Caramel Toast Popcorn: Sweet & Crispy Snack
Easy Caramel Toast Popcorn Recipe Using Stale Bread: A Perfect Snack for Kids!
Today, I’m sharing a super simple snack recipe that you can whip up even when you’re busy: ‘Caramel Toast Popcorn’! Despite having a packed schedule that kept me working late, I couldn’t resist the call of sweetness. Just as I expected, I made a delicious popcorn-like snack using toast. Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, Caramel Toast Popcorn is the ultimate treat for both kids and adults. Enjoy it as a dessert after dinner or a satisfying snack when you’re feeling peckish!
Ingredients
- 3-4 slices of bread (adjust to your preference)
- 6 Tbsp sugar
- 6 Tbsp water
- 20g butter
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 5 Tbsp condensed milk
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the bread slices into small pieces, about 16 to 20 equal parts. About 3 slices of bread are perfect for this amount of caramel sauce. If you’re using more bread, you’ll need to increase the sauce ingredients accordingly. Cutting too much bread might result in insufficient caramel.
Step 2
The pile of small bread pieces might seem large, but don’t worry; they’ll reduce in volume when toasted. It’s perfectly fine to prepare a generous amount.
Step 3
When making Caramel Toast Popcorn, it’s crucial to use a well-coated frying pan. A non-stick pan, like my favorite Happycall pan, will make the cooking process much smoother. (Cooking results may vary depending on the type of pan used.)
Step 4
Place the cut bread pieces in the frying pan and toast them slowly over low heat. Keep a close eye on the bread while toasting, as it can burn easily if left unattended. Be careful not to scorch them!
Step 5
As the bread toasts, you’ll notice crumbs forming at the bottom. Don’t discard these crumbs! Sift them through a fine-mesh sieve and set them aside. These toasted crumbs will become part of your delicious toast popcorn. Transfer the toasted bread pieces to a separate bowl to cool slightly.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the delicious caramel sauce! In the frying pan, combine 6 tablespoons of sugar and 6 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until the sugar melts and turns into a clear caramel color. Patience is key here!
Step 7
Once the sugar has melted and turned into a clear caramel color, add 20g of butter. The butter will melt and enrich the caramel with a deeper flavor. Wait until the butter is completely melted.
Step 8
After the butter has melted, slowly pour in 2 tablespoons of milk and 5 tablespoons of condensed milk. Adding condensed milk will result in a smoother and sweeter caramel sauce.
Step 9
Once all ingredients are added, the caramel sauce will begin to bubble. From this point onwards, gently stir with a spatula until all ingredients are well combined. Avoid stirring too vigorously.
Step 10
Add the pre-toasted bread pieces to the well-made caramel sauce. Mix them thoroughly over very low heat. It’s crucial to maintain low heat; turning off the heat will cause the caramel to harden quickly. If you have a lot of bread and the caramel doesn’t coat evenly, it’s best to mix in batches. (The caramel sauce amount is perfect for about 3 slices of bread.) Separate any stuck-together bread pieces before they harden. Spread them out on a tray lined with parchment paper and let them cool completely. Your crispy and delicious Caramel Toast Popcorn is ready!