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Copycat Beaver Nuggets: Crunchy Buttery Caramel-Coated Puffed Corn Recipe

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These Copycat Beaver Nuggets are a homemade version of the beloved Texas snack featuring crunchy puffed corn coated in a rich, buttery caramel glaze. Perfect as a sweet and crunchy treat, they capture the nostalgic flavors of roadside favorites with a simple, easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients

Snack Base

  • 10 ounces puffed corn

Caramel Coating

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Caramel Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir frequently as you bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Boil Mixture: Once boiling, maintain the boil for 2 minutes, continuing to stir often to prevent burning.
  4. Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the baking soda, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. This will create a foamy, caramelized mixture.
  5. Coat Puffed Corn: Place the puffed corn in a large bowl. Pour the caramel mixture over the puffed corn and gently stir with a rubber spatula until all the corn is evenly coated.
  6. Spread on Baking Sheets: Evenly distribute the coated puffed corn across the prepared baking sheets, spreading it into an even layer for uniform baking.
  7. Bake the Nuggets: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning.
  8. Cool and Serve: After baking, allow the nuggets to cool completely on the baking sheets. Once cooled, transfer to airtight containers for storage or serve immediately as a delicious snack.

Notes

  • Stirring every 15 minutes during baking is essential to ensure the caramel coating cooks evenly and prevents clumping.
  • Ensure to use light corn syrup for the authentic texture and shine in the caramel coating.
  • Store finished nuggets in airtight containers to maintain crunch and freshness for up to one week.
  • For a gluten-free option, verify that the puffed corn is gluten-free certified.