Peanut Caramel Popcorn Recipe – Easy Homemade Crunch Snack

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Peanut Caramel Popcorn Recipe – Easy Homemade Crunch Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a sweet and crunchy snack. And honestly, is there anything more satisfying than homemade popcorn? This Peanut Caramel Popcorn is seriously addictive – it’s the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy, and it’s SO easy to make. I first whipped up a batch of this for a movie night with my family, and it disappeared within minutes! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any caramel popcorn. It’s a super simple recipe that delivers big on flavor. It’s perfect for movie nights, parties, or just a little something sweet to brighten your day. Plus, it’s a fantastic homemade gift – especially around festive times! You’ll love how quickly it comes together and how utterly irresistible it is.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful treat:

• 1 bag Microwave Popcorn
• 2 Tbsp Butter (about 28g)
• 1/3 cup Brown Sugar (about 67g)
• 1/4 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (about 60ml)
• Peanuts, to taste (about 1/2 cup or 60g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using sweetened condensed milk is the secret to a super smooth and creamy caramel. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

As for the peanuts, feel free to get creative. I love using roasted, salted peanuts for that perfect sweet-salty balance. But honey-roasted peanuts are also amazing, or even a mix of different kinds! You can adjust the amount of peanuts to your liking – I usually add a generous handful.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Pop your microwave popcorn according to package directions. Once it’s popped, carefully transfer it to a large bowl, making sure to discard any unpopped kernels. Nobody wants to break a tooth!
3. Now for the caramel! In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until everything is smooth and melted – usually about 1.5 minutes total. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
4. Pour that glorious caramel sauce over the popcorn and mix, mix, mix! You want to make sure every single piece is coated evenly.
5. While the caramel is still warm, gently fold in your roasted peanuts.
6. Spread the coated popcorn in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.
7. Bake for 5-7 minutes, until it’s lightly golden. Then, give it a toss and bake for another minute. This ensures even baking and extra crunch!
8. Let it cool completely before breaking it into clusters. This is the hardest part, I know! Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the baking tray! A single layer is key for crispy popcorn.
• Stir the caramel frequently while it’s heating to prevent burning.
• If you want extra-salty popcorn, sprinkle a little sea salt over the caramel before baking.
• For a richer flavor, use browned butter in the caramel sauce.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter alternative and use plant-based sweetened condensed milk. It works beautifully!
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
• Spice Level: Feeling adventurous? Add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel sauce for a little kick. My friend, Priya, swears by this!
• Festival Adaptation: This makes a wonderful edible gift for Diwali or Christmas! Package it in pretty jars or cellophane bags with a ribbon. My family loves receiving this as a festive treat.

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, this Peanut Caramel Popcorn is delicious straight from the container! But if you want to get fancy, you can:

• Serve it as part of a movie night snack board.
• Crumble it over ice cream for a delightful crunch.
• Package it as a homemade gift.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled caramel popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, but let’s be real, it probably won’t last that long!

FAQs

1. Can I use air-popped popcorn instead of microwave popcorn?

Absolutely! Air-popped popcorn works just fine. You’ll need about 8-10 cups of air-popped popcorn.

2. How do I prevent the popcorn from sticking together after it cools?

Making sure each piece is well coated in caramel and spreading it in a single layer on the baking tray helps a lot. Also, letting it cool completely is crucial.

3. Can I add other nuts or candies to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add almonds, cashews, M&Ms, or even pretzels.

4. What’s the best way to store leftover caramel popcorn to keep it fresh?

An airtight container is your best friend! Keep it at room temperature.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? If so, how long will it keep?

You can make it a day or two ahead of time. Just make sure it’s stored properly in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days for maximum crunch.