Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (about 10 cups of popped popcorn)
- Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or a few tablespoons of chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) for extra flavor
Instructions:
- Pop the Popcorn:
In a large pot, pop the popcorn kernels using your preferred method (stovetop, microwave, or popcorn machine). Set aside in a large bowl. - Make the Honey Caramel:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. - Add Flavorings:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. The baking soda will make the caramel bubble up, so be careful. - Coat the Popcorn:
Pour the honey caramel sauce evenly over the popped popcorn, stirring gently to coat each kernel. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix well, ensuring all popcorn is covered. - Optional: Add Cinnamon or Nuts:
If desired, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the coated popcorn or fold in some chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the honey popcorn to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. The coating will harden slightly, giving it a crunchy, caramelized texture.
Tips for Perfect Honey Popcorn:
- Don’t overcook the caramel: Be careful not to let the caramel cook too long or it could become too hard. A soft, sticky texture is ideal for coating the popcorn.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep the popcorn fresh and crunchy.
- Flavor variations: Experiment with different add-ins like chocolate chips, sea salt, or even a bit of peanut butter to customize your honey popcorn.
Honey popcorn is a simple yet irresistible treat. With its sweet, sticky honey caramel coating, it makes for a perfect snack for movie nights, parties, or just a delicious indulgence any time of day. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch in every bite!