Pop Stars Align
Caramel Corn Layers with Whipped Cream and Berry Compote Parfait
35 minutes
Serves 4
SideAmericanGluten-freeNut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-free
Herb's take
Ever wanted your snack and your dessert to stop fighting and just get along? This American-inspired parfait is a collision of caramel popcorn, tangy berry compote, and clouds of whipped cream, served in elegant layers that eat like a sundae but crunch like a movie night. We’ll hit highlights of caramelization, fruit reduction, and, of course, the underappreciated power of popcorn.
Ingredients
Yield
4
Instructions
- 01Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
- 02In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt together until bubbling. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- 03Immediately pour the hot caramel over the popped popcorn in a large bowl. Toss quickly with a spatula until evenly coated.
- 04Spread the caramel-coated popcorn in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Remove and let cool.
- 05Meanwhile, combine the mixed berries, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until the fruit breaks down and the mixture thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
- 06In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla until soft peaks form, about 2 to 3 minutes by hand or with a mixer.
- 07To assemble, layer a generous spoonful of caramel popcorn in the bottom of 4 clear glasses, followed by a layer of berry compote, then whipped cream. Repeat layers once more, finishing with a flourish of extra popcorn on top for drama.
- 08Serve immediately for max crunch, or chill up to 30 minutes if you want a slightly softer parfait.
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