Salted Honey Peanut Caramel Corn Recipe
If you’re searching for a snack that’s sweet, salty, crunchy, and utterly addictive, look no further than this Salted Honey Peanut Caramel Corn recipe. Perfect for parties, game nights, or holiday gifting, this caramel corn combines the richness of honey and butter with a hint of salt and roasted peanuts for a snack everyone will crave.
Unlike store-bought caramel corn, this homemade version is fresher, more flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can whip up a batch that tastes gourmet but requires minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Salty Perfection – The balance of caramel sweetness, salty crunch, and nutty peanuts makes every bite irresistible.
- Healthier Twist – Using honey as part of the sweetener adds a natural touch compared to traditional corn syrup.
- Great for Gifting – Pack into jars or bags for a homemade holiday treat.
- Easy to Make – No candy thermometer required; just a simple stovetop caramel and a quick oven bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required for this Salted Honey Peanut Caramel Corn recipe:
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup kernels, air-popped or stovetop)
- 1 cup roasted peanuts (unsalted or lightly salted, depending on your preference)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn
Pop the kernels using your preferred method (air-popped or stovetop). Spread the popcorn on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Remove any unpopped kernels to avoid a tooth-breaking surprise. Sprinkle the peanuts evenly over the popcorn.
Step 2: Make the Honey Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey and brown sugar, mixing until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, then add the vanilla extract, baking soda, and sea salt. The mixture will bubble and lighten in color – that’s exactly what you want.
Step 3: Coat the Popcorn
Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture over the popcorn and peanuts. Use a spatula to toss everything until evenly coated. Work quickly, as the caramel will begin to set.
Step 4: Bake for Crispiness
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the coated popcorn evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 45–60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and crispiness.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool completely before breaking into clusters. Store in an airtight container to keep the caramel corn crunchy.
Recipe Tips
- Add Extra Nuts – Almonds, cashews, or pecans make great additions.
- Make it Nut-Free – Skip the peanuts if needed, or swap with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Boost the Flavor – Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon or drizzle with melted dark chocolate after cooling for extra indulgence.
- Storage – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations to Try
- Salted Chocolate Drizzle Caramel Corn – Drizzle cooled caramel corn with melted chocolate for a decadent finish.
- Spicy Honey Caramel Corn – Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the caramel for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Holiday Caramel Corn – Mix in red and green candies or festive sprinkles for a Christmas snack.
- Maple Honey Caramel Corn – Replace half the honey with pure maple syrup for a warm, rich flavor.
Why Use Honey in Caramel Corn?
Traditional caramel corn recipes often use corn syrup, but honey brings a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor that pairs beautifully with peanuts and sea salt. It not only makes the recipe taste fresher but also gives the caramel a lovely golden color.
Serving Ideas
- Movie Nights – Serve in big bowls for a family-friendly snack.
- Holiday Gifts – Pack in jars tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present.
- Game Day Snack – Add to a snack spread alongside chips, dips, and wings.
- Dessert Topping – Crumble over ice cream or yogurt for extra crunch.
Storing and Shelf Life
This caramel corn is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored:
- At room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- In the freezer in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months (though it may lose some crispiness).
Conclusion
This Salted Honey Peanut Caramel Corn recipe is the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat that’s perfect for snacking, sharing, or gifting. With crunchy popcorn, roasted peanuts, and a buttery honey caramel coating, it delivers flavor and texture in every bite.
Simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for special occasions, this recipe proves that homemade caramel corn is not only doable but also way better than store-bought. Give it a try, and you’ll have a go-to snack that’s guaranteed to please a crowd.
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