Ah, Harvest Caramel Corn! Just thinking about it brings back the warm, joyful memories of autumn nights spent with family and friends, snuggled under blankets, sharing laughs, and indulging in delicious treats. This caramel corn is a delightful combination of crunchy popcorn and sweet, gooey caramel that’s hard to resist. I first made this recipe for a cozy Halloween gathering, and since then, it’s become my go-to treat for fall festivities.
What makes this recipe so special is not just the delicious flavors, but the nostalgia it brings with it. You can see the smiles on everyone’s faces as they munch away, and trust me, this delightful snack disappears faster than you’d imagine! Plus, who doesn’t love a little extra sweetness topped with candy-coated chocolate? Let’s get popping and dive into the deliciousness of this amazing treat!
What’s in Harvest Caramel Corn?
Popped Popcorn: We need about 10 cups of popped popcorn, which is roughly 1/2 cup of unpopped kernels. The popcorn provides that satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweet caramel.
Unsalted Butter: Oh, the magic of butter! We’ll use 1 cup (that’s 2 sticks) for a rich and creamy caramel flavor. Unsalted is best, as we’ll be adding our own salt.
Brown Sugar: This recipe calls for 2 cups of packed brown sugar, which gives the caramel its deep flavor and that lovely sticky texture. It’s what makes the caramel corn so addictive!
Corn Syrup: A 1/2 cup of corn syrup helps in achieving that ultimate gooey texture. It’s essential for preventing the caramel from crystallizing.
Salt: Just a dash of 1/2 teaspoon salt goes a long way in balancing the sweetness of the caramel.
Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and adds a lovely aroma to our caramel corn. Ah, the scent of vanilla is simply divine!
Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda may seem odd, but when added to the hot caramel, it creates a bubbly reaction that lightens the mixture, helping it coat the popcorn more evenly.
Candy-coated Chocolate Candies: We use 1 cup of colorful candy-coated chocolates (think M&M’s) to add a pop of color and sweetness.
Chocolate Candies: Lastly, we need 1 cup of chocolate candies, like chocolate-covered raisins, for an extra chocolatey crunch. Trust me, you’ll want to indulge in this!
Is Harvest Caramel Corn Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health aspect. This caramel corn recipe, while indulgent and incredibly tasty, is definitely a treat, and moderation is key!
Popcorn: Popcorn is a whole grain and can be a healthy snack if you pop it with minimal butter and salt. It’s high in fiber, which is great for digestion!
Butter and Brown Sugar: However, the unsalted butter and brown sugar do bump up the calorie count. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you might consider reducing the amount of sugar or using a sugar substitute. Just know that it may alter the texture of your caramel.
Candy-Coated Chocolates: While delicious, those candy-coated chocolates add extra sugar and empty calories, so they’re perhaps best enjoyed as a special indulgence rather than a daily snack.
Ingredients:
– 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
– 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
– 2 cups brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup corn syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 cup candy-coated chocolate candies (e.g., M&M’s)
– 1 cup chocolate candies or chocolate-covered candies (e.g., chocolate-covered raisins)
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings of delicious treat!
How to Make Harvest Caramel Corn?
1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a good spray with cooking spray. Trust me; you want to make this step easy for yourself!
2. Pop the popcorn using your favorite method – air-popper or stovetop – and place it in a giant bowl. Make sure to pick out any pesky unpopped kernels!
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir constantly until it comes to a frothy boil. Let it bubble away for 4-5 minutes without stirring. Pro tip: Don’t walk away too far; the sweet smell will have you lingering nearby!
4. Once you’ve got that glorious bubbling caramel, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda – be cautious as it will bubble up and be super frothy!
5. Now it’s time to pour that heavenly caramel over the popcorn! Stir like your life depends on it to coat all the popcorn evenly.
6. Spread the caramel-coated popcorn evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake it in the oven for 1 hour, giving it a stir every 15 minutes to ensure an even coat of caramel goodness.
7. Once the hour is up, take the popcorn out and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Patience is key here!
8. After it’s cooled, mix in the candy-coated chocolates and chocolate candies. This is where the fun begins!
9. Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container. But let’s be honest – this treat hardly lasts!
Sweet Tips and Tasty Twists!
– Consider adding some nuts like pecans or peanuts for an extra crunch and flavor!
– If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with flavored popcorn (like kettle corn) for a unique twist.
– Place your caramel corn in festive bowls when serving or fill cute bags tied with ribbons for gifts. They make great treats for friends or as goodie bags for parties.
I hope you enjoy making and devouring this Harvest Caramel Corn as much as I do! Share it with family, friends, or save it all for yourself (no judgment here!). I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so do drop a comment or snap a picture of your delicious creation! Happy snacking!
