The Best Gourmet Caramel Popcorn
I've never really been a huge fan of popcorn, mostly because it gets stuck in my teeth (LOL). But as a child, it was a super special treat. I enjoyed visiting my pastor and his wife at their home. She always made delicious popcorn and pineapple punch on the stove before we played an intense Bible trivia game. Those memories are true treasures to me, so I wanted to bring some of my childhood to my kids. This recipe is tasty, easy to make, and perfect for Fall. I take that super delicious buttery popcorn base and add a caramel sauce for sweetness. I'm here to show you how to make The Best Gourmet Caramel Popcorn at home!
Equipment
- 1 large heavy bottomed pot with lid
- 1 medium sauce pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2 sticks of salted butter
- 1 cup yellow corn kernels Makes about 10 cups of popped popcorn
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 Tablespoons of vegetable oil substitute coconut oil for a healthier option and a contrast of flavor
- 1/2 Teaspoon baking soda
- 1 Teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
Instructions
- First, pour the vegetable oil into the large pot and heat it medium-high.
- Second, place one corn kernel into the pot and cover it with a lid. This is the "test" kernel. Once this test kernel has popped, take it out and then pour the cup of corn kernels into the pot.
- Third, after pouring the corn kernels into the large pot and placing the lid on it, give the pot a good shake to spread the kernels into a single layer on the bottom of the pot.
- Next, wait for the kernels to start popping vigorously, and then place the lid slightly to the side to let the steam escape the pot.
- Then, shake the pot occasionally to ensure that no kernels get stuck on the bottom and burn.
- Whenever the popcorn has almost stopped popping, take it off the heat.
- Pour the warm popcorn on a large surface lined with parchment paper.
- Then, salt the popcorn and then go through it, making sure to remove all the kernels that didn't pop. You don't want anyone biting into a hard kernel unexpectedly and breaking a tooth.
Making the caramel:
- First, place the 2 sticks of butter into the pot and melt it on medium heat.
- Second, add the brown sugar and whisk well. You need to whisk the butter and sugar until they are completely combined. You will know this has happened when there is no more separation between the two. In other words, if you can still see a layer of butter sitting on top of the brown sugar, it must be whisked more.
- Third, increase the heat to medium-high. Once the butter and sugar mixture starts bubbling, set a timer for 4 minutes, and don't stir anymore.
- Next, add the almond or vanilla extract, whisk to combine, and set a timer for 1 minute.
- Then, add the baking soda and whisk one final time.
- Now, you can pour this hot caramel sauce on the popcorn.
- Use tongs or a spatula to stir the popcorn until all of it is coated in caramel. (Once the mixture has cooled slightly, I use my hands. But be careful; you certainly don't want to burn yourself.
- Finally, enjoy this deliciously sweet and salty treat with your friends and family!