Sweet & Salty Praline Popcorn Recipe: A Treat Worth Sharing

Sweet kernels dancing with praline magic capture our snack-loving hearts instantly.

Caramel transforms ordinary popcorn into something extraordinary and irresistible.

Nutty hints of pecans weave through each crunchy bite, creating layers of delectable texture.

Crisp clusters promise a delightful experience that makes movie nights memorable.

Southern charm meets classic comfort in this simple yet elegant treat.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation mean you can whip up this indulgence faster than traditional desserts.

Crunch into these golden, glossy morsels and let pure deliciousness take over.

Pairing Ideas for Praline Popcorn

• Pair this praline popcorn with a smooth Kentucky bourbon that complements its rich, caramelized sweetness. The whiskey's oak and vanilla notes will dance perfectly with the buttery pecan clusters.
• Select a luscious late-harvest Riesling or Moscato to enhance the praline's sugary profile. These wines bring delightful honeyed undertones that harmonize beautifully with the caramel-coated popcorn.
• Choose a medium-roast coffee with subtle caramel or nutty undertones. The warm beverage will cut through the sweetness while highlighting the praline's complex flavor layers, creating a delectable tasting experience.

Storage Suggestions for Praline Popcorn

• Store praline popcorn in an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid. Keep it away from moisture and humidity to prevent softening. Place a small packet of silica gel to absorb excess moisture and maintain crispness.
• Wrap the popcorn in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 2 weeks without losing significant texture or flavor.
• Place in a sealed container at room temperature for 5-7 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Choose a cool, dark pantry or kitchen cabinet for optimal storage.

FAQs

• Is praline popcorn a sweet or savory snack?

This delightful treat is definitely sweet, combining the caramelized flavor of brown sugar with the nutty richness of pecans, creating an indulgent dessert-like snack.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like almonds or walnuts. Just ensure they’re chopped or halved to distribute evenly throughout the popcorn.

• How do I prevent the caramel from burning while cooking?

Stir the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter mixture constantly over medium-high heat and remove from heat immediately when it reaches a boil. This helps prevent burning and ensures a smooth caramel sauce.

Praline Popcorn with a Sweet Crunch

• Craft Sweet Snack Perfection: This praline popcorn transforms ordinary kernels into a crave-worthy treat that balances sweet caramel notes with nutty pecan richness.
• Master Simple Gourmet Techniques: Homemade caramel coating requires minimal culinary skills, making this recipe accessible for cooks of all experience levels.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or casual snacking, this recipe delivers a delightful combination of crunch and sugary goodness that appeals to all ages.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adding different nuts or experimenting with spice levels, giving home cooks creative freedom to make the treat uniquely their own.

Ingredients Needed to Make Praline Popcorn

• Popcorn: A classic snack that provides the crunchy foundation for this sweet treat.
• Pecan Halves: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and provides a delightful texture contrast to the popcorn.

• Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup, Unsalted Butter: These ingredients combine to create a rich, sticky caramel that will coat the popcorn and pecans.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.
• Baking Soda: Helps create a lighter, more airy texture in the caramel sauce.

• Foil or Parchment Paper: Used for cooling and preventing the praline popcorn from sticking during the cooling process.

How to Prepare Praline Popcorn

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 250°F. This gentle temperature will help create the perfect praline magic without burning your delicious treat.

Step 2: Mix Crunchy Base

• Popcorn
• Pecan halves

Toss them together until they’re best friends and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Create Caramel Magic

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Unsalted butter

Let this sweet combination bubble and dance, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters

• Vanilla extract
• Baking soda

Blend thoroughly until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Coat the Crunch

Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and pecans.

Gently stir to ensure every kernel and nut gets a delicious caramel hug.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Spread the coated mixture on a large rimmed baking sheet.

Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Don’t forget to stir every 10 minutes to keep things evenly golden and crisp.

Step 7: Cool and Break

Transfer the praline popcorn onto foil or parchment paper. Let it cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, break into irresistible clusters and get ready to enjoy your sweet and crunchy creation!

Tips to Nail Praline Popcorn Every Time

• Toast pecans briefly before mixing to enhance their nutty flavor and release natural oils.
• Use freshly popped popcorn for maximum crispness and a lighter texture in the final praline treat.
• Prevent burning by stirring the caramel mixture consistently and watching it closely during the boiling process.
• Break the cooled praline popcorn into bite-sized clusters for easier serving and a more appealing presentation.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain the perfect crunch and sweet caramel coating.

Variations to Change Up Praline Popcorn

• Almond Crunch Popcorn: Replace pecans with sliced almonds for a lighter, crispier nutty variation.
• Coconut Caramel Popcorn: Sprinkle shredded coconut into the mixture for a tropical-inspired sweet treat.
• Gluten-Free Caramel Popcorn: Use certified gluten-free corn syrup and verify all ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Maple Pecan Variation: Substitute corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a rich, natural sweetness and deeper flavor profile.

Praline Popcorn Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy caramel praline popcorn delights palates with Southern charm, blending sweet and salty notes. Crisp kernels coated in rich buttery glaze offer irresistible crunch you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups pecan halves
• 8 cups unsalted (unflavored) popcorn, popped
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F, creating an ideal environment for transforming popcorn and pecans into a delectable treat.
2. Combine popcorn and pecan halves in a large mixing bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
3. In a sizable saucepan over medium-high heat, merge brown sugar, corn syrup, and unsalted butter, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and swiftly integrate vanilla extract and baking soda, whisking until the caramel develops a smooth, uniform consistency.
5. Drizzle the molten caramel over the popcorn and pecan mixture, gently folding to achieve comprehensive coating.
6. Spread the caramel-coated mixture evenly across a large rimmed baking sheet, creating a single layer for consistent heat exposure.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, rotating and stirring the mixture every 10 minutes to prevent uneven caramelization and ensure golden-brown perfection.
8. Once baked, immediately transfer the praline popcorn to foil or parchment paper, allowing it to cool completely at room temperature.
9. Gently break the cooled clusters into bite-sized pieces, preparing them for serving and enjoying.

Notes

• Prevent burning by constantly stirring the caramel mixture, ensuring a smooth and even texture without scorching.
• Experiment with different nuts like almonds or walnuts to create unique flavor variations and add personal flair to the classic praline popcorn.
• For a gluten-free version, verify that all ingredients, especially corn syrup and vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free before preparation.
• Store cooled praline popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain its crispy, sweet crunch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 235
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 14 mg