Every holiday season, there's one treat that disappears faster than you can say movie night, Homemade Caramel Popcorn! It's the kind of snack that makes your kitchen smell like a candy shop and your taste buds do a happy dance!
Whether you're gifting it to neighbors, setting out a bowl for game day, or sneaking handfuls when no one's watching (no judgment here!), this recipe is quick, crunchy, and ridiculously addictive.
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Why Caramel Corn is a must make
This caramel popcorn is the snack that does it all! The caramel is smooth and buttery, clings to every fluffy piece of popcorn, and crisps up to candy-coated perfection once baked.
You don't need a candy thermometer or fancy equipment, just simple pantry staples. Plus, it stores beautifully, making it a fabulous make-ahead treat for parties or holiday gift bags.
It's the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen magician - ta-da! Homemade caramel popcorn in under an hour.
Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card below.
Crunchy Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Equipment
- sheet pan
- Stock Pot
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons corn oil or other high heat, non-flavored oil
- ¼ cup pop corn 8-10 cups popped
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining with aluminum foil or silpat. Set aside.
- Over high heat add the oil to a pan with a lid. Add the popcorn and pop. When it's done popping, remove and pour in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Add the butter and brown sugar in a nonstick saucepan. When it comes to a boil stop stirring and let if boil for 5 minutes.
- When 5 minutes is up, remove from heat and add the vanilla, salt and baking soda. It will hiss and spit! No worries, just continue to stir, it will become light and fuzzy.
- Immediately pour half over the popped popcorn. Mix to combine. Add the remaining and mix again.
- Pour onto a baking sheet lined with foil or a silpat. Spread into one flat layer. Bake for about 30 minutes until the popcorn is crispy.
Notes
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Nutrition
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions refer to the recipe card.
FAQ's
It will last a couple weeks in the pantry and up to three months frozen.
There's a bit of science involved, but basically the baking soda makes the sauce light and frothy.
Yes! That's a great way to preserve it. I usually make a couple of batches and freeze it in small batches.
Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the pantry. Do not refrigerate as its will get soft.
Oh no, if your caramel popcorn got soggy, don't worry! If it does, just reheat it in a preheated 200 degree oven for about 10 minutes. It will crisp right up!
Things to know
- This probably goes without saying, start with plain popcorn (not flavored popcorn).
- Corn oil, peanut, coconut oil, vegetable oil or canola oil are best for popping as they have a high smoke point and are flavorless.
- You can use light or dark brown sugar - they are interchangeable in this recipe. I used light brown but dark brown sugar will lend a molasses flavor.
Variations
Toss in a handful of peanuts and you'll have a treat better than Cracker Jacks - all you'll need is a fun toy surprise, right? Other options are adding sprinkles, m&m's or chocolate chips.
- How fun would it be to add candy corn, goldfish and chocolate chips for fall?
- For Christmas add red and white m&m's, candied nuts and chocolate covered pretzels - super cute and yummy!
Use your imagination and upgrade this easy caramel popcorn recipe for a super fun treat!
More candy recipes you'll enjoy!
- Butterscotch Haystacks - if you can melt chocolate, you can make this treat! Great for a cookie exchange and a terrific sweet snack!
- My Grandma's recipe for Homemade Fudge is AMAZING! There are only three ingredients and it's perfectly smooth and creamy every time. Super easy to make, it's delicious!
- Homemade Caramel Apples - Crunchy, chewy, and delightfully messy, these caramel apples are a nostalgic treat that's as fun to make as they are to eat!
Wrapping it up
Caramel popcorn is one of those recipes that turns ordinary moments into something special. Whether it's a cozy movie night or a sweet homemade gift. So grab that big bowl, queue up your favorite flick, and get ready for a snack that's as fun to make as it is to eat!
And hey, when try it, drop a comment below and tell me what you think! Don't forget to sign up for my weekly emails - I send easy, tested recipes straight from my kitchen to yours!
Debbie says
I love that this recipe shows us how to make caramel corn without corn syrup. This will be my first time trying to make this treat and I am really looking forward to it.
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful!! I hope you enjoy this treat, Deb! It's just the best recipe. Enjoy!
Alyssa says
I absolutely love caramel popcorn. This will be the perfect movie night treat!
Kristen says
Caramel popcorn is a family movie night favorite in my house! So simple and satisfying!
Bowl Me Over says
Right? Easy and delicious. Enjoy the movie!!
Cynthia says
I always crave caramel popcorn around the holidays. This looks delicious and I really like that the recipe doesn't use corn syrup!
Brittany says
I can not believe how easy it is to make homemade caramel popcorn with a few simple ingredients that I keep on hand! I always thought this was a huge undertaking so I have never even tried it before. I'm so glad I came across this site!
MICHAELA KENKEL says
We took this to my daughter's last weekend and there wasn't a kernel left! SO GOOD!
Bowl Me Over says
Yay!! Glad you enjoyed this recipe, thanks for letting me know!!
Julie Menghini says
We absolutely loved this recipe. We made a big ole batch for our movie night and absolutely devoured it!
Bowl Me Over says
Yum, yum, yum! It's a real favorite here too!!
Jennifer Stewart says
I love eating caramel corn! And homemade is definitely best!
Bowl Me Over says
So much better, right? Enjoy!!
Debi says
I love caramel popcorn, and when I saw your recipe I knew I had to make it. Yep, easy to make and super yummy. Reminded me of being a kid.
Bowl Me Over says
Some of the best memories, right? I'm so happy you've enjoyed this recipe!!