Description
A delightful Sweet Spicy Salty Popcorn recipe that combines the perfect balance of flavors with a hint of heat, sweetness, and saltiness. This homemade popcorn is coated with a buttery, brown sugar glaze infused with cinnamon, cayenne pepper, honey, and vanilla, making it an irresistible snack for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Popcorn
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Test Kernels: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a few popcorn kernels to the pot and cover with a lid to test the temperature.
- Heat Popcorn Kernels: Once the test kernels pop, indicating the oil is hot enough, add the rest of the popcorn kernels. Cover the pot, remove from heat for 30 seconds to allow all kernels to heat evenly.
- Pop the Kernels: Return the pot to the stove and cook over medium-high heat. Occasionally shake the pot back and forth to prevent burning until popping slows to a few seconds between pops.
- Transfer Popcorn: Remove the pot from heat once most kernels have popped. Transfer the popcorn into a large bowl.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and mixture is well combined.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the honey and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to incorporate all flavors.
- Coat Popcorn: Pour the warm buttery mixture over the popcorn. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure all popcorn is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cool and Serve: Spread the coated popcorn on a baking sheet to cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the coating to set.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spiciness.
- Ensure to shake the pot frequently during popping to avoid burnt popcorn.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid for best popping results.
- The popcorn can be stored in an airtight container and enjoyed later.
