Caramel Puff Corn

Caramel Puff Corn is a sweet and crunchy treat made with light and airy puffed corn coated in a rich, buttery caramel sauce. This addictive snack is perfect for holidays, movie nights, or as a homemade gift for friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
• No popcorn hulls or kernels, making it easy to eat
• Perfect for parties, holidays, and gifting
• Stays fresh and crunchy for days
• Addictively delicious with a buttery caramel coating

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) bag of puffed corn (no hulls)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and grease a large roasting pan. Add the puffed corn to the pan and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
3. Once it starts boiling, stop stirring and let it boil for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up.
5. Pour the caramel sauce over the puffed corn and gently stir to coat evenly.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
7. Remove from the oven and spread the caramel puff corn on parchment paper to cool completely.
8. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate for a sweeter twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Add toasted pecans, almonds, or peanuts before baking.
• Festive Mix: Mix in candy-coated chocolates or holiday sprinkles once cooled.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Freezing: Avoid freezing, as it may affect the texture.
• Reheating: Not necessary, but you can refresh in a 250°F oven for a few minutes if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular popcorn instead of puffed corn?

Yes, but puffed corn provides a hull-free, easier-to-eat option with a lighter texture.

2. What is the best way to coat the puffed corn evenly?

Stir the caramel thoroughly through the puffed corn and mix well during baking every 15 minutes.

3. Can I add mix-ins to this recipe?

Absolutely! Nuts, pretzels, or candy pieces can be mixed in after baking.

4. How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly until the caramel reaches a boil. Avoid high heat.

5. Can I make this recipe without corn syrup?

You can substitute honey or maple syrup, but the texture may vary slightly.

6. How do I keep the caramel puff corn from sticking together?

Stir the mixture well during baking and cool completely before storing.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients (especially the puffed corn) are gluten-free.

8. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, but the caramel flavor will be richer and slightly deeper.

9. How long does caramel puff corn stay fresh?

Stored properly, it will stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container.

10. Can I gift caramel puff corn?

Definitely! Package it in decorative bags or tins for a homemade gift that everyone will love.

Conclusion

Caramel Puff Corn is an easy-to-make treat that delivers big on flavor and crunch. Its sweet and buttery caramel coating is sure to please any crowd, making it perfect for parties, holidays, or gifting. Enjoy this irresistible snack and watch it disappear in no time!

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