soda.

Why do you put baking soda in caramel popcorn?

Baking soda serves a specific and important purpose in caramel corn recipes. When added to the caramel sauce during the cooking process, baking soda improves the texture and enhances the flavor. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent in the caramel sauce.

It causes the caramel to bubble, expand and create tiny air bubbles throughout the mixture. These bubbles help make the caramel sauce lighter and less dense. It results in a softer and more delicate texture when it hardens on the popcorn. This gives caramel corn its characteristic crisp and airy texture.

In addition, baking soda has an impact on the flavor of the caramel. When the baking soda is added, it changes the pH of the mixture which makes it slightly alkaline. This alteration in pH can help neutralize some of the intense sweetness of the caramel and create a more balanced flavor.

Without baking soda, the caramel coating may be denser and harder. It leads to a less enjoyable eating experience. So, when making caramel corn, don't skip the baking soda for the best results.

Why do you add cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar is also known as potassium hydrogen tartrate. It is an acidic powder commonly used in cooking and baking. In the context of making caramel popcorn, cream of tartar is sometimes added to the caramel sauce for preventing sugar crystallization. It is because sugar has a tendency to crystallize during the cooking process, which can lead to a grainy texture in the caramel.

cream of tartar in the glass container top view

Also, cream of tartar being acidic, helps inhibit the formation of sugar crystals by interfering with the crystallization process. This can result in smoother and creamier caramel sauce. If you choose to use cream of tartar in your recipe, a small amount (usually just a pinch) is typically sufficient to achieve the desired effect.

Cooking tips for how to make homemade caramel popcorn:

The best is to use an air popcorn machine to make the popcorn because it is so easy, healthier and doesn't require any oil.
I do not use a lot of butter because it makes the popcorn crunchier and healthier. In order to reduce the amount of butter, you have to use a nonstick pan or pot to make caramel syrup mixture.
It is important to add cream of tartar because it helps prevent sugar syrup from crystallizing.
Bake caramel popcorn at 200 F for an hour, every 20 minutes take them from the oven and keep mixing them. Repeat this step a total of 3 times. This can help make caramel corn crispy and crunchy.

FAQs:

How do I pop the best popcorn?

The best is to use an air popcorn machine to make the popcorn because it is so easy, healthier and doesn't require any oil.

How long do you bake the caramel corn?

The best is to bake it at 200 F for an hour. Take it out every 20 minutes to mix it well (total 3 times). This can make sure the caramel covers the popcorns. And, this can help the homemade caramel corn to be crispy and crunchy.

How long does caramel popcorn last?

Homemade caramel popcorn usually can last up to 2 weeks when stored properly. Store in an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting its texture. Also, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Why is my caramel corn so sticky?

If your caramel corn is turning out sticky instead of having the desired crisp and crunchy texture, one of the most common reasons is undercooking the caramel. If the caramel sauce is not heated to a high enough temperature or if it's taken off the heat too early, it may not fully set and harden when it cools. Make sure to reach the appropriate temperature during the caramelization process.

Or, excessive stirring the caramel-coated popcorn during the mixing process can cause the caramel to cool too quickly and become sticky. Remember to mix just enough to coat the popcorn evenly and then allow it to cool undisturbed.

Instructions for how to make homemade caramel popcorn:

corn kernels into the popcorn machine top view

Popping popcorn:

1. Pour ¼ cup of corn kernels into the air popcorn machine as the picture shown.

popcorn popping from the popcorn machine

2. Put the hood, cover the top lid and connect the power. Let the machine run and a couple minutes later popcorn will come out.

3. Using a big bowl to hold the air popped popcorn.

4. Put a piece of parchment paper on the tray. (Big enough to cover the tray.)

popcorn on the tray with a parchment paper

5. After that, put the popped popcorn on the tray and spread them. Then, preheat the oven for 200 F.

Making caramel sauce:

6. Add ¼ cup of butter (4 tablespoons) into a non-stick pan or pot. Then, turn on the fire to medium low. Let the butter melt.

brown sugar and butter in the pan top view

7. Next, add 1 cup of light brown sugar. Mix the butter and brown sugar.

8. The following step, add ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ cup of light corn syrup. Continue to stir it until sugar melts.

9. Then, add ⅛ teaspoon of cream of tartar and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Mix it well.

caramel syrup pour over the popcorn on the tray

Mixing sauce and popcorn:

10. Pour the caramel syrup from step 9 over the popped popcorn on the cookie sheet step 5 and mix it well. (*Be careful and remember this action needs to be quick because they are very hot, sticky and harden faster.)

11. Mix the popcorn and caramel syrup well and make sure every popcorn is coated with caramel syrup.

homemade baked caramel popcorn on the tray top view

Baking caramel corn:

12. When the oven reaches to 200 F, put them into an oven and bake for 1 hour at 200 F. Take it out every 20 minutes and mix it. Total repeat this step for 3 times.

homemade caramel popcorn in the bowl with some popcorn on the sides

Enjoy this healthier, crunchy and crispy homemade caramel popcorn recipe! Also, check out these almond jello, red bean mochi, white rabbit candy ice cream, red bean soup, black glutinous rice dessert, dinner rolls, prime rib roast and crispy noodles recipes.

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