Description
An authentic Amish caramel corn recipe that delivers rich, buttery caramel coating over crispy popcorn. Oven-baked to perfection with optional cayenne for a modern twist, this sweet and crunchy treat is America’s new favorite snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 7 quarts plain popped corn (two 3.5 oz bags plain microwave popcorn)
- 2 cups slivered almonds (or cashews, macadamia nuts, or pecans)
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Dash cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Pop 7 quarts plain popcorn and divide into 2 greased baking pans. Sprinkle nuts evenly over popcorn.
- Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C).
- In saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Stir and bring to boil. Cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat; stir in baking soda, vanilla, and optional cayenne. Mixture will foam.
- Pour hot caramel over popcorn and nuts. Stir gently to coat.
- Bake 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for even coating.
- Spread on waxed paper to cool completely before storing or serving.
Notes
Cool caramel corn completely before storage to prevent sogginess. Stir every 15 minutes while baking for best crunch and coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Amish caramel corn, caramel popcorn, homemade caramel corn, sweet and crunchy snack, holiday treat