Deluxe Caramel Corn

Name: Deluxe Caramel Corn
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6-1/2 quarts
Ingredients: 4 quarts plain popped popcorn; 5 cups miniature pretzels; 2 cups packed brown sugar; 1 cup butter, cubed; 1/2 cup dark corn syrup; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup salted peanuts; 2 cups non-chocolate candy (gumdrops, Skittles, etc.)

Total Time Prep: 30 min. Bake: 45 min. + cooling

Yield 6-1/2 quarts

Test Kitchen Approved

A batch of this colorful crunchy snack mix is perfect for gift giving or serving at a holiday party.

Ingredients

4 quarts plain popped popcorn
5 cups miniature pretzels
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup salted peanuts
2 cups non-chocolate candy (gumdrops, Skittles, etc.)

Directions

Place popcorn and pretzels in a large bowl; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a rolling boil. Cook and stir until candy thermometer reads 238° (soft-ball stage). Remove from the heat; stir in baking soda. Quickly pour over popcorn and mix thoroughly; stir in peanuts.
Turn into two greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pans. Bake at 200° for 20 minutes; stir. Bake 25 minutes more. Remove from the oven; add candy and mix well. Remove from pans and place on waxed paper to cool. Break into clusters. Store in airtight containers or plastic bags.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 277 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.

A batch of this colorful crunchy snack mix is perfect for gift giving or serving at a holiday party.

Recipe Creator