There I was, standing in my kitchen, the sun streaming through the window, casting a warm glow over my workspace. It was one of those rare weekends where I had time to experiment with a classic treat. I had fond memories of munching on caramel corn during movie nights, but I wanted to elevate it with healthy, superfood ingredients. That’s when the idea struck me: a nutty superfood caramel corn, packed with flavor and nutrition, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a guilt-free snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup popcorn kernels (popped)
- 1/2 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup cacao nibs (optional, for extra crunch and health benefits)
Instructions
1. Begin by popping your popcorn kernels using your preferred method (stovetop, air popper, or microwave). Once popped, place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the coconut oil. Once melted, add the coconut sugar, maple syrup, and sea salt. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to bubble and caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious. This step adds a delightful lightness to your caramel.
4. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn, ensuring even coverage. Quickly add the chopped almonds and walnuts, mixing thoroughly until all the popcorn is coated.
5. If you’re using cacao nibs, sprinkle them over the popcorn now, mixing them in gently to maintain their crunch.
6. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the caramel-coated popcorn evenly on the baking sheet.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking. This will create a wonderfully crunchy texture.
8. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely. The caramel will harden as it cools, giving your popcorn that perfect crunch.
9. Once cooled, break apart any clumps and transfer to an airtight container for storage (if you can resist eating it all at once!).
This Nutty Superfood Caramel Corn is not only a delicious twist on a classic favorite but also a way to incorporate healthy fats and nutrients into your snack. The almonds and walnuts provide protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, while the cacao nibs add a touch of chocolatey goodness along with antioxidants. Enjoy it during movie nights, at parties, or whenever you crave a sweet treat!