Ingredients
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a different flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn
1. Pop the Popcorn: Pop the popcorn using your preferred method (air popper, stovetop, or microwave). Remove any unpopped kernels and place the popcorn in a large bowl.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
2. Add Sugar and Honey: Stir in the brown sugar and honey. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
3. Boil: Allow the mixture to boil for about 4-5 minutes without stirring. It should bubble and thicken slightly.
4. Add Salt and Baking Soda: Remove from heat and carefully stir in the salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
Step 3: Combine Caramel and Popcorn
1. Pour Caramel Over Popcorn: Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir and coat the popcorn evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Caramel Popcorn
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated popcorn onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
1. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the caramel popcorn to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will harden as it cools.
2. Break Apart: Once cooled, break apart any large clumps of popcorn.
3. Serve: Enjoy as a snack or store in an airtight container for later!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20