You only need four ingredients for this Healthy Maple Caramel Corn - An easy snack recipe that is naturally gluten-free!
Halloween is looking mighty different this year, if you know what I mean.
While there won't be any door-to-door madness and gladness, us old kids are trying to plan something the young ones will love!
Scary movies, candy, and an indoor funhouse of sorts are all on the agenda. Well, maybe one scary movie, a limited amount of candy, and a few scattered props down the hallway, lol.
The kids are all excited for something different, and Mickie is at a fun age right now (she'll be ONE on Sunday!)
We're going to make the most of this crap year, so help me!
Healthy caramel corn
Everyone here loves popcorn and sweets, so I wanted to create a version of caramel corn with a bit less sugar.
This popcorn is sweetened with just enough maple syrup to keep both kids and mom happy! I use either coconut oil, butter, or a combination of the two, depending on what's on hand.
The sprinkle of salt brings out the flavors nicely, and there's room for variations, depending on your taste.
Some ideas include: A capful of vanilla, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a handful of peanuts to make your own healthy Cracker Jack!
If maple syrup is your sweetener of choice, take a peek at some of these recipes!
Maple Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream
Healthy Thin Mints
Healthy Maple Caramel Corn
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unpopped organic popping corn
- 3 Tbsp maple syrup
- 3 Tbsp butter or coconut oil for dairy-free
- ⅛ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Pop your corn how you like (I use an air popper).
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- In a saucepan, heat the butter (or oil) and the syrup.
- Boil the two ingredients for a solid minute.
- Immediately pour the mixture over the corn and toss together with the salt to coat.
- Place the popcorn on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Remove the pan and allow the caramel corn to cool (this is when it really crisps up, so don't skip this step!).
Notes
Nutrition
Notes:
This is my favorite air popper. I've had it for years, and it's still going strong!
Some of the items I use to make this recipe include:
Carrie
Delicious! Thank-you! 😍
Karli
Finally - popcorn I can actually eat! I literally squealed with delight (inside since a family member is snoozing across from me) when I read the ingredients! I recently became plant-based and there is no turning back for me. I hate cold weather. I have a huge desire to adopt when the time is right. I just got back from a 3 month volunteer stint at an orphanage in Uganda.
Thank you so much for taking the time to create recipes that I can eat (well, not all your recipes...but close enough) and for posting them. Now that my comment is incredibly long...can't wait to make this!
Lauren
Lol, I'm happy to have provided you with a treat! 🙂
Donna
Thanks!!...I'll be out to "peanut-purchase" in time for the weekend!
Donna
Gosh I love your blog and everything you put ON it...and appreciate what goes INTO it...Thanks for your continuous, selfless sharing!...THIS...will accompany our weekend flick ..it looks delish. Question....what kind of peanut would you add if one wanted a "Cracker Jack" feel to it...just sayin'!!....a red-skinned peanut?!...I forget just what exactly WAS the peanut they used to put in my beloved little rectangular boxes when I was back in the States!
Lauren
The most 'traditional' peanuts I've found are at Trader Joe's and they are just roasted Valencia peanuts. I'm sure the red-skinned would work fine as well though, but I don't remember liking them very well myself. I hope you enjoy the recipe Donna! 😀
Lisa Holcomb
This look amazing! Having four kids I have an excuse to make this but I think I'll be eating as much as them! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Lauren
Thanks Lisa! It really is a great little snack for kids (and adults) ;-).
Rachel @ day2day joys
Lauren, I love your photo's, they are beautiful! And thank you so much for linking up with Healthy 2day Wednesdays! Hope you have a blessed week and hope you’ll be linking up this week!
Lauren
Thank you Rachel, I definitely will!
Dana
That popcorn looks delicious! I love a good guilt free indulgence. Congrats on your new place, it looks really nice. We went from a house to a condo too, and it's been great. My favorite childhood snacks were not guilt free at all 🙂 I loved a good frosted pop tart and hostess apple pies. Fortunately I also loved (and still do) fruit of almost any kind.
Insider info about me, before I had kids I was a self defense instructor. I "retired" when I got pregnant with my daughter (now 4) but I sure do miss that job!
-Dana
Katie (The Muffin Myth)
Amazing! Thanks so much for posting this recipe! I too love caramel corn, but all the fat and sugar is off putting. We make popcorn (stove top) most weekends to snack on and usually have a little butter and nutritional yeast on it, but this sweet version looks too good not to try! It's bookmarked for the weekend, thank you.
Lauren
Thank you for the sweet comment! I hope you come back and let me know how you like it... 🙂
freshlifefindings
Lauren you are so cute! I love that dress and that you showed us where you do your work 🙂 This recipe sounds delicious, I love popcorn! About me: anytime I'm sick or sad, I watch You've Got Mail and I always feel happier 🙂
Lauren
Thanks Natalie! I love that movie too! I know I'm going to sound like my grandma when I say this, but they don't make movies like they used to!
Alex @ therunwithin
i am a popcorn addict so this looks amazing
Lauren
I know how you feel. Once I started eating this, I ended up eating all of it within two days! It didn't sit heavy at all though, so that's good at least, right?... :-/
Gabby @ the veggie nook
You look so pretty in that dress! I really enjoyed this post, I might so something similar on my blog about my new home in Toronto!
Lauren
You should Gabby! I'd love to learn more about you and your everyday life. 🙂
jessielovestorun
Love your dress in the picture of you. Too cute!
I eat at least one apple a day. I can't get enough of them.
Lauren
Thanks Jessie! I love apples as well, but my favorite fruit is probably grapes.