Kurt
Culinary Explorer
Perfect for a movie date!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (or 10 cups pre-popped popcorn)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Pop the popcorn using your preferred method and place it in a large bowl. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels.
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, let the mixture cook without stirring for about 4-5 minutes. The caramel should turn a slightly darker shade and reach the soft ball stage (about 235°F/118°C on a candy thermometer).
- Remove the caramel from the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. Be careful as the mixture will bubble up.
- Pour the hot caramel over the popcorn and gently toss to coat the popcorn evenly.
- Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake the popcorn in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
- Once done, remove the caramel popcorn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, the caramel will harden.
- Break the caramel popcorn into pieces and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
I love how simple it is to make, and I can already imagine how deliciously sweet and crunchy it will be. Can't wait to whip up a batch for movie night!
This Easy Caramel Popcorn is perfect for movie night! Thanks for sharing! 
