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Praline Popcorn is a deliciously addictive snack that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a homemade gift. With its crunchy caramel coating and nutty praline flavor, this popcorn is both sweet and buttery, making it hard to resist. The combination of pecans and rich caramel sauce gives this popcorn an irresistible praline twist that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For Praline Popcorn
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Prepare the Popcorn
- Place the popped popcorn and chopped pecans in a large bowl. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then let it boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful.
Step 4: Coat the Popcorn
- Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and pecans in the large bowl. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly with the caramel sauce.
Step 5: Bake the Popcorn
- Spread the coated popcorn mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into clusters and serve or store in an airtight container.
Cook Notes & Tips
- Popcorn: Make sure to use plain, unseasoned popcorn for this recipe. You can use air-popped, stovetop, or microwave popcorn, as long as it’s not flavored.
- Stirring: Stirring the popcorn every 15 minutes while baking helps ensure that every piece gets evenly coated with the caramel sauce.
- Storage: Store the praline popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once the popcorn has cooled, drizzle it with melted white or dark chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
- Spicy Praline Popcorn: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the caramel sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Nutty Mix: Add in other nuts like almonds or cashews for a variety of flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Different Nuts?
Yes! You can substitute the pecans with almonds, cashews, or walnuts, or use a combination of your favorite nuts.
2. How Do I Store Praline Popcorn?
Store the praline popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure it is completely cooled before storing to maintain its crunchiness.
3. Can I Make This Recipe Without Corn Syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent the caramel from crystallizing and keeps it smooth. If you prefer not to use corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but the texture may be slightly different.
4. Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using a plant-based butter substitute and swapping the honey or corn syrup with maple syrup.
Praline Popcorn is a sweet, crunchy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich caramel coating and nutty pecan flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family. This easy-to-make snack is great for movie nights, holiday gatherings, or simply as a special indulgence. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of caramel and pecans in every bite.
Happy snacking!
