Nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly made caramel popcorn wafting through your home. This beloved treat combines the crunch of popcorn with the sweetness of caramel, making it a favorite snack for cozy nights in, movie marathons, or gatherings with friends. If you’re avoiding corn syrup in your diet, fret not, as this homemade caramel popcorn recipe without corn syrup from Three Olives Branch is here to satisfy your cravings. Easy to make and utterly delicious, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your snack lineup.
**Homemade Caramel Popcorn Recipe Without Corn Syrup**
**Ingredients:**
– ½ cup popcorn kernels
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Pop the Popcorn:** Begin by popping the popcorn kernels in a popcorn maker or on the stovetop according to the package instructions. Transfer the popped popcorn to a large mixing bowl, removing any unpopped kernels.
2. **Prepare the Caramel Sauce:** In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to simmer.
3. **Cook the Caramel:** Allow the mixture to simmer without stirring for about 4-5 minutes to achieve a thick caramel consistency.
4. **Flavor the Caramel:** Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt quickly. The caramel will bubble up, and the addition of these ingredients will help flavor and aerate the caramel.
5. **Coat the Popcorn:** Pour the hot caramel sauce over the popped popcorn in the mixing bowl. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss the popcorn, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the caramel sauce.
6. **Bake the Popcorn:** Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to spread it out into an even layer.
7. **Bake and Stir:** Bake the caramel popcorn in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and prevent burning.
8. **Cool and Enjoy:** Once the caramel popcorn is baked to a crisp texture, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Break apart any large clumps before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
Enjoy the delightful crunch and rich flavor of this homemade caramel popcorn without any corn syrup. The combination of buttery caramel and fluffy popcorn will surely delight your taste buds and make every snacking moment a special occasion. Share this treat with family and friends, or keep it all to yourself for those cozy nights curled up on the couch. Happy snacking!
