You can celebrate Oktoberfest all year round with hearty authentic German food, from sauerkraut to schnitzel, and lively live entertainment, from musicians to dancers the way Germans do in the German Pavilion at Epcot. One of my favorite places to visit in the pavilion is Karamell Küche and grab a bag of their fresh-made caramel corn. I’ve got a copycat recipe that my friends tell me is even better than the one you can get from Epcot… I can’t wait to share this with you all!
Epcot’s Germany Pavillion
If you even casually know of German culture, you’ve probably heard of Oktoberfest which is the world’s largest Volksfest (a beer festival and fun fair). Traditionally, Oktoberfest in Germany is celebrated for 15-18 days with its final day on the first Sunday in October. Here in the US, we celebrate the entire month.
The German Pavillion at Epcot celebrates Oktoberfest year-round, with plenty of delicious foods and spirited entertainment all around the pavilion. Since I am 53% German, grew up on stuffed cabbage rolls, and took German in college, this is one of my favorite pavilions to visit in all of World Showcase.
While I love everything there, my favorite place to visit is Karamell-Küche (which is German for Caramel Kitchen) since I have a sweet tooth and love anything caramel!
You cannot resist smelling the delicious aromas that waft from the open doors of the Küche. There are SO many different leckere Leckereien (delicious treats) to choose from inside the display cases. You can find caramel apples, Butter Bars, brownies with ribbons of caramel, and even classic caramel squares. But the most popular item at Karamell-Küche is definitely the Caramel Popcorn.
I have several friends who travel across the country to visit Walt Disney World just to stop into the Karamell-Küche and bring a few bags of Caramel Popcorn home with them. Since most of us are unable to do this at the drop of a hat, I have a fabulous recipe that you can make at home.
Copycat Epcot Karamell-Küche Caramel Popcorn
My friend said that my Caramel Popcorn recipe is even better than the one at Karamell-Küche— and she is one that specifically visits Epcot just for the caramel corn! I think adding the sea salt gives it an extra kick that takes it to the next level. You’ll want to grab some popcorn kernels and get this party started!
Salted Caramel Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels (about 16 cups popped corn)
- 1 cup salted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt, divided
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set aside. Pop popcorn kernels using air popper into a large bowl.
- In a small saucepan melt butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and 1 teaspoon salt together over medium heat. Bring to boil. Boil for 4 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and let it cool for 2 minutes. It needs to stop boiling before you pour it on the popcorn.
- Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and stir to coat evenly.
- Pour popcorn into lined pan, sprinkle remaining salt on top (1/2 tsp – 1 tsp depending on your personal taste preference) and place in oven. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Allow popcorn to cool on a parchment-lined counter.
Let’s Hear From You
Are you looking forward to celebrating Oktoberfest? What’s your favorite goodie from Karamell-Küche? Are you craving some Caramel Popcorn? Share your thoughts below!
If you’re looking for another dish to add to your Oktoberfest celebrations, be sure to check out my Bavarian pretzel recipe from Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs!
The Disney Dish – Amazing Copycat Jock Lindsey’s Loaded Pretzel Recipe
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