You're going to love my Grandmother's recipe for this AMAZING Caramel Popcorn! Salty popcorn, coated in a sweet caramel sauce is everyone's favorite treat! Learn How to make Caramel Popcorn without Corn Syrup - it's so easy! And so much better than store-bought!
Give this as a gift or a make a big batch for noshing on movie night!
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✔️ What's not to love is the first thing that comes to mind! 🤣
✔️ This tastes 100 times better than store bought and it's super simple to make.
✔️ It's a great snack and wonderful treat. This is great for teachers or holiday gifts too!
Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- homemade popcorn - though you can use microwave popcorn, why not make your own 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.
- light or dark brown sugar - they are interchangeable. I use light brown but dark brown sugar will lend a molasses flavor.
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Add the oil and popcorn kernels to the pan.
- Pop the popcorn, discard any unpopped kernels.
- Make caramel sauce.
- Prepare the cookie sheet, line with parchment paper or foil, set aside.
- Pour half caramel mixture in the popped popcorn and mix.
- Add the remaining homemade caramel sauce and mix well to combine.
- Spread on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
Equipment
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- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- I use a heavy bottom pan to make the popcorn, but an Air Popper popcorn maker works too!
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, the easy caramel popcorn got soggy! No worries, if it does get soft, just reheat it in a preheated 200 degree oven for about 10 minutes. It will crisp right up!
Things to know
- To make good popcorn at home, use a heavy bottom pot and high heat. Add just enough oil to lightly cover the bottom of the pan. Add an even layer of kernels.
- When the "popping" slows to a pop ever couple of seconds, remove from heat so it doesn't scorch.
- This probably goes without saying, start with plain popcorn (not flavored popcorn).
Expert Tip: Be sure and line the sheet pan with foil or a silpat baking sheet for easy cleanup and to avoid a sticky mess!
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!
Storage
Store it in an air tight container or ziplock bag at zoom temperature.
You can even freeze leftovers up to three months. Just be sure to place them in an air-tight container.
More yummy candy recipes!
- Butterscotch Haystacks - if you can melt chocolate, you can make this treat! Great for a cookie exchange and a terrific sweet snack!
- Salted Nut Bars - if you like a payday, you'll love this recipe!
- 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!
Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️
If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Crunchy Caramel Popcorn Recipe
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
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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. 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
- Be sure and line the sheet pan with foil or a silpat baking sheet for easy cleanup and to avoid a sticky mess!
- To make great popcorn at home, use a heavy bottom pot and high heat. Add just enough oil to lightly cover the bottom of the pan. Add an even layer of kernels.
- When the "popping" slows to a pop ever couple of seconds, remove from heat so it doesn't scorch.
MICHAELA KENKEL
We took this to my daughter's last weekend and there wasn't a kernel left! SO GOOD!
Bowl Me Over
Yay!! Glad you enjoyed this recipe, thanks for letting me know!!
Julie Menghini
We absolutely loved this recipe. We made a big ole batch for our movie night and absolutely devoured it!
Bowl Me Over
Yum, yum, yum! It's a real favorite here too!!
Jennifer Stewart
I love eating caramel corn! And homemade is definitely best!
Bowl Me Over
So much better, right? Enjoy!!
Debi
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
Some of the best memories, right? I'm so happy you've enjoyed this recipe!!