Description
Sweet and crunchy praline popcorn coated in a rich caramelized sugar, butter, and pecan sauce, perfect for a delightful snack or dessert treat that combines the classic flavors of pralines with the fun crunch of popcorn.
Ingredients
Scale
Popcorn
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
Praline Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped (can substitute with walnuts or almonds)
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the popcorn kernels, cover with a lid, and shake the pot occasionally until the popping slows down, about 3 to 5 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and transfer the popped popcorn to a large bowl.
- Make the praline sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it boil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
- Add flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Be cautious as the mixture will be very hot.
- Incorporate nuts: Mix the roughly chopped pecans into the praline sauce, ensuring all the nuts are fully coated with the sauce.
- Combine popcorn and sauce: Pour the praline sauce over the popped popcorn. Using a wooden spoon, gently fold the popcorn so every piece is evenly coated with the praline mixture.
- Bake the coated popcorn: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the praline popcorn mixture evenly across it. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even coating and baking.
- Cool and serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the popcorn cool completely on the sheet. Once cooled, break it into clusters. Serve and enjoy your praline popcorn!
Notes
- Use fresh popcorn kernels for the best popping results.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on preference or availability.
- Be careful when working with the hot praline sauce to avoid burns.
- Store praline popcorn in an airtight container to maintain its crispiness.
- This snack can be made ahead and stored for up to a week.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the praline sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop and baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: praline popcorn, caramel popcorn, sweet popcorn snack, praline nuts, homemade snack, popcorn recipe
