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Caramel Apple Popcorn

Caramel Apple Popcorn
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Caramel Apple Popcorn is a delightful snack combining the rich sweetness of caramel with the crisp freshness of apples, all on a crunchy popcorn base. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or cozy afternoons, this treat offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is easy to make and highly customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 10 cups plain freshly popped popcorn
  • 2 cups fresh apples, chopped into bite-sized pieces (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup (or substitute with maple syrup or honey)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Pop the Corn: Start by popping about 10 cups of plain popcorn using an air popper or stovetop method. Remove any un-popped kernels to prevent unpleasant crunches, then set the popcorn aside in a large, heatproof bowl.
  2. Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 cups of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of light corn syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly, then let it simmer without stirring for 4-5 minutes until it reaches a smooth, thick consistency.
  3. Add Flavor Enhancers: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. The mixture will bubble up slightly, making the caramel lighter and less sticky.
  4. Combine Popcorn and Caramel: Quickly pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn, gently stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat as evenly as possible without crushing the popcorn.
  5. Add Fresh Apples: Fold in 2 cups of chopped fresh apples gently into the caramel-coated popcorn mixture to add a refreshing crunch and tang.
  6. Bake for Crispiness: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the coated popcorn mixture evenly onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break the popcorn into clusters and serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Use freshly popped popcorn for best texture and caramel absorption.
  • Do not skip the baking soda; it lightens the caramel and reduces stickiness.
  • Stir quickly when combining caramel and popcorn to ensure even coating.
  • Bake while the mixture is warm to crisp up the popcorn and help form clusters.
  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a perfect sweet-tart balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caramel Apple Popcorn, caramel popcorn, apple snack, crunchy snack, sweet and tart snack, homemade popcorn, gluten free snack

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/caramel-apple-popcorn/