Delicious Caramel Popcorn Without Corn Syrup is a sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for movie nights, parties, or just a delightful snack at home. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich caramel flavor without the need for corn syrup.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a different flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)

Timing

Making Delicious Caramel Popcorn Without Corn Syrup takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn

1. Pop the Popcorn: Pop the popcorn using your preferred method (air popper, stovetop, or microwave). Remove any unpopped kernels and place the popcorn in a large bowl.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
2. Add Sugar and Honey: Stir in the brown sugar and honey. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
3. Boil: Allow the mixture to boil for about 4-5 minutes without stirring. It should bubble and thicken slightly.
4. Add Salt and Baking Soda: Remove from heat and carefully stir in the salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.

Step 3: Combine Caramel and Popcorn

1. Pour Caramel Over Popcorn: Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir and coat the popcorn evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Caramel Popcorn

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated popcorn onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the caramel popcorn to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will harden as it cools.
2. Break Apart: Once cooled, break apart any large clumps of popcorn.
3. Serve: Enjoy as a snack or store in an airtight container for later!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Delicious Caramel Popcorn Without Corn Syrup (per serving, based on 10 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150
Protein	1g
Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	22g
Sugar	10g

Tips for Customization

• Add Nuts: Mix in some roasted nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Sweeteners: Experiment with different sweeteners like agave syrup or maple syrup for a unique taste.
• Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel for a warm spice flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover caramel popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make the popcorn chewy.

Conclusion

Delicious Caramel Popcorn Without Corn Syrup is a simple and satisfying treat that everyone will love. With its sweet, crunchy coating and easy preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion!

FAQs

Can I make this popcorn ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Can I freeze caramel popcorn?

It’s not recommended to freeze caramel popcorn, as it can lose its crunch. Store it at room temperature instead.