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Honey Caramel Popcorn Bars

Honey Caramel Popcorn Bars

Crunchy popcorn bars held together with a quick honey caramel and a sprinkle of seeds. A fun, nut-free lunchbox snack for older kids.

3-5y+

5 min prep · 5 min cook · 10 min total · 12 servings

Milk

Ingredients

  • 720 ml popcorn, popped and cooled3.04 cup popcorn, popped and cooled
  • 30 g butter1.06 oz butter
  • 80 ml honey5.41 tbsp honey
  • 5 ml vanilla extract1.01 tsp vanilla extract
  • 15 ml chia seed1.01 tbsp chia seed
  • 30 ml hemp seed2.03 tbsp hemp seed

Steps

Prep

  1. Line a small square cake tin or loaf tin with baking paper so the set bars lift out easily later.
  2. If you are starting with kernels, pop the popcorn following the packet directions, then let it cool slightly.

Make the Caramel

  1. In a large saucepan, heat the butter and honey over medium heat until foaming and slightly darker in colour, about 3 minutes.
  2. Keep cooking until you can drag a spatula through the mixture and briefly form a channel, which means the caramel is ready.

Mix and Press

  1. While the caramel cooks, gently crush the popcorn with your hands into slightly smaller pieces.
  2. Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the vanilla until evenly mixed.
  3. Stir the crushed popcorn and the chia and hemp seeds through the warm caramel until everything is well coated.
  4. While the mixture is still warm, press it firmly into the lined tin with a spatula into an even layer.

Set and Slice

  1. Let the bars cool fully in the tin, on the bench or more quickly in the fridge, until firm and set.
  2. Lift the set block out of the tin and slice into finger-size bars to serve.

Nutrition

Calories
53
Protein
2g
Fat
2g
Carbs
8g

Tips by age

3-5y

Best offered from around 4 years, once your child chews and swallows confidently. Break bars into small pieces, have everyone sit down, and supervise closely.

Choking safety: Popcorn is a high choking risk for younger children and the caramel makes the bars firm. Not suitable under 4, and even at this age serve only small pieces with close supervision.

5-8y

Serve as written in finger-size bars. Remind your child to chew well and stay seated while eating.

Choking safety: Popcorn can still pose a choking risk. Keep your child seated and supervised while eating.

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