When I think of cozy evenings spent with family or friends, I often picture bowls of sweet snacks scattered around. One of my go-to treats is the Maple Pecan Caramel Corn Recipe. This delightful snack combines the crunch of popcorn with the rich flavors of maple syrup and toasted pecans. The combination is simply irresistible, making it the perfect treat for movie nights, parties, or just because!
Ingredients for Maple Pecan Caramel Corn Recipe
Servings: 8 servings
Popcorn Ingredients:
Caramel Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pecan Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for pecans)
How to Make Maple Pecan Caramel Corn Recipe
Step 1: Pop the Corn
To start, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot. Shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning. Once the popping slows down, remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle with salt and set aside.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
In a separate skillet, toast the chopped pecans over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! Once toasted, remove them from the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for about 4-5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, combine the popped popcorn and toasted pecans. Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn mixture, stirring gently to coat every piece. It’s important to work quickly, as the caramel will start to harden.
Step 5: Bake the Caramel Corn
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the caramel-coated popcorn evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This will help the caramel set and give it that perfect crunch.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the caramel corn from the oven and let it cool completely. As it cools, the caramel will harden. Once cooled, break it into pieces and store it in an airtight container.
Tips for Maple Pecan Caramel Corn Recipe
Making the perfect caramel corn can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips, you can nail it every time:
- Use Fresh Popcorn: Old popcorn can be tough and chewy. Fresh kernels pop better and create a lighter snack.
- Watch the Caramel: When boiling the caramel, don’t leave it unattended. It can burn quickly.
- Stir Gently: When mixing the caramel with popcorn, be gentle. You want to coat the popcorn without crushing it.
Variations of Maple Pecan Caramel Corn Recipe
While the Maple Pecan Caramel Corn is delicious as is, you can mix things up a bit:
- Add Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled caramel corn for an extra treat.
- Mix in Other Nuts: Feel free to substitute or add other nuts like almonds or walnuts.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a little kick.
Serving Suggestions
This caramel corn is perfect for any occasion. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:
- Movie Nights: Place it in popcorn bags for a fun movie night at home.
- Gift Giving: Package it in mason jars or festive bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Parties: Set it out in a bowl as a sweet snack for guests to enjoy.
Storing Maple Pecan Caramel Corn
To keep your caramel corn fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for about a week, but I doubt it will last that long because it’s so tasty!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
While I love indulging in this treat, it’s good to be mindful of what we’re eating. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information:
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
Why I Love Maple Pecan Caramel Corn Recipe
The Maple Pecan Caramel Corn Recipe holds a special place in my heart. I remember making it with my family during the fall. The smell of caramel wafting through the house always brought smiles to our faces. It’s not just a snack; it’s a memory.
If you are looking for a sweet and crunchy snack, this Maple Pecan Caramel Corn Recipe is a must-try. With its combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a hit. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or sharing it with friends, this treat brings joy to every occasion. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!