Easy Caramel Puff Corn from www.thebestdessertrecipes.com
Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious snack that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this puffed caramel corn recipe! This sweet and crunchy treat is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it only takes a few simple ingredients to whip up a batch. In this blog post, we will show you how to make puffed caramel corn step-by-step, including all the ingredients, instructions, and nutritional information you need.
Ingredients
For this puffed caramel corn recipe, you will need the following ingredients: - 6 cups of puffed corn cereal - 1 cup of brown sugar - 1/2 cup of butter - 1/4 cup of light corn syrup - 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Puffed Corn Cereal
Puffed corn cereal is the star of this recipe. You can find it in most supermarkets, either in the cereal aisle or the snack aisle. It looks similar to popcorn but is much lighter and crunchier. If you can't find puffed corn cereal, you can substitute it with puffed rice or any other puffed cereal of your choice.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is used to create the caramel coating for the puffed corn cereal. You can use either light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference. Dark brown sugar will give the caramel a richer flavor and color.
Butter
Butter is a key ingredient in the caramel mixture. It adds richness and flavor to the caramel and helps to create a smooth texture.
Light Corn Syrup
Light corn syrup is used to help thicken the caramel mixture and prevent it from crystallizing. If you don't have light corn syrup, you can substitute it with honey or agave nectar.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is added to the caramel mixture to create a light and airy texture. It helps to make the caramel coating more crispy and less sticky.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is used to add flavor to the caramel mixture. You can use either pure vanilla extract or imitation vanilla extract.
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to make the puffed caramel corn. Follow these simple steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). 2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 3. In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. 4. Once the mixture is boiling, let it cook for 5 minutes without stirring. 5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up and become lighter in color. 6. Pour the caramel mixture over the puffed corn cereal and stir until all the cereal is coated. 7. Spread the caramel-coated cereal in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking. 9. Remove the puffed caramel corn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. 10. Once the puffed caramel corn is cool, break it into small pieces and serve.
Nutrition
Now that you know how to make puffed caramel corn, you may be wondering about its nutritional value. Here is the nutritional information for one serving (1/2 cup) of puffed caramel corn: - Calories: 190 - Total Fat: 8g - Saturated Fat: 5g - Cholesterol: 20mg - Sodium: 180mg - Total Carbohydrates: 30g - Dietary Fiber: 0g - Sugars: 22g - Protein: 1g
Calories
One serving of puffed caramel corn contains 190 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie snack option.
Total Fat
One serving of puffed caramel corn contains 8g of total fat. Most of this fat comes from the butter used in the caramel mixture.
Saturated Fat
One serving of puffed caramel corn contains 5g of saturated fat. This is about 25% of the daily recommended intake of saturated fat for an adult.
Cholesterol
One serving of puffed caramel corn contains 20mg of cholesterol. This is about 7% of the daily recommended intake of cholesterol for an adult.
Sodium
One serving of puffed caramel corn contains 180mg of sodium. This is about 8% of the daily recommended intake of sodium for an adult.
Total Carbohydrates
One serving of puffed caramel corn contains 30g of total carbohydrates. This comes from the puffed corn cereal and the caramel coating.
Dietary Fiber
One serving of puffed caramel corn contains 0g of dietary fiber. This is because the puffed corn cereal is a refined grain and does not contain any fiber.
Sugars
One serving of puffed caramel corn contains 22g of sugars. This comes from the brown sugar and corn syrup used in the caramel coating.
Protein
One serving of puffed caramel corn contains 1g of protein. This is a relatively low amount of protein, so it's important to pair this snack with other protein-rich foods to make it a more balanced snack option.
Conclusion
Puffed caramel corn is a sweet and crunchy snack that is perfect for any occasion. With this recipe, you can make your own batch of puffed caramel corn in just a few simple steps using common ingredients. Plus, with the nutritional information provided, you can make an informed decision about whether this snack is right for you. So go ahead and give this recipe a try - your taste buds will thank you!
