Sweet and Crunchy: Try This Irresistible Caramel Popcorn Recipe at Home

Nothing says comfort quite like a batch of sweet, buttery caramel corn. Whether you're watching a movie, hosting a party, or simply craving a snack, caramel corn adds a perfect crunch and sweetness to any occasion. The best part? You can make this classic treat right in your own kitchen! With a few simple ingredients, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to whip up a batch of caramel corn that rivals anything you'd find at the store or fair.

Photo byNick Davies

Making caramel corn at home allows you to control the sweetness, texture, and even mix in fun add-ons like nuts or chocolate. The result is a crispy, caramel-coated popcorn that’s not only delicious but also customizable to your taste. Once you start making your own caramel corn, you’ll never want to buy the pre-packaged stuff again. Plus, it's a great recipe to get the whole family involved—everyone loves seeing popcorn transform into a golden, caramel-coated treat!

Here’s everything you need to create the perfect batch of homemade caramel corn.

Ingredients:

• 10 cups of freshly popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Pop the popcorn: Pop your kernels either using an air popper or stovetop method. Spread the popped popcorn on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring no unpopped kernels are mixed in.
2. Make the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Continue to stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for 5 minutes without stirring.
3. Add vanilla and baking soda: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up and become lighter in color. This reaction is what makes the caramel coating light and crispy.
4. Coat the popcorn: Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn, stirring gently to coat as evenly as possible. Work quickly, as the caramel can harden fast.
5. Bake the caramel corn: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the coated popcorn in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating. This baking step helps the caramel set and makes the popcorn crisp.
6. Cool and break apart: Once the popcorn is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. Break up any large clumps and store the caramel corn in an airtight container for up to a week (if it lasts that long!).

Why This Recipe Works:

The secret to perfect caramel corn is baking it after coating the popcorn in caramel sauce. This step ensures that every kernel is evenly coated and the caramel hardens to a crispy, crunchy finish. The combination of brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup creates a rich, caramelized flavor that balances the slight saltiness of the popcorn.

Whether you're enjoying it fresh out of the oven or packing it up for a special occasion, homemade caramel corn is a treat that will have everyone coming back for more.

Do you love caramel corn? Try this recipe, and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your thoughts and follow me for more tasty homemade recipes.

Sources:

Family Recipe