Caramel Pecan Popcorn

Indulge in the sweet and nutty delight of Caramel Pecan Popcorn, a perfect treat for movie nights, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. This crunchy, caramel-coated popcorn is enhanced with the rich flavor of toasted pecans, creating a snack that’s both decadent and easy to make. The combination of buttery caramel, light popcorn, and crunchy pecans makes this a crowd-pleasing treat that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients

• 8 cups popped popcorn
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature will help the caramel coating bake onto the popcorn and pecans without burning.
2. Mix Popcorn and Pecans: In a large bowl, combine the popped popcorn and pecan halves. The mixture should be evenly distributed so that every handful of popcorn has a bit of crunchy pecan goodness.
3. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and light corn syrup. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats up, and bring it to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Add Vanilla and Baking Soda: Stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda into the hot caramel sauce. The mixture will bubble up slightly as the baking soda reacts, creating a light and airy caramel that will coat the popcorn evenly.
5. Coat the Popcorn: Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn and pecans. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together until the popcorn and pecans are thoroughly coated with the caramel.
6. Bake the Popcorn: Transfer the caramel-coated popcorn mixture to a large rimmed baking sheet, spreading it out into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even baking and coating.
7. Cool and Serve: Once the baking is complete, immediately spread the popcorn mixture onto a sheet of foil or parchment paper to cool. As it cools, the caramel will harden, giving the popcorn its signature crunch. Once fully cool, break apart any large clusters and serve.

Bonus Tip

For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled caramel pecan popcorn. Let the chocolate set before serving, adding an additional layer of flavor and decadence to this already delicious treat.

Conclusion

Caramel Pecan Popcorn is a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors, making it an irresistible snack for any occasion. The buttery caramel sauce, paired with the richness of pecans and the lightness of popcorn, creates a treat that’s both satisfying and addictive. Whether you’re enjoying it during a cozy movie night or gifting it to friends and family, this homemade caramel popcorn is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, whip up a batch and enjoy the delicious crunch of this classic treat!