Maple Bacon Caramel Corn Clusters
Maple Bacon Caramel Corn Clusters
Indulge in a truly unique treat with these Maple Bacon Caramel Corn Clusters, where classic caramel corn gets a gourmet upgrade. This recipe skillfully blends the satisfying crunch of popcorn with the chewy sweetness of homemade caramel, infused with the smoky, savory notes of crispy bacon and the distinct richness of maple syrup. Each cluster is a delightful miniature candy, offering a complex flavour profile that balances sweet, salty, and umami. Perfect as a show-stopping dessert, a crowd-plepleasing snack for gatherings, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these clusters elevate the traditional caramel candy experience into an unforgettable confection that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.
- Preparation time
- 15 min
- Cooking time
- 25 min
- Total time
- 40 min
- Servings
- 10
Instructions
Preparation
- 1Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Have your popped popcorn and crispy crumbled bacon ready in a very large heatproof bowl.
Making the Caramel
- 1In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
- 2Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Let it boil for 5 minutes, or until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat.
- 3Stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up, which is normal. Work quickly to incorporate.
Combining and Baking
- 1Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture over the popcorn and bacon in the large bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly with a heatproof spatula until all the popcorn and bacon are evenly coated.
- 2Spread the caramel-coated popcorn and bacon mixture onto the prepared baking sheets in a single layer.
- 3Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring gently every 10 minutes, until the caramel is set and feels tacky but not overly sticky. This step helps to dry out the caramel, preventing sogginess.
- 4Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheets. Once cool, break the caramel corn into clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 351 kcal
- Protein
- 4 g
- Fat
- 16 g
- Carbs
- 48 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 351 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Carbs | 48 g |
Tips
- Ensure your bacon is extra crispy for optimal texture; limp bacon can make the caramel corn soggy. Cook it until shatteringly crisp.
- Do not stir the caramel mixture once it begins to boil, as this can cause crystallization. Only stir initially to dissolve the sugar.
- Break into clusters of various sizes for visual appeal and different bite experiences. Great for sharing or gifting.