Indulgent Praline Popcorn Recipe – Sweet Homemade Bliss

Crafting a delectable praline popcorn recipe sparks pure joy in kitchens everywhere.

Sweet meets salty in this irresistible treat that dances between crispy and indulgent.

Caramel lovers will swoon over these golden, crunchy clusters.

Kernels coated in buttery, nutty goodness create a snack that disappears faster than you can prepare it.

Each bite delivers a nostalgic crunch reminiscent of county fairs and childhood memories.

Nutmeg and pecans add unexpected depth to this simple yet sophisticated snack.

Don’t just read about it – let the magic unfold in your own kitchen.

Praline Popcorn Tips for Better Crunch

• Prevent Burning Carefully: Watch the praline popcorn closely during baking to avoid scorching, as the sugary coating can quickly caramelize and turn bitter.
• Customize Nut Selection: Swap pecans with almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a personalized twist that matches your taste preferences or pantry availability.
• Control Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and corn syrup to create a lighter or more intense praline coating according to your desired sweetness.
• Ensure Even Coating: Gently toss the popcorn and nuts with the praline mixture before spreading on the baking sheet to guarantee each kernel gets a delicious caramelized layer.
• Store Smartly: Keep the praline popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain its crispy texture and prevent moisture absorption.

Storing Praline Popcorn Like a Snack Champ

• Store cooled praline popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping it crisp and fresh.
• Seal completely cooled popcorn in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, lasting up to 2 weeks without losing its crunchy texture.
• Spread leftover popcorn on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 250F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness and revive its sweet praline coating.
• Always ensure the popcorn is completely cool before storing to prevent soggy or soft kernels from developing condensation.

What to Pair with Praline Popcorn

• Moscato d'Asti complements the praline's caramel sweetness, enhancing the nutty pecan flavor with its light, sparkling character.
• Dark roast espresso cuts through the sugary richness, providing a bold counterpoint to the praline's decadent texture.
• Vanilla bean ice cream creates a creamy backdrop that softens the crunchy popcorn and amplifies the caramelized pecan notes.
• Cream liqueur like Bailey's adds a smooth, luxurious dimension that bridges the sweet and nutty elements of the praline popcorn.

Fun Flavor Ideas for Praline Popcorn

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular corn kernels with certified gluten-free popcorn and verify all ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the same crunchy texture and caramelized coating.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of traditional sugar to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the rich praline flavor profile.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and use plant-based caramel syrup to create a dairy-free and animal product-free version of the classic praline popcorn.

Praline Popcorn: What Makes It Addictive

• Perfect for movie nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Easily swap pecans for other nuts or add chocolate drizzle to make this recipe uniquely yours, giving you creative freedom.
• Uses simple, affordable ingredients that transform basic popcorn into a gourmet-style snack everyone will love.

What You Need for Praline Popcorn

• Popcorn: Crunchy canvas for the praline coating, best with fresh, plain popped kernels.
• Pecans: Rich, buttery nuts that add delightful texture and nutty flavor, whole or roughly chopped.

• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel sweetness and helps create the sticky praline layer.
• Butter: Ensures smooth, rich coating and helps bind the praline mixture.
• Corn Syrup: Creates glossy, crisp texture and prevents sugar from crystallizing.

• Salt: Enhances overall sweetness and balances the rich praline flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex undertone to the praline coating.
• Baking Soda: Helps create a lighter, more aerated praline texture.

Making Praline Popcorn the Way

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This protective layer will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create Popcorn Base

Spread freshly popped popcorn across the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to distribute it evenly, creating a single layer that allows for perfect caramel coating.

Step 3: Add Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle pecans generously over the popcorn, ensuring an even distribution for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Whip Up Praline Sauce

• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Light corn syrup
• Vanilla extract

Step 5: Cook Caramel Mixture

Heat the ingredients over medium heat, stirring constantly. Let the mixture bubble and become smooth, transforming into a rich, golden caramel sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce reaches a deep amber color and becomes slightly thick.

Step 6: Pour and Coat

Carefully drizzle the hot praline sauce over the popcorn and pecans. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss and coat every kernel and nut with the sweet caramel goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven at 250F (120C). Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and crispiness.

Step 8: Cool and Break

Remove from the oven and let the praline popcorn cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, the caramel will harden, creating a satisfying crunch. Break into clusters once fully cooled.

Step 9: Store and Enjoy

Transfer the praline popcorn to an airtight container. This delectable treat will stay crisp and delicious for several days- if it lasts that long!

Praline Popcorn Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Sweet caramel praline popcorn brings Southern charm to classic movie snacks with rich buttery notes. Crunchy kernels glazed in brown sugar and pecans create an irresistible treat that delights snackers seeking indulgent southern comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 10 cups popped popcorn (about 0.5 cup unpopped kernels)
• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

Praline Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup light corn syrup

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a gentle 250F (120C), creating an ideal environment for caramelizing the sweet coating.
2. Carefully prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
3. Distribute the freshly popped popcorn and roughly chopped pecans across the baking sheet in an even, single layer to guarantee uniform caramelization.
4. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt, heating the mixture over medium heat while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Allow the caramel mixture to reach a smooth, bubbling consistency, continuing to stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the color deepens to a rich amber.
6. Remove the caramel from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and baking soda, which will cause the mixture to foam and become lighter in texture.
7. Immediately pour the hot caramel over the popcorn and pecans, using a spatula to gently fold and coat every kernel and nut with the sweet praline glaze.
8. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
9. Once the praline popcorn achieves a deep golden color and becomes crisp, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
10. Break the cooled praline popcorn into clusters and store in an airtight container for maximum crunchiness and flavor preservation.

Notes

• Opt for freshly popped, plain popcorn to control sweetness and avoid artificial flavors.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty, rich flavor profile.
• Try alternative nuts like almonds or walnuts for different textural and taste variations.
• Use a candy thermometer when making the praline coating to ensure perfect caramelization without burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg