Last Updated on September 16, 2023
If you’re a fan of movie theater popcorn, then you need to try Brenda Gantt’s amazing Caramel Popcorn. For decades, her homemade caramel popcorn has been the stuff of legend!
It’s sweet, crunchy, and just as good as any snack you’d get at your local cinema. Brenda was born in North Carolina, and from a young age, she was experimenting with different flavors and recipes for popcorn.
Her secret method is now available to all, so grab your ingredients and get ready to make this tasty treat. With just a few simple steps you can have delicious, homemade caramel popcorn that will rival any store-bought variety. So let’s get started!
What is Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn?
Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn is a classic appetizer from the North Carolina-born Brenda Gantt. This tasty snack takes popcorn to a whole new level of deliciousness! It’s sweet and crunchy, with a light and fluffy texture that could rival any movie theater concession stand.
It uses simple ingredients to create a syrup that binds the popcorn together and helps it turn golden brown when cooked. It’s easy to make and will give you all of the flavor and crunch of traditional caramel popcorn without any extra effort.
Whether you’re looking for an after-dinner treat or just something to snack on during movie night, Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn is sure to please. With its delicious flavor and classic crunch, it’s the perfect snack for any occasion!
How did I first get introduced to the Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn?
I first heard about Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn from a friend who had tried it and raved about it. Intrigued, I decided to do some research on the recipe online and soon came across Brenda Gantt’s website.
On her website, she has an entire section dedicated to her mouth-watering recipes, including her famous Caramel Popcorn. The recipe looked simple enough, so I decided to give it a try.
I was glad that I did! After following the instructions, my popcorn came out perfectly golden brown and with a delightful crunchy texture. And the flavor? Wow – it was amazing! Sweet and salty, with just the right amount of caramel goodness.
Soon, I was making batches of Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn for every movie night or party we hosted. Everyone loved it – even kids! – and it quickly became a family favorite.
Today, the recipe is still one of my go-to snacks when I need something sweet and crunchy at a moment’s notice. Whether I’m making it for a special occasion or just snacking on it during movie night, I can always count on Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn to deliver. Try it for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!
How to make Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn?
Making Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn is easy and only takes a few ingredients. Just follow the simple instructions below for delicious, homemade popcorn perfection.
Ingredients
- Brown sugar: This will sweeten the popcorn and add a caramel flavor.
- Unsalted butter: This will combine with the brown sugar to create a syrup that binds the popcorn together and helps it turn golden brown when cooked.
- Light corn syrup: This will help bind all of the ingredients together and contribute to its chewy texture.
- Pure vanilla extract: The addition of pure vanilla extract will bring out and balance the sweetness.
- Baking soda: This will help give the popcorn a light, fluffy texture.
- Unpopped popcorn kernels: Popcorn is what makes this recipe so delicious! Be sure to use unpopped kernels for best results.
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Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Prepare Syrup
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and light corn syrup over low-medium heat.
- Stir until the mixture reaches a simmering boil for about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract and baking soda.
Step 2
Pop the Popcorn
- Place a large pot with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the unpopped popcorn kernels and cover with the lid.
- Shake the pot continuously to evenly spread out the kernels until they all pop, about 5 minutes. Once finished, remove from heat and pour the popcorn into a large bowl.
Step 3
Coat the Popcorn with Syrup
- Pour the syrup over the popcorn and mix until each kernel is evenly coated.
- Spread out the popcorn onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to ensure the popcorn is evenly cooked.
- Let cool before serving!
Tips
- For an extra crunchy and sweet popcorn, add some chopped nuts to the mix. This will give it a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- You can also add some dark chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a festive twist.
- Keep in mind that if you’re adding nuts or other ingredients, you should bake the popcorn slightly longer than 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and light corn syrup. Gently heat over low-medium until the mixture begins to simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract and baking soda.
- Place a large pot with the lid on medium-high heat, add the unpopped popcorn kernels then cover with lid. While shaking gently, keep the pot moving so that all of the kernels are popped evenly in about 5 minutes. Then transfer the popcorn to a large bowl.
- Pour the prepared syrup over the popcorn and mix until every kernel is covered with an even coating. Spread the popcorn out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Let cool before serving.
Video
Notes
- For an extra crunchy and sweet popcorn, add some chopped nuts to the mix. This will give it a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- You can also add some dark chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a festive twist.
- Keep in mind that if you’re adding nuts or other ingredients, you should bake the popcorn slightly longer than 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn?
Here are some great ideas for serving Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn:
- As an after-dinner dessert or snack.
- Take it to the movies! It’s a great alternative to store-bought popcorn.
- Pack it in lunchboxes for a sweet treat during school days.
- Serve it at parties, picnics, or gatherings.
- Serve it alongside other appetizers and snacks for a fun game night spread.
How to store leftover Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn?
Any leftover Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the popcorn in the oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through.
If you need to store it longer than one week, you can place it in a freezer bag and freeze it for up to one month.
Be sure to label the bag with the date of storage so you can easily keep track of how long it has been stored. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above!
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can enjoy Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn as a treat. As with any food, moderation is key. Pregnant women should limit their intake of popcorn to no more than two servings per week and make sure they are not consuming any extra ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips that could pose additional health risks.
It’s important to note that the sugar and butter in this recipe can be high in calories, so pregnant women should only indulge in small portions.
Additionally, pregnant women should make sure they’re getting enough nutrition by eating a balanced diet full of essential vitamins and minerals. Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn is a great treat to have as an occasional snack but should not replace nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
FAQs
Is Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn vegan?
No, this recipe contains butter and should not be enjoyed by vegans or those following a plant-based diet.
Can I use store-bought popcorn?
Yes, you can use store-bought popcorn instead of making your own. However, we recommend using unpopped kernels for the best flavor and texture.
Can I customize this?
Yes, you can customize this recipe to your liking by adding nuts, dried fruits, or other ingredients of your choice. Just be sure to bake the popcorn slightly longer if you’re adding any additional ingredients. You can also reduce the amount of sugar and butter in the recipe for a lighter version.
Wrapping Up
Brenda Gantt Caramel Popcorn is the perfect treat for any occasion! It’s easy to make, and you can customize it with your favorite ingredients.
Just follow the simple steps above and enjoy a delicious batch of homemade popcorn anytime. Have fun experimenting with different flavors and combinations – you’ll be sure to find something that everyone will love!
Thank you for reading this article, please share it with your friends and family so they can enjoy the perfect popcorn too!
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
