Instructions:
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2
Place the puffed corn into a large mixing bowl.
Step 3
Combine the butter, brown sugar, and light corn syrup in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
Step 4
Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently.
Step 5
Boil the caramel for 2 minutes, then remove it from the heat.
Step 6
Stir in the baking soda, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until fully combined.
Step 7
Pour the hot caramel mixture over the puffed corn.
Step 8
Gently stir until every piece of puffed corn is evenly coated.
Step 9
Spread the coated puffed corn evenly across the prepared baking sheets.
Step 10
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to coat the pieces evenly.
Step 11
Allow the Beaver Nuggets to cool completely until crisp.
Step 12
Break apart any large clusters and enjoy.
Tips and Variations:
Use Fresh Puffed Corn
Fresh puffed corn creates the lightest and crispiest texture, while stale puffed corn may become chewy after baking and won’t hold the caramel coating as well.
Don’t Skip the Baking Soda
The baking soda reacts with the hot caramel to create tiny air bubbles that make the coating lighter, crispier, and easier to bite into instead of becoming overly hard.
Add Extra Flavor
A sprinkle of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a unique twist to the classic caramel flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
Mix in Nuts
Roasted pecans, almonds, or cashews can be stirred into the coated puffed corn before baking to create an even heartier snack with extra crunch and flavor.
Cool Completely Before Storing
Let the Beaver Nuggets cool fully before placing them into containers, as any trapped heat can create moisture and soften the crunchy caramel coating.
Storage
Store the cooled Copycat Beaver Nuggets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freeze for Later
Freeze the cooled Beaver Nuggets in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 2 months, then let them come to room temperature before serving.
