Adding Nuts
While our family prefers caramel corn without nuts, you certainly can add some. You will want to add one cup of almonds, peanuts, or cashews to the popped popcorn in step one. The caramel will coat the nuts and bind it to the popcorn, making it perfect. I think it goes without saying that any great movie night needs to have snacks. One of the greatest movie time snacks is caramel corn! It is far easier to make than you would think, and it is a huge hit with my family. This caramel popcorn is just perfect for making memories.
Brown sugar: You can use dark or light brown sugar, and it is the key ingredient to any caramel sauce. Corn syrup: Light colored corn syrup will work best here. Butter: I like to use unsalted to control the amount of salt flavor, but if you only have salted, that will also work here. Salt: I’m using kosher salt here. If you only have table salt, you will want to start with less and then add more to taste. Baking soda: This reacts with the acid in the brown sugar and creates carbon dioxide, which creates air bubbles inside the caramel. This makes it softer. Vanilla: This creates a subtle and delicious flavor.
You can usually get about 8-10 cups in one bag of microwave popcorn, depending on the brand and your microwave.
How to Pop Popcorn
There are a few great ways to make popcorn for this recipe.
Microwave Popper: I always make mine with this awesome microwave popper. If you use something like this, you’ll need to make it in two batches. Microwave Popcorn: Plain, non-buttered microwave popcorn works great too. As mentioned above, you will need two bags. Air Popper: These work well and don’t use any oil. Stovetop: You can always make popcorn on the stovetop. Just use a heavy bottomed pan with a lid and some vegetable oil.
Storing
Store extra caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Make this recipe Friday afternoon and you will have a delicious family movie night treat all weekend!
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I hope you love this easy homemade caramel corn as much as my family does. If you have questions or comments, please leave me a note below. I love hearing from you.
