Are you looking for an easy-to-make, delicious caramel popcorn recipe that will wow your friends and family?
Look no further than Brenda Gantt’s Caramel Popcorn Recipe! This decadent, crunchy treat is sure to become a favorite at your next get-together.
Not only is it easy to make, but it also tastes amazing. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can have this delicious snack ready in no time!
What is Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn Recipe?
Brenda Gantt is a YouTube cooking personality. Her one of the popular items is Brenda Gantt’s Caramel Popcorn Recipe.
It is a delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe uses just four simple ingredients and takes just a few minutes to make.
The result is a crunchy, sweet treat that everyone will love. The ingredients in this recipe include popcorn, butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. All of these ingredients combine to create a delicious, caramel-flavored popcorn that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love this Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn Recipe?
There are many reasons why you’ll love Brenda Gantt’s Caramel Popcorn Recipe. First, it’s incredibly easy to make.
All you need is four simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time. It’s also the perfect snack for any occasion, from movie night to a family get-together.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover popcorn you may have. Finally, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone. It’s sweet, crunchy, and completely irresistible.
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The Ingredients
European-style cultured unsalted butter: This type of butter adds richness and a distinct flavor to the caramel sauce. The cultured aspect might enhance the depth of flavor due to the fermentation process used in making this butter.
Golden light corn syrup: Corn syrup is used to prevent sugar crystallization, resulting in a smoother caramel sauce. It also adds sweetness and helps achieve the desired consistency in the caramel.
Locally sourced unpopped butterfly popcorn kernels: These popcorn kernels are specifically chosen for their ability to pop into larger, more butterfly-shaped pieces, ideal for coating with the caramel sauce. They create a satisfying crunch and surface area for the caramel to adhere to.
Organic dark brown cane sugar: Brown sugar contributes to the rich caramel flavor and adds depth with its molasses content. It also aids in achieving the desired caramel color.
Aluminum-free baking soda: Baking soda is used to create air bubbles in the caramel, resulting in a lighter and more tender texture. It also helps to balance the acidity in the caramel mixture.
Madagascar Bourbon pure vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the caramel. The use of Madagascar Bourbon vanilla specifically might lend floral and fruity notes to the caramel.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Line a large roasting pan or baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick silicone baking mat. Set it aside.
- Pop the popcorn kernels using your preferred method, such as an air popper or stovetop method in a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Ensure to remove any unpopped kernels.
- Place the popped popcorn in the prepared pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine dark brown cane sugar, unsalted butter, golden light corn syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
Step 3: Cook the Caramel
- Once the mixture is smooth and well combined, bring it to a boil.
- Avoid stirring once it starts boiling.
- Let the mixture boil for about 4-5 minutes or until it reaches the soft ball stage on a candy thermometer (approximately 235-240°F or 113-116°C).
- If a candy thermometer isn’t available, drop a small amount of the mixture into a bowl of cold water; it should form a soft, pliable ball when it’s ready.
Step 4: Add Baking Soda
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up.
Step 5: Coat the Popcorn
- Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the popped popcorn in the prepared pan.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly with the caramel.
Step 6: Bake the Caramel Popcorn
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
- Stir the popcorn every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
Step 7: Cool and Break Apart
- Once baked, remove the caramel popcorn from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
- As it cools, it will harden into crunchy clusters.
- Break apart any large clusters into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Step 8: Storage
- Store the cooled caramel popcorn in an airtight container or resealable bags to maintain its freshness.
Notes
• For best results, use freshly-popped popcorn.
• Make sure to spread the popcorn out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
• Be sure to stir the popcorn every 15 minutes to ensure even baking.
• Use a wooden spoon to stir the popcorn for best results.
• If desired, you can add a pinch of salt to the popcorn for extra flavor.
Storage Tips
Once the popcorn has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container for up to one week. To keep the popcorn fresh, store it in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Brenda Gantt’s Caramel Popcorn contains approximately 190 calories, 8.5g fat, 28g carbohydrates, and 2g protein.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve as a snack at your next get-together.
• Sprinkle with chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet and spicy flavor.
• Top with melted chocolate for a delicious treat.
• Use as a topping for ice cream.
• Serve as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
What other substitute can I use in Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn Recipe?
• Coconut oil can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
• Light corn syrup can be used instead of dark corn syrup for a lighter version.
• Maple syrup can be used instead of corn syrup for a naturally sweet flavor.
• Brown sugar can be replaced with white sugar for a less intense flavor.
• Almond butter can be used instead of butter for a nutty flavor.
• Spices and herbs can be added for additional flavor.
Equipment
- Baking
Ingredients
- 1 cup of European-style cultured unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of golden light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon of aluminum-free baking soda
- 2 cups of organic dark brown cane sugar
- 2 cups of locally sourced unpopped butterfly popcorn kernels
- 2 teaspoons of Madagascar Bourbon pure vanilla extrac
Instructions
- STEP 1 -Prepare the Popcorn: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Take a large roasting pan or baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a non-stick silicone baking mat. Set it aside. Pop the popcorn kernels using your preferred method. You can use an air popper or stovetop method with a heavy-bottomed pan. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels. Place the popped popcorn in the prepared pan and set it aside.
- STEP 2 – Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the dark brown cane sugar, unsalted butter, golden light corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
- STEP 3 – Cook the Caramel: Once the mixture is smooth and well combined, bring it to a boil. Avoid stirring once it starts boiling. Let the mixture boil for about 4-5 minutes, or until it reaches the soft ball stage on a candy thermometer (around 235-240°F or 113-116°C). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, drop a small amount of the mixture into a bowl of cold water; it should form a soft, pliable ball when it’s ready.
- STEP 4 – Add Baking Soda: Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda. Be careful as the mixture will bubble up.
- STEP 5 – Coat the Popcorn: Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the popped popcorn in the prepared pan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly with the caramel.
- STEP 6 – Bake the Caramel Popcorn: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and preventing burning.
- STEP 7 – Cool and Break Apart: Once baked, remove the caramel popcorn from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. As it cools, it will harden into crunchy clusters. Break apart any large clusters into smaller pieces. Enjoy your delicious Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn!
- STEP 8 – Storage: Store the cooled caramel popcorn in an airtight container or resealable bags to maintain its freshness.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn last?
A1. Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn will last for up to one week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Q3. Are there any other flavors I can add to this recipe?
A3. Yes, you can add spices and herbs for additional flavor.
Q4. Can I make this recipe with popcorn kernels instead of pre-popped popcorn?
A4. Yes, you can use popcorn kernels instead of pre-popped popcorn. Just be sure to pop the popcorn according to the directions on the package.
Q5. How do I know when the popcorn is done baking?
A5. The popcorn is done baking when it is golden brown and crunchy.
Q6. Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
A6. Yes, you can use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
Q7. Is Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn healthy?
A7. Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn is a healthier alternative to many other snacks. It contains fewer calories, fat, and carbohydrates than many other snacks.
Conclusion
Brenda Gantt’s Caramel Popcorn Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make snack that is perfect for any occasion. With just four simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can have this tasty treat ready in no time.
Whether you’re looking for a snack for movie night or a family get-together, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Get snacking with Brenda Gantt’s Caramel Popcorn Recipe!