Busy moms, this caramel corn with almonds is a quick way to bring warm, crunchy joy to snack time. It takes a little oven time but only a few minutes of hands-on work, and kids love the sweet crunch.
If you like easy crowd-pleasers, try this with a simple side salad for a light dinner finish. I often pair snacks like this with a fresh salad such as Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans when I want a full family-friendly spread.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Caramel Corn Recipe
This caramel corn hits all the right notes for families. You get homemade flavor without complicated steps.
It uses pantry staples and an air popper or stovetop popcorn. You can involve older kids in stirring and spreading, which makes it a fun after-school activity.
The almonds add protein and texture. That helps this snack feel a little more satisfying than plain popcorn.
How to Make It
Ingredients
1 cup popcorn kernels, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup corn syrup, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup almonds, 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Pop the popcorn kernels using an air popper or on the stovetop. Set aside in a large bowl.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Stir until it starts to boil, then let it simmer for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and almonds.
- Stir gently to coat the popcorn and almonds evenly.
- Spread the mixture onto a greased baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool before breaking into pieces. Enjoy your caramel corn!
Caramel Corn with Almonds
A quick and easy caramel corn recipe with almonds that’s perfect for snack time.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup popcorn kernels
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn kernels using an air popper or on the stovetop. Set aside in a large bowl.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Stir until it starts to boil, then let it simmer for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and almonds.
- Stir gently to coat the popcorn and almonds evenly.
- Spread the mixture onto a greased baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool before breaking into pieces. Enjoy your caramel corn!
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Re-crisp in a 250°F oven if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
How to Serve
Serve this caramel corn in bowls for movie night, or bag it up for school treats and neighbor gifts.
It pairs well with fruit and simple cheese slices when you want a snack board. At parties, set out small paper cones so kids can grab and go.
For a warm family dinner, balance sweet snacks with a hearty side like Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage. The contrast keeps everyone happy and cuts the urge to over-snack.
How to Store
Let the caramel corn cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container or zip-top bags to keep it crunchy.
Store at room temperature up to 2 weeks. If it softens, warm it in a 250°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes to crisp it again.
If you need to make it ahead, prepare the popcorn and store the caramel separately. Toss them together right before serving for best texture.
Tips and Variations
- Use salted almonds or lightly toast the almonds first for extra depth.
- Swap pecans or peanuts if you prefer. Just watch roasting times.
- For a touch of saltiness, sprinkle a little coarse salt over the caramel before it sets.
- If you like a darker caramel flavor, simmer the caramel 1 to 2 minutes longer, but watch it closely so it does not burn.
- Make smaller batches and package portions for school lunches or holiday gifts.
FAQs
Q: Can I skip the corn syrup? A: Yes. Use equal parts honey or maple syrup, but the texture will be slightly different.
Q: Will this stick to my teeth? A: A little. Let it cool completely and break it into pieces so it sets firmer.
Q: Can I make this nut-free? A: Yes. Leave out the almonds or replace them with extra popcorn for a nut-free version.
Q: Do I need an air popper? A: No. You can pop kernels on the stovetop using a large pot with a tight lid.
Conclusion
This caramel corn with almonds makes busy days feel a little sweeter and more special. It comes together with simple steps and stores well, so you can make it ahead or whip it up for unexpected guests. Try it this week and save the recipe for the next family movie night.
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