Easy Caramel Corn Recipe Without Baking Soda
Who doesn't love caramel corn? This crunchy, sweet, and salty snack is always a crowd-pleaser, but did you know that you can make it at home without baking soda? That's right, you don't need any special ingredients to make a delicious batch of homemade caramel corn. In this article, we'll show you an easy caramel corn recipe that doesn't require baking soda, so you can enjoy this yummy treat anytime you want.
Ingredients
- 1 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Start by popping the popcorn. You can use an air-popper, stovetop popcorn maker, or microwave popcorn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Next, preheat your oven to 250°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt, and stir until everything is well combined.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture will thicken and turn a caramel color.
5. Remove the caramel from the heat and pour it over the popped popcorn. Use a spatula to gently toss the popcorn until it is evenly coated with the caramel.
6. Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
7. Bake the caramel corn in the oven for 40-50 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure that it cooks evenly.
8. Once the caramel corn is a deep golden color and crunchy, remove it from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet.
9. Break the caramel corn into small pieces and serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh popcorn kernels for the best results. Stale popcorn won't pop as well and can result in tough, chewy caramel corn.
- Be sure to stir the caramel mixture constantly while it's boiling to prevent it from burning.
- Don't skip stirring the caramel corn every 10 minutes while it's baking. This helps prevent clumps and ensures even cooking.
- If you prefer a more savory caramel corn, you can omit the salt from the recipe.
Conclusion
This easy caramel corn recipe without baking soda is a delicious treat that's perfect for movie nights, parties, or just snacking on throughout the day. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can make your own homemade caramel corn that's just as good as the store-bought version. Give it a try and see how easy and delicious it can be!