Description
Sinful caramel popcorn from Paula Deen promises pure southern comfort in each crunchy handful. Buttery kernels draped in golden caramel create an irresistible snack you’ll savor down to the last delectable morsel.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 quarts popped popcorn
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
Syrup and Seasoning:
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Craft a rich caramel base by melting butter, brown sugar, salt, and light corn syrup together in a medium saucepan over medium heat, allowing the mixture to reach a rolling boil without disturbing its surface for approximately 5 minutes.
- Immediately remove the caramel from heat and vigorously incorporate baking soda, which will cause the mixture to transform into a voluminous, airy texture with delightful foam-like characteristics.
- Transfer the freshly popped 8 quarts (7.6 liters) of popcorn into a spacious roasting pan, then thoroughly drench the kernels with the molten caramel, ensuring each piece receives an even, luxurious coating.
- Warm the oven to a gentle 200°F (93°C), positioning the caramel-coated popcorn inside for one hour, interrupting the baking process every 15 minutes to redistribute the kernels and promote uniform caramelization.
- Once removed from the oven, carefully spread the caramel popcorn across waxed paper, allowing it to cool and solidify completely before gently separating any substantial clusters, preparing the treat for delectable consumption.
Notes
- Crispy kernels develop maximum crunch when stirred consistently during the caramel coating process.
- Homemade popping methods like air-popper or stovetop yield the cleanest base for caramel treatment.
- Moisture-free popcorn prevents soggy texture and ensures optimal caramel adherence.
- Container selection matters – choose airtight options to maintain crispness and prevent staleness.
- Freshness peaks within first three days, so plan consumption accordingly for best flavor experience.
- Room temperature storage protects delicate caramel coating from melting or becoming overly sticky.
- Gentle handling prevents kernel breakage and preserves the intricate caramel layer.
- White or yellow popcorn kernels both work perfectly for this sweet and crunchy treat.
- Avoid pre-buttered or salted varieties to control final flavor profile and caramel integration.
- Patience during cooling allows caramel to set properly, creating that signature hard crack texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 257
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg