If you’re craving a sweet, buttery, and nutty snack, this Praline Popcorn is the perfect treat. It’s a heavenly combination of fluffy popcorn and crunchy pecans coated in a rich praline glaze. Whether you’re hosting a movie night, need a festive holiday snack, or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is an absolute winner. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and creates a gourmet treat that tastes like it’s straight out of a candy shop.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors in one snack.
- Perfect for sharing at parties, holidays, or gifting.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Baked to golden perfection for that perfect crisp texture.
- Homemade caramel coating without complicated techniques!
Ingredients
- 2 bags (3.3 oz each) microwave popcorn
- 3 cups pecan halves
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup corn syrup
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Popcorn
Pop the microwave popcorn according to the package instructions. Remove any unpopped kernels and place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the Pecans
Mix the pecan halves into the bowl with the popcorn. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Praline Glaze
In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally as the mixture melts and comes to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam slightly—this is normal!
Step 4: Coat the Popcorn
Immediately pour the hot praline glaze over the popcorn and pecans. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together, ensuring an even coating.
Step 5: Bake for Crunch
Spread the coated popcorn mixture evenly onto a rimmed 15×10-inch baking sheet. Bake at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to prevent sticking and to ensure even crisping.
Step 6: Cool and Break
Once baked, transfer the popcorn mixture onto wax or parchment paper to cool completely. Once cooled, break into bite-sized pieces.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your praline popcorn is now ready to enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Microwave
- Large mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Rimmed baking sheet (15×10 inches recommended)
- Wax or parchment paper
- Spoon or spatula
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in decorative bowls for parties or holiday gatherings.
- Package in clear bags with ribbons for a thoughtful gift.
- Enjoy as a sweet treat during movie nights or picnics.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Avoid refrigeration, as it can make the popcorn lose its crispness.
Variations
- Nut-Free: Replace pecans with pretzel bits or additional popcorn for a kid-friendly option.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once the popcorn cools, drizzle melted chocolate over it for an extra indulgence.
- Spicy-Sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a subtle kick.
- Mixed Nuts: Use a combination of pecans, almonds, and cashews for a variety of textures and flavors.
- Holiday Twist: Add red and green candy-coated chocolates for a festive touch.
Helpful Notes
- Make sure to use a large enough bowl for mixing the popcorn and glaze to prevent spills.
- Stirring the popcorn during baking is essential for even coating and crunch.
- Use parchment or wax paper to cool the popcorn—it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Alton Brown: “For perfect caramel consistency, keep stirring the mixture as it heats to prevent burning.”
- Chef Ina Garten: “Always use real vanilla extract—it makes a huge difference in flavor.”
- Chef Martha Stewart: “Toast the pecans slightly before mixing for an enhanced nutty aroma.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use stovetop or air-popped popcorn instead of microwave popcorn?
Absolutely! Just ensure you have about 10-12 cups of popped popcorn for the recipe.
2. How do I keep the popcorn from getting soggy?
Baking the coated popcorn at a low temperature ensures the glaze hardens and the popcorn stays crispy.
3. Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark corn syrup?
Yes, but dark corn syrup adds a richer flavor to the glaze.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Praline popcorn stays fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.
5. Can I freeze praline popcorn?
Freezing is not recommended, as it may affect the texture of the popcorn.
Praline popcorn is a delightful snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet caramelized coating and the crunch of pecans, it’s hard to resist. Try it out—you’ll find it’s just as fun to make as it is t
