Caramel Popcorn Dessert Bars are a deliciously sweet and crunchy treat that combines buttery popcorn with a rich caramel layer, all set atop a cookie crust. These bars are perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a delightful snack!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Caramel Popcorn Topping:

• 6 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Timing

Making Caramel Popcorn Dessert Bars takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking, plus cooling time.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Crust

1. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Add the flour, salt, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Press into Baking Dish: Press the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Popcorn

1. Pop the Popcorn: If using unpopped kernels, pop the popcorn using your preferred method. Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl.
2. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil without stirring for 4-5 minutes.
3. Add Baking Soda and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up.
4. Combine with Popcorn: Pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn and gently mix until all the popcorn is coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Spread on Cookie Crust: Pour the caramel popcorn mixture over the baked cookie crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake Again: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes to set the caramel.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the baking dish.
2. Cut into Bars: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper (if used) and cut into squares or rectangles.
3. Enjoy: Serve as a sweet treat for any occasion!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Caramel Popcorn Dessert Bars (per bar, based on 16 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Bar
Calories	180
Protein	1g
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	12g

Tips for Customization

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavored popcorn, such as cheese or caramel popcorn, for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Caramel Popcorn Dessert Bars are a delightful combination of sweet and crunchy, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!