Chocolate Caramel Popcorn is a deliciously addictive treat that combines the sweet, buttery flavor of caramel with rich chocolate drizzles, all over crunchy popcorn. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or as an edible gift, this snack is both easy to make and hard to resist. The combination of sweet caramel and chocolate with the crispy texture of popcorn makes for an irresistible indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Pop the popcorn: Pop your popcorn using your preferred method (stovetop or air-popper). Remove any unpopped kernels and place the popcorn in a large bowl.
- Make the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a boil, let it cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes, or until it turns a deep golden brown.
- Add baking soda and vanilla: Remove the caramel from the heat and carefully stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up—this is normal and helps create a light, crispy coating.
- Coat the popcorn: Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn, tossing gently to coat all the popcorn evenly. You can use a spatula or wooden spoon to help distribute the caramel.
- Bake the popcorn: Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and crispness.
- Add the chocolate: Once the popcorn is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn, using a spoon or piping bag to create thin, even lines.
- Cool and serve: Let the popcorn cool completely, allowing the caramel and chocolate to harden. Once cooled, break the popcorn into clusters and serve.
This Chocolate Caramel Popcorn is the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and chocolatey, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week (if it lasts that long!).
