Looking for a tasty and easy-to-make snack for your next movie night? Look no further than this delicious Homemade Maple Caramel Popcorn recipe! With just a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, you can create a sweet and savory snack perfect for sharing with friends and family. Follow these easy steps to whip up a batch of this irresistible popcorn and enjoy it while watching your favorite films!
Jump to:
What is Maple Caramel Popcorn?
Maple Caramel Popcorn is a sweet and salty snack that combines the buttery goodness of caramel with the rich and complex flavor of maple syrup. Made with popcorn, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, pure maple syrup, and a few other ingredients, this recipe creates a crunchy and addictive treat that's perfect for munching on during movie nights, as a party snack, or just as a delicious indulgence any time of day.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
For the Popcorn:
- Avocado oil: This is a neutral-tasting oil that's high in healthy monounsaturated fats. It pops the popcorn kernels in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Yellow popcorn kernels: You can use any type of popcorn kernels you prefer, or for added convenience, you can use plain microwave popcorn. You'll need about 16 cups of popped popcorn.
For the Maple Caramel:
- Unsalted butter: This is used to make the caramel sauce that coats the popcorn. It adds richness and a creamy texture to the final product.
- Light brown sugar: This sweetens the caramel and adds a subtle molasses flavor. It also helps to give the caramel a slightly chewy texture.
- Corn syrup: This sweetener is commonly used in candy-making and helps prevent sugar crystallization in the caramel sauce.
- Pure maple syrup: This adds a rich and complex flavor to the caramel, with a subtle hint of smokiness. It's important to use pure maple syrup, rather than flavored syrup, for the best flavor.
- Kosher salt: This enhances the caramel's flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
- Baking soda: This is added to the caramel at the end of cooking to create a foaming reaction that makes the caramel lighter and airier.
- Pure vanilla extract: This adds a warm, sweet flavor to the caramel and helps to round out the overall taste of the Maple Caramel Popcorn.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Maple Caramel Popcorn
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Preheat your oven to 250 °F and line two large-rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn and shake the pan to coat the kernels with oil. Cover with a tight-fitting lid. Wait for the popcorn to start popping, then shake the pan gently now and again to keep the kernels moving.
Remove the pan from the heat when the popping slows about 2 seconds apart. Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl, leaving any unpopped kernels behind.
How to Make Maple Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, maple, corn syrup, and salt and stir until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Stirring occasionally, boil the syrup over medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla and mix well. ( The mixture will foam)
Immediately and carefully pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn, tossing gently as you coat well. Spread the Maple Caramel Popcorn into even layers on the prepared pans. Bake the Maple Caramel Popcorn for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely to crisp up. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Avocado oil: To pop the popcorn, you can use neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or vegetable oil.
- Yellow popcorn kernels: You can use white popcorn kernels or another type you prefer.
- Light brown sugar: You can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar, giving the caramel a slightly richer and more molasses-like flavor.
- Corn syrup: You can use honey or agave syrup instead of corn syrup. However, remember that these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the caramel.
- Pure maple syrup: You can use maple-flavored syrup or another type of sweet syrup if you don't have pure maple syrup. However, remember that this will alter the flavor of the caramel.
- Unsalted butter: You can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt called for in the recipe to avoid making the caramel too salty.
- Baking soda: You can omit the baking soda, but the caramel will be slightly denser and chewier.
Variations
- Nutty Maple Caramel Popcorn: Add a cup of chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, or peanuts to the popcorn before tossing it with the maple caramel sauce.
- Chocolate Maple Caramel Popcorn: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled Maple Caramel Popcorn for a decadent and indulgent treat.
- Maple Cinnamon Popcorn: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the maple caramel sauce for a warm and cozy flavor.
- Maple Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the maple caramel sauce for a fall-inspired twist.
How to Serve
- Movie night snack: Serve Maple Caramel Popcorn in a large bowl or container as a perfect snack for a movie night with friends or family.
- Party snack: Set up a table with bowls or bags of Maple Caramel Popcorn for guests to enjoy as a party snack.
- Dessert: Serve Maple Caramel Popcorn as a unique and flavorful dessert option. You can pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Snack on the go: Pack Maple Caramel Popcorn in a resealable bag or container for a sweet and satisfying snack while you're on the go.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Ensure it has cooled completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store it in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Preheat your oven to 250 °F. Spread the popcorn in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake it in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until it's warm and crispy again. Be careful not to overheat it, as it can cause the caramel to burn.
Make-Ahead
Maple Caramel Popcorn can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This makes it a great snack for a party or movie night. Once the popcorn has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store it in a cool, dry place. When you're ready to serve, reheat it in the oven or microwave as described above. The popcorn may lose some crispiness over time, but it will still be delicious and flavorful.
Tips for Making The Best Maple Caramel Popcorn
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh popcorn kernels, pure maple syrup, and unsalted butter to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Coat the popcorn evenly: When tossing it with the maple caramel sauce, coat it as evenly as possible to ensure each kernel is coated with the delicious sauce.
- Use a large pot: Use a large pot to pop the popcorn to ensure enough room for the kernels to expand.
- Keep an eye on the caramel: When making it, stir it occasionally to prevent it from burning.
- Use parchment paper: Line the baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the popcorn from sticking to the pan.
- Let the popcorn cool completely: Let the Maple Caramel Popcorn cool completely before serving to allow it to crisp up.
- Add toppings: If desired, add toppings such as nuts, chocolate chips, or candy to the Maple Caramel Popcorn for extra flavor and texture.
FAQ
Can I use microwave popcorn instead of popping my kernels?
While you can use microwave popcorn, it won't give you the same fresh taste and texture as popping your kernels. Additionally, pre-packaged microwave popcorn often contains added oils and artificial flavors that may affect the final product's taste.
Can I make the Maple Caramel Popcorn without corn syrup?
You can substitute corn syrup with honey or agave syrup, but it may slightly affect the texture and taste of the caramel.
How can I prevent the popcorn from becoming chewy?
Ensure the popcorn is cooled completely before storing it in an airtight container. If the popcorn is stored while it's still warm, it can become chewy and lose its crispiness.
Can I make Maple Caramel Popcorn in a different flavor?
You can customize the Maple Caramel Popcorn by adding spices or extracts, such as cinnamon or almond extract, to the caramel sauce.
Can I use a different type of oil for popping the popcorn?
You can use a different neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, to pop the popcorn. However, remember that using a different type of oil may affect the taste and texture of the popcorn.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter, but be sure to adjust the amount of salt called for in the recipe to avoid making the caramel too salty.
How long does it take for the popcorn to cool completely?
The popcorn typically takes 30-45 minutes to cool completely to room temperature. However, it's important to ensure it's completely cooled before storing it in an airtight container, or the popcorn may become chewy.
How can I keep the Maple Caramel Popcorn from sticking together?
After cooling the popcorn completely, toss it gently to separate any clumps before storing it in an airtight container. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch or powdered sugar to the popcorn to help prevent sticking.
How can I prevent the popcorn from getting soggy?
Store the Maple Caramel Popcorn in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in a humid or moist environment, as this can cause the popcorn to become soggy. Also, avoid reheating the popcorn in the microwave for too long, as this can also make the popcorn soggy.
Related Recipes:
- Cocido Quemado.
- Delicious Vanilla Custard
- Perfect Red Velvet Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
- Perfect Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- The Best Pionono | Dulce De Leche Cake Roll
Recipe
Easy Maple Caramel Popcorn
Ingredients
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- ⅔ cup yellow popcorn kernels
For the Maple Caramel:
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup light or dark corn syrup
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250 °F and line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn and shake the pan to coat the kernels with oil. Cover with a tight-fitting lid. Wait for the popcorn to start popping, then shake the pan gently now and again to keep the kernels moving.
- When the popping slows to about 2 seconds apart, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl, making sure to leave any unpopped kernels behind.
How to Make Maple Caramel
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, corn syrup, and salt and stir until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Stirring occasionally, boil the syrup over medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla and mix well. ( The mixture will foam)
- Immediately and carefully pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn in addition, tossing gently as you go to coat well. Spread the Maple Caramel Popcorn into even layers on the prepared pans. Bake the Maple Caramel Popcorn for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely to crisp up. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Enjoy!
Notes
- To store: Maple Caramel Popcorn, ensure it has cooled completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store it in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Preheat your oven to 250 °F. Spread the popcorn in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake it in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until it's warm and crispy again. Be careful not to overheat it, as it can cause the caramel to burn.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.