Caramel puff corn is a delicious recipe that’s sweet, salty, and crunchy all at once! Made with puff corn, dark brown sugar, and butter. It’s boiled and then baked into a crunchy snack that will be requested all the time.
Our gluten-free puff corn is a kid (and adult) approved snack that is extremely easy to make and requires under 10 ingredients. Plus, you can serve these popcorn puffs without the fear of hulls or unpopped kernels.
Why not try your hand at making some Old Dutch caramel puff corn today? It’s a simple yet super addictive treat that’s just perfect for enjoying at home or giving to your coworkers, teachers, or friends around the holidays.
The satisfying crunch on the outside, combined with the fluffy inside, is what makes this snack unbelievably delicious. You can either savor it as it is or get creative with some of the variations we’ve got for you below.
If on the search for more quick and easy snacks that are great for holiday gifts, we have you covered with our Christmas Oreos, Old Fashioned Fudge, No Bake Peanut Butter Balls and Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies.
We are excited to partner with Pick ‘n Save/Metro Market, a store we’ve proudly supported for years. Their Kroger and Simple Truth brands ensure quality and savings, adding an extra layer of assurance for families. Create Kids Club values wholesome choices and delicious meals, and our collaboration creates an ideal platform for affordable, quality living.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 9 ounce bag puff corn ✅
- 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar – can swap for light brown sugar
- 2 sticks butter
- 1/2 cup Karo syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract ✅
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ✅
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Make Caramel Puffcorn
- Begin by preheating your oven to a gentle 225°F (107°C).
- Take a large roasting pan and place the puff corn in it. Set it aside for now.
- In a large stockpot, combine the brown sugar, butter, Karo syrup (corn syrup), and a pinch of salt. Set your stovetop to medium-high heat and bring this mixture to a rolling boil.
- Once it starts boiling, set a timer for 5 minutes. During this time, be sure to continuously stir the mixture to prevent it from sticking or burning.
- Carefully, stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. You’ll notice the mixture puffing up a bit, so handle it with care.
- Now, it’s time to pour this rich caramel sauce over the puff corn in your roasting pan. Use a spatula to ensure an even coating by mixing it well.
- Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake it for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remember to stir every 15 minutes to maintain an even caramelization.
- Once done, carefully transfer the cooked puff corn onto parchment paper in a single layer.
- While it’s still slightly warm, start breaking apart the puff corn into bite-sized clusters or pieces. Allow it to cool completely, and then you’re ready to enjoy your homemade caramel corn with puff corn!
Variations
Make this the best caramel corn recipe by adding any of these ideas to the mix!
- Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice
- Swap the vanilla extract with 1/2 Tablespoon of almond extract
- Toss with mini chocolate chips, M&Ms or butterscotch chips after cooled
- Toss with pecans, peanuts or walnuts after cooled
- Sprinkle with sea salt once removed from the oven
- Drizzle with melted semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate or peanut butter while cooling
- Sprinkle with festival sprinkles while cooling
- Toss with a cinnamon and sugar mixture while cooling
Expert Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and consistency, use fresh ingredients, especially when it comes to the brown sugar and butter.
- Stir Constantly: When boiling the brown sugar, butter, Karo syrup, and salt mixture, be sure to stir continuously for the full 5 minutes. This helps prevent burning and ensures a smooth caramel.
- Safety First: Be extremely cautious when adding vanilla extract and baking soda to the hot mixture. It may bubble and release steam, so stir gently to avoid any splattering.
- Even Coating: When pouring the caramel sauce over the puff corn, use a spatula to distribute it evenly. This ensures that all the puff corn gets coated with the delicious caramel.
- Stirring During Baking: While baking, remember to stir every 15 minutes. This prevents the caramel corn from clumping together and ensures an even coating of caramel.
- Cool Properly: Allow the caramel corn to cool completely on parchment paper. This helps it harden and become crunchy. Don’t rush this step, as it’s essential for the right texture.
- Storage: Once cooled, store your caramel corn in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from becoming stale.
- Variations: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your caramel corn. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or other toppings before it cools completely for extra flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
This puff corn can be stored for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. Take into consideration of any additional ingredients added as these may alter the shelf life of the recipe.
Gift by placing a scoop or two of puff corn into a plastic bag tied with a bow, in a mason jar with a lid or in a festive cardboard box with a closed top. Use our printable labels to indicate the name, ingredients and use by date.
Yes, the cheddar puff corn would work. However, we can’t speak to the final flavor as we use buttered puffcorn but would love to hear how you like it!
Storage Instructions
- Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure that the caramel corn has cooled completely. Leaving it out until it reaches room temperature is essential to prevent moisture buildup in the storage container.
- Choose the Right Container: Opt for an airtight container with a secure lid. A resealable plastic bag can also work well if it’s airtight and can fit the caramel corn without crushing it.
- Layer with Parchment Paper: If you’re stacking multiple layers of caramel corn in the container, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer. This helps prevent pieces from sticking together and maintains their crispiness.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep the sealed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. A pantry or cupboard is usually an ideal spot.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Do not refrigerate your caramel corn. The moisture in the refrigerator can make it lose its crunchiness and become sticky.
- Use Within a Reasonable Time: While caramel corn can stay good for several weeks when stored properly, it’s at its best when consumed within the first week or two after preparation.
- Check for Moisture: Periodically check your stored caramel corn for any signs of moisture or staleness. If you notice any issues, transfer it to a new airtight container with fresh parchment paper.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- The oven is preheated to a lower temperature to allow the puff corn to caramelize without burning over a period of time.
- A large oven safe baking dish would work in place of a roasting pan. You can also use a sheet pan; however, it makes it more difficult to stir.
- It is a great idea to wear oven mitts when pouring the hot caramel onto the puff corn.
- Break the puff corn apart with a spatula as it cools to prevent it from cooling into a block.
More Gluten Free Snacks
- Homemade Microwave Popcorn
- Travel Snack Ideas
- 50 Summer Snacks For Kids
- Gluten Free Zucchini Muffins
- Homemade Protein Bars
- Camping Banana Boats
- Paleo & Gluten-Free Superfood Trail Mix
- Gluten-Free Granola Bars
- Gluten Free Rice Krispy Treats
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Caramel Puff Corn Recipe
Equipment
- timer
Ingredients
- 9 ounce bag puff corn ✅
- 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar can use light brown sugar
- 2 sticks butter
- 1/2 cup Karo syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract ✅
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ✅
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 225°F
- Prep the puff corn. Place the puff corn in a large roasting pan. Set aside.9 ounce bag puff corn
- ⭐️ Boil the sauce. In a large stockpot add the brown sugar, butter, karo syrup, and salt. Bring it to a boil. Once the mixture is boiling set a timer for 5 minutes. Stir the mixture constantly until the timer goes off. Carefully stir in the vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will puff up.1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar, 2 sticks butter, 1/2 cup Karo syrup, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ⭐️ Pour the sauce onto the puff corn. Carefully pour the sauce onto the puff corn. Mix well using a spatula.
- ⭐️ Bake. Bake in 15-minute increments for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- ⭐️ Pour onto parchement paper. Pour the cooked puff corn onto parchment paper in a single layer. Break the puff corn apart as soon as it slightly cools. Leave the puff corn until it's completely cool.
Notes
Variations
- Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice
- Swap the vanilla extract with 1/2 Tablespoon of almond extract
- Toss with mini chocolate chips, M&Ms or butterscotch chips after cooled
- Toss with pecans, peanuts or walnuts after cooled
- Sprinkle with sea salt once removed from the oven
- Drizzle with melted semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate or peanut butter while cooling
- Sprinkle with festival sprinkles while cooling
- Toss with a cinnamon and sugar mixture while cooling
Nutrition
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Then follow us on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. We love seeing what you come up with!
John A Gaines says
Where am I suppose to find these magical corn puffs since Old Dutch isn’t available in AZ.
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi John! Snyder of Berlin brand carries a gluten free puff-n-corn that would work if you can get that brand, or any brand of puff corn you can find. Otherwise you can order either of these on Amazon too.