Amish Caramel Corn Recipe
Introduction
Amish Caramel Corn is a sweet and crunchy treat that combines buttery caramel with fresh popcorn. It’s a delightful snack perfect for movie nights or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar. Cook the mixture until it comes to a boil and the sugar dissolves completely, stirring constantly to create a smooth caramel sauce.
- Step 2: Pour the warm caramel evenly over the popped popcorn. Gently toss or stir to coat every piece thoroughly. Spread the coated popcorn on a baking sheet to cool and harden before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla extract to the caramel sauce.
- Use air-popped popcorn for a lighter option and less oil.
- Mix in nuts like pecans or peanuts for added crunch and taste.
Storage
Store the caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to one week. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make the popcorn chewy. To refresh, you can warm it briefly in a low oven to regain crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?
Yes, microwave popcorn can be used, but be sure to choose a plain or lightly salted variety without butter or other flavors to get the best caramel coating.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Focus on cooking the caramel over medium heat and stir constantly. Remove it from heat as soon as it reaches a boil and the sugar dissolves to avoid burning.
PrintAmish Caramel Corn Recipe
This Amish Caramel Corn recipe creates a deliciously sweet and crunchy treat featuring freshly popped popcorn coated in a rich homemade caramel sauce made with butter and brown sugar. Perfect for snacking or gifting, this classic caramel corn combines simple ingredients with an easy-to-follow method for a delightful indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes plus 45-60 minutes baking time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 12 cups of caramel corn 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Popcorn
- 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Popcorn: Pop about 1/2 cup of unpopped kernels using your preferred method (stovetop, air popper, or microwave) to yield approximately 12 cups of popcorn. Remove and discard any unpopped kernels. Place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 cups packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring frequently. Allow it to boil without stirring for 4-5 minutes to develop the caramel consistency.
- Add Baking Soda and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up and lighten in color, creating a smooth, fluffy caramel sauce.
- Coat the Popcorn: Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the prepared popcorn. Using a large spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss and stir to coat all the popcorn evenly with the caramel.
- Bake for Crispness (Optional but Recommended): Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the coated popcorn in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and crispiness.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the caramel corn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break any large clusters apart. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
- The optional baking step helps achieve a crispier caramel corn that’s less sticky.
- You can substitute dark brown sugar for a richer, more molasses flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the popcorn fresh and crunchy.
- For a nutty twist, add 1 cup of roasted peanuts or pecans before coating with caramel sauce.
Keywords: Amish caramel corn, caramel popcorn, sweet popcorn snack, homemade caramel corn, buttery caramel popcorn
