The holidays are made for cozy moments — twinkling lights, classic movies, and sweet treats shared with family and friends. These Caramel Almond Popcorn Clusters are the perfect snack to make together: golden caramel coats crisp organic popcorn and toasted almonds, creating crunchy, buttery clusters with a hint of vanilla and almond. Not only are they irresistible fresh from the oven, but they also make a thoughtful, festive gift. Pack them in cheerful tins or cellophane bags for friends, teachers, or neighbors — a little homemade cheer that’s guaranteed to bring smiles.
INGREDIENTS:
10 cups freshly popped organic popcorn*
2 cups whole almonds
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
*Use only organically grown popcorn. Non-organic popcorn often ranks among the most pesticide-contaminated crops on the FDA’s list.
METHOD:
Preheat oven to 225°F. Lightly spray a 15 × 10-inch rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper.
Place the freshly popped popcorn and almonds in a large heatproof mixing bowl. Set aside.
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes without stirring.
Remove from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and baking soda. The mixture will foam slightly — this helps create a lighter, crisp coating.
Immediately pour the hot caramel in a steady stream over the popcorn and almonds, stirring gently with a spatula to coat evenly.
Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure even caramelization.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, break into clusters and store in an airtight container.
Keeps well for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container at room temperature.
GIFT IDEAS:
Movie Night Gift Kit: Package clusters in a popcorn box or tin with a classic holiday DVD, cocoa mix, and a cozy pair of socks.
Festive Snack Bags: Place popcorn clusters in clear cellophane bags tied with red and gold ribbon and a tag reading “Homemade Holiday Crunch.”
Teacher or Neighbor Gifts: Fill small jars or tins with popcorn clusters and add a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Holiday Party Favors: Scoop clusters into small parchment cones or paper cups, wrap with tissue, and seal with a holiday sticker.
