Description
Paula Deen’s caramel popcorn melds sweet and salty flavors in a classic Southern treat. Crisp kernels coat with rich caramel, creating an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 quarts (7.6 liters) popped popcorn
- 1 cup (227 g) butter
- 2 cups (440 g) packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Caramel Preparation: Meld butter, brown sugar, salt, and light corn syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat, allowing the mixture to bubble vigorously for 5 minutes without stirring.
- Transformation Stage: Abruptly remove caramel from heat and whisk in baking soda, creating a voluminous, foamy concoction that expands dramatically.
- Coating Process: Pour freshly popped popcorn into a spacious roasting pan, then lavishly drench kernels with molten caramel, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage.
- Caramelization Technique: Preheat oven to 200°F, positioning caramel-coated popcorn inside for one hour. Periodically interrupt baking every 15 minutes to toss and redistribute kernels, promoting even caramelization and preventing burning.
- Cooling and Finishing: Carefully spread caramelized popcorn across waxed paper, allowing complete cooling and crystallization. Gently separate any substantial clusters, rendering the treat ready for indulgent snacking.
Notes
- Prevent Burning: Carefully monitor caramel mixture during boiling to avoid scorching, which can quickly ruin the entire batch’s flavor and texture.
- Baking Soda Magic: Whisk baking soda vigorously and immediately after removing from heat to create a light, airy caramel that coats popcorn evenly and adds signature crunch.
- Even Coating Technique: Stir popcorn thoroughly during baking to ensure each kernel receives consistent caramel coverage and develops a crispy, golden-brown finish.
- Cooling Crucial Step: Allow popcorn to cool completely on waxed paper before breaking apart to maintain optimal crispness and prevent sticky clumping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 452
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 196 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 61 mg