Caramel Popcorn
User Reviews
5
Caramel Popcorn
Description
The Caramel Popcorn recipe starts with a large batch of freshly popped popcorn, covering it with a homemade caramel sauce made from butter, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and vanilla. The caramel is boiled briefly to achieve the right consistency, then combined with baking soda to create a lighter, less dense texture. Baking the coated popcorn at 200°F for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, ensures the caramel sets evenly and creates a crunchy finish. The finishing result is a sweet, crisp snack that balances buttery and sugary flavors, ideal for snacking over time.
The preparation involves popping about 8 cups of popcorn, which can be made from plain kernels or microwave popcorn. The caramel sauce uses common pantry ingredients and takes just a few minutes to prepare. Baking helps the caramel to set uniformly without burning, preserving the popcorn's light texture.
This caramel popcorn can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for two to three weeks, making it convenient for making ahead or sharing. It’s a flexible snack for parties or casual enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 8 cups Popcorn about 1 large microwaveable bag, or 1/4 cup kernels, popped
- 6 Tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
- 6 Tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Add popped popcorn and spread in an even layer.
- Caramel: Melt butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once melted, stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. As soon as the caramel starts to gently boil, boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla
- Drizzle caramel over popcorn. Toss gently with a spatula until the popcorn is evenly coated.
- Bake at 200 degrees F for 45 minutes, stirring the popcorn every 15 minutes.
- Store caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for to 2-3 weeks
Notes
- Pop popcorn using a brown paper bag in the microwave or an air popper for best results.
- Using movie theater microwave popcorn adds a richer butter flavor if preferred.
- Store the caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to three weeks.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 322 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 322kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 62g | 21% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 23mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 197mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 94mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 53g | 106% |
| Vitamin A | 284IU | 6% |
| Calcium | 40mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.