Caramel Puffcorn Recipe
This Caramel Puffcorn is the perfect holiday treat—super easy to make, and incredibly addictive! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a sweet and crunchy snack that’s perfect for Christmas parties, gift-giving, or just enjoying during cozy evenings. The caramel coating is buttery, rich, and oh-so-sweet, and the puffcorn provides the perfect airy, crisp base.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (5.5 oz) puffcorn (Mike’sell’s or any brand you prefer)
- 1 stick margarine (or butter)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Puffcorn:
- Pour 1 bag of puffcorn into a large bowl and set aside. Make sure the puffcorn is evenly distributed so it’s ready for the caramel sauce.
- Make the Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the margarine (or butter), brown sugar, and corn syrup.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat and let it continue to simmer for 5 minutes without stirring. This allows the caramel to thicken and develop its rich flavor.
- Add Baking Soda and Vanilla:
- After the 5 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat. Add the baking soda and vanilla extract. Stir well; the baking soda will cause the caramel to bubble up a bit, which is perfectly normal.
- Coat the Puffcorn:
- Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the puffcorn in the bowl. Stir the puffcorn gently to coat each piece evenly with the caramel. Make sure the puffcorn is fully covered.
- Bake:
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent the puffcorn from sticking. Pour the coated puffcorn onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake in a 250°F (120°C) preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the caramel evenly coats the puffcorn and crisps up without burning.
- Cool and Store:
- Once the puffcorn is crispy and golden, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Once cooled, break the puffcorn into pieces and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Tips:
- Choice of Puffcorn: If you can’t find Mike’sell’s puffcorn, any puffcorn brand should work, or you can substitute with popped popcorn (though puffcorn gives the best texture).
- Caramel Variations: For an extra rich flavor, feel free to use brown butter instead of regular butter, or add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel twist.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks (if it lasts that long!). You can also freeze it for longer storage if you plan to make it ahead of time for the holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Puffcorn:
- Easy and Quick: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a batch of sweet, crunchy puffcorn ready in about an hour.
- Perfect for Christmas: The rich caramel flavor makes it a perfect holiday snack, whether you’re serving it at a party or giving it as a gift.
- Totally Addicting: Be warned, this stuff is extremely addictive. It’s sweet, crispy, and the caramel melts in your mouth with each bite.
Enjoy this delicious, caramel-coated puffcorn at your next holiday gathering, or make a big batch and keep it on hand for whenever that sweet craving hits!