A couple of nights ago I was wanting something sweet and we really didn’t have anything in the house. The truth is I was really missing the caramel popcorn that we had over the holidays. You know there is always at least one (sometimes five) cans of that popcorn mix and really wanted some. So after looking through the cabinets I realized I had the ingredients to make my own caramel popcorn. Now the recipe calls for baking the popcorn but just a FYI if you don’t want to wait for it to bake and cool, just let it cool a little and go ahead and enjoy. It will be stickier than if you bake it but just as good.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup light or dark corn syrup
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1 cup kernels before popped)
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan with aluminum foil, and grease lightly with cooking spray.
- In large stockpot put butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to incorporate the butter.
- Bring to a rolling boil, reduce heat and set the timer for 5 minutes. DON’T stir or anything. Let it simmer for the 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and slowly whisk in baking soda and vanilla. Be careful the baking soda makes the mixture foam and bubble.
- Add popcorn a few handfuls at a time and toss it to coat it with the caramel.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring to toss every 5 minutes, until the caramel corn has turned a deep amber color.
- Remove the caramel corn from the oven and transfer to a surface covered with parchment or wax paper to cool. Once it cool enough, use your hands or a spoon to break up the caramel corn.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
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Oh my gosh I could go and make some of this right now it looks so good! Thanks for the recipe!
I have to admit that this recipe came about because I was having a sweet craving and couldn’t find anything in the house. This has become a huge hit though!
I love popcorn of any kind but I’ve never tried making my own caramel corn. It looks pretty easy though.
YUM! What a awesome treat, and its always so much better when it is homemade. I love caramel corn! I have such a sweet tooth for this now. Awesome recipe & easy to make.
Sounds incredible – I am so making this this weekend. My family is crazy for popcorn in all flavors and forms, but caramel is my absolute favorite!
I made caramel popcorn once to give away as part of small holiday baskets. It was a big hit. I want to try this recipe, sounds soo good. The homemade caramel version is sooo much better than store bought.