Description
This Praline Popcorn recipe combines crunchy pecan halves with buttery caramel-coated popcorn for a sweet and nutty snack that’s perfect for holidays or any special occasion. The popcorn is coated in a rich praline caramel sauce made from brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and vanilla, then baked to crispy perfection for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Popcorn Mix
- 10 cups plain popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1 cup pecan halves
Praline Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine popcorn and pecans: Place the popped popcorn and pecan halves into a large mixing bowl, ensuring they are evenly mixed for coating later.
- Make the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Boil the caramel: Once boiling, stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil for 4 minutes to achieve the right consistency and thickness for coating.
- Add flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam up, which helps create a lighter texture in the coating.
- Coat the popcorn and pecans: Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn and pecans. Stir quickly and thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the praline caramel.
- Bake the coated popcorn: Spread the caramel-coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to keep pieces separate and ensure even caramelization.
- Cool and store: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Praline Popcorn cool completely. Once cooled, break it into clusters and store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to a week.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, toast the pecan halves lightly in a dry skillet before mixing with the popcorn.
- This Praline Popcorn makes a thoughtful homemade gift or a delightful party snack.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to one week.
