Name: Craving a Sweet and Crunchy Snack? Try Amish Caramel Corn!
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 cups brown sugar; 1 cup butter; 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 7 quarts plain popped corn or microwave popcorn; 2 cups nuts (peanuts, slivered almonds, cashews, or pecans)

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As a lover of all things sweet, I have always been a fan of caramel corn. However, it wasn’t until I tried Amish caramel corn that I realized what I had been missing. This delicious treat is made with simple ingredients, yet it packs a flavorful punch that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Craving a Sweet and Crunchy Snack? Try Amish Caramel Corn!

Amish caramel corn is the perfect snack for any occasion and I’m sure you find this is the best caramel corn recipe ever! Whether you’re looking for a midday treat or a snack to enjoy during movie night, this tasty treat is sure to hit the spot. It’s also a great option for gift-giving, as it’s easy to make in large batches and can be packaged in cute jars or bags for a thoughtful and delicious present.

Is Amish caramel corn the same as caramel popcorn?

Yes, caramel corn and caramel popcorn are essentially the same thing. They both refer to popcorn that has been coated with a sweet, sticky caramel sauce. The terms “caramel corn” and “caramel popcorn” are often used interchangeably, and the recipes and preparation methods are usually very similar. The only difference may be in the specific ingredients or flavorings used in the caramel sauce, depending on the recipe.

Ingredients

When it comes to making caramel corn, you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients. Most of the ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here are the main ingredients you’ll need for making this old-fashioned caramel corn recipe:

Popcorn

The star of the show is, of course, popcorn! You can use plain, air-popped popcorn or microwave popcorn. Just make sure it’s plain and unsalted.

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Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is the key to making the caramel coating for the popcorn. It adds a rich, molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with salty popcorn.

Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is used to help bind the caramel coating together and give it a smooth texture. You can use light or dark corn syrup, but light corn syrup is more commonly used.

Salt

A pinch of salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the caramel coating and brings out the flavor of the popcorn.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is added to the caramel coating to help it puff up and become light and airy. This gives the caramel corn its signature texture.

Butter

Butter is used to add richness and flavor to the caramel coating. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is added to the caramel coating to give it a subtle, sweet flavor. You can also use other flavorings like maple syrup or cinnamon to add a unique twist.

With these simple ingredients, you can make delicious caramel corn that will have everyone coming back for more!

Making the Caramel Sauce

Making caramel sauce for caramel corn is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients and some patience. Here are the steps:

Boiling the Sauce

To make the caramel sauce, start by melting butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until it comes to a boil, and then let it boil for about 5 minutes. During this time, the mixture will become foamy and may rise in the pan, so it’s important to keep stirring and use a large enough saucepan.

Adding the Nuts

Once the sauce has boiled for 5 minutes, remove it from the heat and add in the nuts of my choice. Some popular options include peanuts, slivered almonds, cashews, and pecans. Mix the nuts into the sauce until they are evenly coated. If you want to make this caramel popcorn with peanuts recipe extra tasty, I would suggest having an assortment of nuts instead of just one kind.

Baking the Corn

To prepare the popcorn, preheat the oven to 250°F and grease two baking pans, such as roasting pans or jelly roll pans. Spread the plain popped corn or microwave popcorn over the pans, making sure to remove any unpopped kernels. Then, pour the caramel sauce and nut mixture over the popcorn, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake the popcorn in the oven for about an hour, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent clumps and to ensure that the popcorn is evenly coated.

Cooling and Storing the Corn

Once the popcorn is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the countertop. Store the caramel corn in an airtight container lined with waxed paper to prevent sticking. It can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.

Variations and Additions

There are many ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Some possible variations and additions include:

Adding cinnamon or vanilla extract to the caramel sauce for extra flavor.
Using different types of nuts or a combination of nuts.

Adding M&Ms, chocolate chips, or other candies to the popcorn for a sweet and salty treat.

Uses and Gift Ideas

Caramel corn is a delicious and versatile snack that can be enjoyed on its own or used in other recipes. Some possible uses and gift ideas include:

Serving it as a dessert at a fall or Christmas party.

Adding it to a trail mix or granola mix for a crunchy and sweet snack.
Using it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Putting it in a decorative jar or bag and giving it as a gift.

Why is my caramel corn not crunchy?

If your caramel corn is not crunchy, it could be due to a few reasons:

Underbaking: If the caramel corn is not baked long enough, it may not have enough time to dry out and become crisp. Try baking it for a few extra minutes in the oven.
Overcrowding: If the popcorn is too crowded on the baking sheet, it may not bake evenly and become soggy. Make sure to spread the popcorn out in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Too much moisture: If the caramel sauce has too much moisture, it can prevent the popcorn from becoming crunchy. Make sure to boil the caramel sauce for the full 5 minutes and stir it constantly to remove excess moisture.
Storing improperly: If the caramel corn is stored in a container with a tight-fitting lid, it can trap moisture and make the popcorn soft. Store the caramel corn in an airtight container lined with wax paper to prevent sticking, but make sure there is some airflow to prevent moisture buildup.

By addressing these issues, you can help ensure that your caramel corn turns out crunchy and delicious.

Why is my homemade caramel corn chewy?

If your homemade caramel corn is chewy instead of crunchy, it could be due to a few reasons:

Undercooking the caramel sauce: If the caramel sauce is not cooked long enough, it may not reach the proper temperature and consistency needed to harden and become crunchy. Make sure to boil the caramel sauce for the full 5 minutes to ensure it is cooked properly.
Overcooking the caramel sauce: On the other hand, if the caramel sauce is cooked for too long, it may become too hard and sticky, resulting in chewy caramel corn. Try reducing the cooking time slightly and stirring the mixture constantly to prevent it from burning.

Adding too much moisture: If the caramel sauce has too much moisture or if the popcorn is not completely dry before adding the sauce, it can make the popcorn chewy instead of crunchy. Make sure to dry the popcorn completely before adding the caramel sauce, and boil the sauce for the full 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Storing improperly: If the caramel corn is stored in a container with a tight-fitting lid, it can trap moisture and make the popcorn soft and chewy. Store the caramel corn in an airtight container lined with wax paper to prevent sticking, but make sure there is some airflow to prevent moisture buildup.

By addressing these issues, you can help ensure that your homemade caramel corn turns out crunchy and delicious.