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a bowl of healthy caramel popcorn
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Healthy Caramel Popcorn

This healthier caramel popcorn keeps everything you love about the classic while using simple, whole ingredients you can feel good about. Drizzle the "caramel" sauce on the popcorn and enjoy immediately, or bake it to get that satisfying crunch we all love.

Ingredients

Popcorn

  • ½ cup Popcorn Kernels
  • 2 tsp Avocado Oil

Caramel Sauce

  • 2 Tbsp Grass Fed Butter
  • ½ cup Pure Maple Syrup not pancake syrup
  • ¼ tsp Salt
  • 2 tsp Vanilla

Instructions

Make the Popcorn

  • In a large glass, microwave-safe bowl, add the kernels and oil. Mix to combine.
  • Place a microwave-safe dinner plate on top of the bowl, ensuring it covers the entire opening
  • Microwave for 4 minutes, listening closely to ensure that you hear 10 seconds between pops before stopping. You may need more or less time depending on your microwave.
  • Carefully, remove the bowl and take off the plate. (CAUTION: it will all be hot)
  • Transfer popcorn to a 9x13 baking dish, separating the un-popped kernels and discarding them.

Caramel Sauce

  • In a medium cast iron skillet or small sauce pan, melt butter and add maple syrup.
  • On a medium to high heat, bring the mixture to a soft boil, stirring constantly.
  • Set a timer for 1 minute and continue stirring.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
  • Drizzle caramel sauce over the popcorn, stopping to stir frequently to evenly coat it all.
  • You can stop here and enjoy the popcorn like this, or bake it to create a crunchy caramel texture

Baking The Caramel Popcorn

  • Preheat oven to 250 °F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Pour caramel popcorn on the baking sheet, spreading it out to ensure there aren't any large clumps.
  • Bake for 45 minutes, removing from the oven to stir every 15 minutes.
  • Allow to cool completely.

Notes

  • If you are enjoying this caramel popcorn without baking it, plan to eat it all on the day you make it to prevent it from being soggy. 
  • To make this ahead or give it as gifts, I suggest baking this, as it will store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 
  • Unlike conventional caramel popcorn, every piece may not be entirely coated in caramel. This prevents it from being sickly sweet.
  • Make sure you are using pure maple syrup and not pancake syrup. 
  • Grass-fed butter tastes best, but you can also use regular butter