Description
This caramel popcorn recipe is a sweet, buttery, crunchy snack that is perfect for movie nights, parties, and homemade gifting. Each piece of popcorn is coated in rich caramel and baked until crisp for the ultimate treat.
Ingredients
1/2 cup popcorn kernels (or about 12 cups popped popcorn)
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
1. Pop the popcorn and place it in a large bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.
2. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
4. Stir in the brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt until combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes without stirring.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The caramel will foam.
7. Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and toss well to coat evenly.
8. Spread the coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until crisp.
10. Let the caramel popcorn cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
For best results, remove all unpopped kernels before adding the caramel.
Stirring during baking helps the caramel coat evenly and prevents clumping.
Store cooled caramel popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For variation, add a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle with melted chocolate after cooling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg