Introduction
Popcorn lovers rejoice! This delicious caramel popcorn recipe takes classic popcorn to a whole new level. With a rich caramel coating, drizzled chocolate, and crushed biscuits, this treat is perfect for movie nights, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Follow these easy steps to create a delightful snack that is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
½ cup popping corn
¼ cup vegetable oil (not required if air popping with a popcorn maker)
1 cup brown sugar (tightly packed)
½ cup light corn syrup (substitute with glucose if preferred)
100 g (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter
½ teaspoon cooking/kosher salt
½ teaspoon baking soda (bi-carb)
2 teaspoons toffee or caramel essence OR 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¼ cups dark or white chocolate melts or chips (approximately 25% white and 75% dark)
4 plain sweet biscuits (such as Marie Crackers)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Pop the Popcorn:
– Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
– Add a few popcorn kernels and wait until they pop.
– Remove the popped kernels and add the remaining popcorn kernels.
– Cover the pot with a lid and shake gently once the popping starts.
– Remove from heat when the popping slows down, and transfer the popcorn to a large bowl.
Prepare the Caramel:
– In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
– Add the brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir until just combined.
– Once the mixture starts to bubble, let it simmer for 4 minutes without stirring.
– Remove from heat and quickly whisk in the toffee or caramel essence (or vanilla extract) and baking soda. The mixture will foam and increase in volume.
Coat the Popcorn:
– Immediately pour the foamy caramel over the popped popcorn.
– Toss to coat the popcorn evenly until the caramel cools and starts to harden.
Bake the Caramel Popcorn:
– Preheat the oven to 110°C (230°F).
– Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
– Bake for 45 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes.
– If using glucose instead of corn syrup, bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Cool and Break Apart:
– Remove the tray from the oven and let the popcorn cool for 20 minutes until the caramel hardens.
– Break the popcorn into pieces.
Add Chocolate and Biscuit Crumbs:
– Melt the chocolate melts or chips.
– Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel popcorn.
– Crush the plain sweet biscuits into crumbs and sprinkle over the chocolate-drizzled popcorn.
– Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Notes
Popping Method:
– Air popping is an alternative method that eliminates the need for vegetable oil.
Caramel Storage:
– Store the finished caramel popcorn in an airtight container to maintain its crispness.
Customizing Flavors:
– Experiment with different essences for unique flavor profiles.
Chocolate Options:
– Mix dark and white chocolate for a visually appealing treat.
Cook techniques
Pop the Popcorn
Heating vegetable oil allows the popcorn kernels to pop effectively. Use a large pot and shake gently to ensure even popping.
Prepare the Caramel
Melt unsalted butter and mix it with brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Let it simmer without stirring to achieve the right caramel consistency.
Coat the Popcorn
Pour the hot caramel over the popcorn immediately and toss to coat thoroughly. The cooling caramel creates a delicious crunch.
Bake the Caramel Popcorn
Baking at a low temperature helps to set the caramel on the popcorn, making it crispier. Remember to toss every 10 minutes for even baking.
Cool and Break Apart
Allowing the popcorn to cool completely ensures the caramel hardens properly and makes it easier to break into pieces.
Add Chocolate and Biscuit Crumbs
Drizzling melted chocolate adds flavor and richness, while the biscuit crumbs provide an extra layer of texture and taste.
FAQ
Can I use an air popper for the popcorn?
Yes, you can skip the vegetable oil if using an air popper to pop the popcorn.
Can I substitute brown sugar?
If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use white sugar, but the flavor and color will be different.
What can I use instead of light corn syrup?
Glucose syrup is an excellent substitute for light corn syrup in this recipe.
How do I know when the caramel is ready?
The caramel is ready when it starts to bubble and simmers for about four minutes without stirring.
How can I make the popcorn spicier?
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the popcorn before coating it with caramel.
Conclusion
This caramel popcorn recipe is a delightful treat that combines the warm, rich flavors of caramel with the satisfying crunch of popcorn. The addition of chocolate and biscuit crumbs elevates it to a new level of indulgence, making it perfect for movie nights or special occasions. Enjoy the process of making this sweet snack, and delight in sharing it with friends and family.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Combine salty and sweet by dipping pretzel rods in melted chocolate and sprinkling with crushed nuts or colored sprinkles.
Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn
Toss freshly popped popcorn with melted butter, followed by a blend of cinnamon and sugar for a cozy, sweet flavor.
Peanut Butter Caramel Rice Crispy Treats
Make a classic rice crispy treat even more indulgent by drizzling them with a layer of warm peanut butter caramel sauce.
Maple Pecan Granola Clusters
Mix oats, pecans, and maple syrup, bake until golden, and enjoy a crunchy snack that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
White Chocolate Raspberry Bark
Melt white chocolate and swirl in raspberry puree, then let it set for a deliciously fruity treat.
Nutty Banana Chips
Deep fry or bake banana slices until crispy, then toss them with chopped nuts and a drizzle of honey for a sweet, crunchy snack.
