Best Easy Caramel Puff Corn Recipe Without Corn Syrup
Caramel puff corn is a delicious snack that combines the crunch of popcorn with the sweet and sticky caramel coating. While many recipes call for corn syrup to achieve the perfect caramel consistency, there is a simple and equally delicious way to make this treat without it. In this article, we will share the best easy caramel puff corn recipe without corn syrup.
Ingredients:
– 8 cups of puff corn
– 1 cup of unsalted butter
– 1 cup of packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of honey
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the brown sugar, honey, and salt to the melted butter. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for about 4 minutes without stirring.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. Be careful as the mixture will bubble up.
6. Pour the caramel mixture over the puff corn in a large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat the puff corn evenly.
7. Spread the caramel-coated puff corn onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and coating.
9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the caramel puff corn cool completely before breaking it into smaller pieces.
10. Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Now let’s move on to some frequently asked questions about this delicious caramel puff corn recipe:
1. Can I use microwave popcorn instead of puff corn?
Yes, you can substitute microwave popcorn for puff corn in this recipe. Just make sure to remove any unpopped kernels before adding the caramel coating.
2. Can I use salted butter?
While unsalted butter is recommended for this recipe, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce the amount of salt called for in the recipe to adjust for the added saltiness.
3. Can I add nuts or other toppings to the caramel puff corn?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, pretzels, or any other toppings you like to the caramel puff corn before baking. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
4. How long will the caramel puff corn stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, the caramel puff corn will stay fresh for up to two weeks. However, it’s so delicious that it’s unlikely to last that long!
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe to make larger batches of caramel puff corn. Just make sure to use larger baking sheets and adjust the baking time accordingly.
6. Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
While brown sugar adds a rich flavor to the caramel, you can use white sugar if you prefer. Just note that the caramel may have a slightly different flavor and color.
7. Can I freeze the caramel puff corn?
Yes, you can freeze caramel puff corn for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Enjoy this delicious and addictive caramel puff corn without the need for corn syrup. It’s the perfect snack for movie nights, parties, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and crunchy!