Caramel Puff Corn

Submitted by Linorama

"Puff Corn can be found in the potato chip aisle of your grocery store. (The brand we have is Old Dutch, but I'm sure there are others.) Making caramel corn this way gives you great big "kernels" with no hulls or old maids. Quite addictive. Great at a party. Makes nice gifts too."

 

• Ready In: 50mins
• Ingredients: 5
• Serves: 15

ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) bag puff corn
• 1 cup butter (do not substitute)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

directions

1. Place puff corn in a large roaster pan.
2. In 2 quart sauce pan bring the butter, sugar & corn syrup to bring to boil, then cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add the baking soda- this will cause the caramel mixture to foam up.
4. Stir well and remove from heat.
5. Pour over puff corn in roaster and bake in 250* oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes.
6. Remove from oven, spread out onto wax paper to cool.

Reviews

[Echo0502]

We LOVE this ! It just couldn't get any better. One little secret? Cook the sugar/butter mixture to about 310 - 320 degrees. ((hard crack stage). If you don't boil it at least to that temp, the caramel never "sets" and the caramel corn is chewy and spongy, not crisp and hard.

 

[Smile1968]

I just wanted to say that this is just terrific! I have had this many times, but have never made it. In response to The NovakFamilys review, some of us really like "Homemade" better than pre-made, store bought. I did vary from the recipe a little, I love Caramel Corn with Peanuts, so I added Peanuts to this and it just made it so much better!!! Like many others stated, just like Caramel corn with out the old maids or hulls! Thank you very much for the great recipe!!

 

[Pajamama2]

My family loves this. I've made it for slumber parties, super bowl parties, and New Year's Eve. It always goes fast. I spray my roaster pan first. Don't know if I need to but it works for me. Thanks for a great recipe.

 

[kdeseve23]

This is easy and soooo darn delicious! I disagree with cooking to the hard crack stage. I let it boil for at least 2 minutes (might have been 3) added the baking soda (and a big pinch of cinnamon - yum!) and went from there. Baked at 275 tossing every 15 minutes for 45 minutes total. As soon as it's cool enough to handle, start putting into a large bowl breaking up bigger pieces. As soon as this stuff cools completely it hardens. Yes, that easy. Don't worry about temp of the sugar...go by the instructions.

 

[andilyn75]

I also used imitation maple syrup because that is what I had on hand. I tossed the puffy corn with roasted peanuts and cashews, too. I added 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon and 1/4 tsp ground cayene pepper to the caramel. It turned out sweet, salty, and a bit spicy. It hits on the high notes! My family loved it. We will make it again!