Amish Caramel Corn

Amish Caramel Corn is a delightful treat that captures the essence of sweet and salty goodness. This recipe brings the rich flavor of caramel together with the light crunch of popcorn, making it a beloved snack for all ages. Whether you are watching a movie, hosting a gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet evening, Amish Caramel Corn adds a touch of warmth and joy.

Why You’ll Love This Amish Caramel Corn

There are many reasons to fall in love with Amish Caramel Corn. Firstly, it combines the satisfying crunch of popcorn with a sweet, buttery caramel coating that is hard to resist. The recipe is simple, requiring only a few ingredients, which means you can whip it up quickly for any occasion. Furthermore, it is a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade treat that rivals store-bought snacks – and you can feel good about sharing it with family and friends.

How to Make Amish Caramel Corn

Ingredients:

1 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
3 tablespoons coconut oil or other high smoke point vegetable oil
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups packed light brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare Mixing Bowl: Grab a very large, heat-proof mixing bowl. You will need the space for popped corn and hot caramel later.
Heat Oil for Popping: Heat 3 tablespoons of coconut oil (or other high smoke point vegetable oil) in a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid over medium-high heat. Test oil temperature by popping 2-3 kernels.
Pop Popcorn: Add 1 cup of unpopped popcorn kernels to the hot oil, cover with lid slightly ajar, and shake frequently until popping slows.
Remove from Heat: Once popping slows, remove the pot from heat immediately to prevent burning.
Prepare Popped Corn: Transfer popped corn to the large mixing bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels. Set aside.
Combine Caramel Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed 3-quart saucepan, combine 1 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups packed light brown sugar, ½ cup light corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon salt.
Melt and Dissolve: Place saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved, creating a smooth mixture.
Boil Caramel to Temperature: Once boiling, stop stirring. Insert a candy thermometer and boil steadily until the mixture reaches precisely 245°F (118°C) – the firm ball stage. This takes about 5-8 minutes.
Add Baking Soda and Vanilla: Immediately remove from heat. Quickly stir in ½ teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture will foam and lighten.
Coat Popcorn with Caramel: Working quickly, pour the hot caramel sauce evenly over the popped popcorn in the large mixing bowl, scraping all caramel from the saucepan.
Stir to Coat Evenly: Using a heat-resistant spoon or spatula, gently fold and stir the popcorn continuously to coat all kernels as evenly as possible. You may divide popcorn to coat if needed.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Spread on Baking Sheets: Divide the coated popcorn evenly between the prepared baking sheets, spreading into a single layer.
Bake and Stir: Bake for 1 hour at 250°F (120°C), stirring and redistributing the caramel corn every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and crispness.
Remove from Oven: After 1 hour of baking, remove the beautifully golden caramel corn from the oven.
Transfer for Cooling: Immediately transfer the hot caramel corn to a large sheet of parchment or wax paper on a countertop, spreading it out to cool.
Cool Completely: Allow the caramel corn to cool completely and undisturbed at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, until hardened and brittle.
Break Apart and Serve: Once completely cool and firm, break the caramel corn into smaller pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. Enjoy!

How to Serve Amish Caramel Corn

Amish Caramel Corn is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it in a large bowl for sharing at parties, or package it in small bags as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. It also makes a wonderful addition to snack tables during game nights or movie marathons. Feel free to sprinkle some sea salt on top for an extra touch of flavor!

How to Store Amish Caramel Corn

To keep your Amish Caramel Corn fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make the caramel corn chewy. If stored correctly, it can last for 1-2 weeks, but it is so delicious you may find it gone long before that!

Tips to Make Amish Caramel Corn Perfect

Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh popcorn kernels and a good quality butter.
Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure to spread the caramel corn in a thin layer on the baking sheets to ensure even cooking.
Be Cautious with Hot Caramel: Caramel can reach very high temperatures, so handle it with care to avoid burns.

Flavor Variations

While classic Amish Caramel Corn is a family favorite, you can try various flavor variations to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:

Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled caramel corn.
Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for an extra crunch.
Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel for a warm spice flavor.

Pro Tips for Success

Candy Thermometer: Use a reliable candy thermometer to achieve the correct caramel temperature; this ensures the right texture.
Don’t Skip the Baking: Baking the caramel corn helps to enhance the flavors and creates that perfect crunch.
Cooling is Key: Allow the caramel corn to cool completely before breaking it apart to ensure it stays crisp.

FAQs About Amish Caramel Corn

Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?

While microwave popcorn is convenient, it may not provide the same texture and flavor as freshly popped popcorn. For the best results, use unpopped kernels and cook them in oil.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Amish Caramel Corn can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 1-2 weeks. It also makes a great gift option during the holidays.

What if my caramel is too hard?

If your caramel turns out too hard, it may have been cooked to a higher temperature than desired. In the future, be sure to monitor the temperature closely using a candy thermometer to avoid this issue.

Final Thoughts

Amish Caramel Corn is a delightful snack that brings smiles and a touch of nostalgia to every occasion. Its simple yet rich flavor makes it a favorite among families, and it is easy to prepare at home. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with flavors, you are sure to create a treat that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to make a batch today and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade caramel corn!