My dear friend introduced me to this Peanut Butter Cup Caramel Corn a few years ago. It came in an adorable container and cost more than I could afford to maintain the habit. This was a good thing because had I been able to go back for more, I would’ve lost control. But I just had to make my own, eventually. You know, for emergencies.
Peanut Butter Cup Caramel Corn
Makes about 24 cups of popcorn.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 3/4 cup popcorn kernels
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup white Karo syrup
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pound Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Minis, some cut in halves
- 1 – 10 ounce package Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips
- 1 – 12 ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups salted cocktail peanuts (NOT honey roasted or dry roasted)
Preheat oven to 225°F.
Get two half sheet pans out, spray lightly with non-stick spray, and set aside.
Place canola oil & popcorn in a large saucepan with a lid. Cook over medium-high heat. Once the popcorn starts to pop, shake the pan continually while keeping over the heat. When popping sounds slow down, remove from heat, and pour into a large bowl. Add peanuts to popcorn. Set aside.
Melt butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add brown sugar, white syrup, and sea salt. Stir well. The mixture will come to a boil. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes.
Drizzle caramel over popcorn & peanuts and then stir gently (it will be very hot) until popcorn is well coated.
Spread caramel corn on baking sheets.
Bake in the oven for 45 minutes (to dry caramel well) then remove from oven. Place Reese’s Minis on caramel corn while hot so they melt onto the popcorn.
Melt Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips in a glass bowl in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir and place back in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between until almost completely melted. Stir when done until the last bits are completely melted. Drizzle over caramel corn.
Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle over caramel corn in the same way as peanut butter chips. Sprinkle nuts over melted peanut butter and chocolate drizzles.
Allow caramel corn and toppings to cool completely. Break into chunks to serve or gift.
Makes perfect little gifts when placed in a clear gift bag with a fun tag attached. Your friends will sing your praises forever and all the land will be addicted. You’re welcome. I’m sorry. You’re welcome.