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.