Caramel Corn (Large Batch)

📜 Collection: UK3 | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Snacks A classic, large-batch recipe for perfectly crisp and crunchy caramel corn. A simple, boiled brown sugar caramel is poured over a roaster full of popcorn and baked low and slow for an addictive, non-sticky finish.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
15 mins1 hourNone16 quarts

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Large roasting pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Long-handled spoon
  • Waxed paper

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
16-20 QuartsPopped CornPopped
2 CupsBrown SugarPacked
2 Sticks (1 Cup)ButterNone
1/2 CupKaro SyrupLight corn syrup
1 TeaspoonSaltNone
1 TeaspoonBaking SodaNone
1 TeaspoonVanillaNone

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F. Place your 16-20 quarts popped corn in a large, ungreased roasting pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups brown sugar, 2 sticks butter, 1/2 cup karo syrup, and 1 teaspoon salt.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a boil, continue to boil for 5 minutes, still stirring constantly.
  3. Remove the sauce from the heat and immediately stir in the 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon vanilla; the mixture will foam up.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

  1. Pour the hot caramel sauce over the popped corn in the roasting pan. Stir well with a long-handled spoon to coat the popcorn as evenly as possible.
  2. Bake for 1 hour, removing the pan from the oven and stirring the popcorn every 15 minutes until the coating is set and crisp.
  3. Pour the hot caramel corn onto waxed paper or a clean countertop to cool completely before breaking apart.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store the cooled caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.


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