Description
A sweet, crunchy treat that combines the rich caramel goodness of classic popcorn with the tangy sweetness of apple cider—perfect for cozy fall evenings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into chunks
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed firmly
- ⅓ cup apple cider
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: chopped pecans, walnuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add ½ cup of popcorn kernels, cover, and shake occasionally until the popping slows down. This should yield about 10 cups of popcorn. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar, ⅓ cup of apple cider, and ¼ cup of corn syrup. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Let the caramel boil for 5 minutes without stirring. The mixture should thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. The caramel will foam slightly—this is normal.
- Place your popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Pour the caramel sauce over it, and use a wooden spoon to gently toss until all the popcorn is coated.
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
- Remove the caramel corn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into clusters and enjoy!
Notes
[‘Use fresh popcorn for the best texture.’, ‘Don’t skip the baking soda—it ensures light and crunchy caramel.’, ‘Stir every 15 minutes while baking for even coating.’, ‘Boil the caramel for exactly 5 minutes to avoid a hard texture.’, ‘Add cinnamon or nutmeg for extra fall flavor.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Apple Cider, Caramel Corn, Fall Snack, Homemade Gift, Popcorn Recipe