Print

Homemade Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 99 reviews

This homemade caramel popcorn recipe delivers a perfect combination of crunchy popcorn coated with a rich, buttery caramel sauce. Made from simple pantry ingredients and baked low and slow, this treat is ideal for movie nights, parties, or anytime you crave a sweet and crunchy snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Popcorn

  • 10 cups popped popcorn
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup butter (salted or unsalted)
  • 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Make the popcorn: Prepare popcorn according to the package instructions and transfer 10 cups of popped popcorn to a very large bowl.
  2. Prep the baking sheets: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
  3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit to allow for slow baking of the caramel popcorn.
  4. Make the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of butter. Stir in 1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Once boiling, allow it to cook without stirring for 4 minutes.
  5. Add flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up, which is expected.
  6. Coat the popcorn: Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the bowl of popped popcorn and stir gently to coat all kernels evenly.
  7. Bake the popcorn: Spread the caramel-coated popcorn evenly in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheets. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and baking.
  8. Cool and serve: Remove the popcorn from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheets. Once cooled, break into smaller pieces, serve, and enjoy your delicious homemade caramel popcorn!

Notes

  • Ensure popcorn is fully popped but not burnt before coating with caramel.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.
  • Stirring the caramel-coated popcorn every 15 minutes during baking helps prevent burning and ensures even coating.
  • Store leftover caramel popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • For an extra touch, sprinkle with sea salt before baking for a salted caramel flavor.

Keywords: caramel popcorn, homemade caramel popcorn, popcorn snack, sweet snack, party snack, buttery caramel popcorn

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/homemade-caramel-popcorn-recipe/