Harvest Caramel Corn is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy, making it an ideal snack for fall gatherings. Freshly popped popcorn is coated in a homemade caramel sauce and then mixed with festive candies like Rolos and M&M's in autumn colors. The result is a treat that is both satisfying and visually appealing. Make it for movie nights, Halloween parties, or to share with friends and family during the holiday season. It’s easy to make and a hit with both kids and adults!
This Harvest Caramel Corn is a deliciously sweet and salty snack, perfect for fall celebrations. It features freshly popped popcorn coated in rich caramel and is mixed with festive candies for a fun and tasty treat.
INGREDIENTS
- Popped Popcorn: 10 cups, freshly popped and salted to taste.
- Sweet Cream Salted Butter: 1 cup, adds a rich, buttery flavor to the caramel.
- Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup, provides the sweetness and helps create the caramel coating.
- Vanilla: 2 teaspoons, enhances the caramel flavor.
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon, helps aerate the caramel for a lighter texture.
- Mini Rolos or Regular Rolos: Add these chocolate-caramel candies for a delightful texture and taste contrast.
- M&M Candy: Brown, yellow, red, and orange colors, for a festive fall look.
- Pretzel M&M's: Brown, yellow, red, and orange, for a sweet and salty crunch.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Pop 10 cups of popcorn using your preferred method (stovetop, air-popped, or microwave). Remove any un-popped kernels to prevent unwanted crunch.
- Step 2:
- Salt the popped popcorn generously for a balanced sweet and salty flavor. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 3:
- Melt 1 cup of sweet cream salted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 1 cup of light brown sugar and stir until fully combined.
- Step 4:
- Stirring continuously, bring the mixture to a low boil. Let it cook for 4 minutes without stirring to develop the caramel.
- Step 5:
- After 4 minutes, remove the caramel mixture from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and stir until the mixture foams and lightens in color.
- Step 6:
- Gradually pour the caramel mixture over the salted popcorn, stirring between each addition to ensure the popcorn is evenly coated.
- Step 7:
- Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil or a Silpat liner. Let it cool for a few minutes.
- Step 8:
- Once cooled, sprinkle the caramel corn with Mini Rolos, regular Rolos, M&M's, and Pretzel M&M's for a festive and delicious finish.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week for a tasty fall snack anytime.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve Harvest Caramel Corn in a large bowl or in individual cups for easy snacking at parties or gatherings.
- For a fun presentation, package it in small treat bags tied with ribbon for a perfect party favor or holiday gift.
- Store leftover caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain its freshness and crunch.
- If you prefer a warmer treat, reheat the caramel corn in the oven at 250°F for about 10 minutes.
Helpful Notes
- Be sure to stir the caramel mixture constantly while melting the butter and sugar to prevent burning.
- Adding the baking soda at the end helps aerate the caramel, making it easier to coat the popcorn evenly.
- For a nutty twist, try adding a handful of roasted peanuts or almonds to the mix.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Alton Brown suggests using a candy thermometer to ensure the caramel reaches the right temperature for perfect consistency.
- Chef Ina Garten recommends using high-quality butter for a richer caramel flavor.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- The combination of buttery caramel, crispy popcorn, and chocolate candies makes for an irresistible treat.
- It's easy to make in large batches, making it perfect for sharing during the fall season.
- Customizable with your favorite candies and add-ins for a personal touch.
VARIATIONS
- Swap out Rolos for other caramel candies like Werther's Soft Caramels for a different twist.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra salty-sweet combination.
- For a spiced version, mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon with the caramel for a warm fall flavor.