Description
This authentic Amish caramel corn recipe transforms simple popcorn into golden, crispy perfection with a rich caramel coating. A balance of sweet, crunchy, and nutty flavors creates a legendary snack that surpasses store-bought caramel corn.
Ingredients
Scale
- 7 quarts plain popped corn (two 3.5 oz bags plain microwave popcorn)
- 2 cups slivered almonds (or peanuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, or pecans)
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Dash cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Pop 7 quarts plain popcorn and divide evenly between two greased shallow baking pans. Sprinkle nuts evenly over popcorn.
- Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C).
- In saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Bring to boil and cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda, vanilla, and optional cayenne. Mixture will foam slightly.
- Pour hot caramel mixture over popcorn and nuts. Stir gently to coat.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes for even coating.
- Spread caramel corn on waxed paper to cool completely before storing.
Notes
Use unsalted, unbuttered popcorn for best results. Stir every 15 minutes while baking to prevent clumping and ensure even caramel distribution.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Amish caramel corn, homemade caramel popcorn, sweet crunchy snack, holiday caramel corn, classic Amish recipes