5 from 48 votes
Homemade Caramel Popcorn
Homemade Caramel Popcorn combines freshly popped kernels with a rich caramel coating made from butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla. Baking the coated popcorn allows the caramel to crisp up evenly, creating a crunchy texture that contrasts with the lightness of the popcorn. This snack offers a sweet, buttery flavor enhanced by the subtle addition of baking soda to keep the caramel from becoming too hard, making it a satisfying treat for movie nights or casual snacking.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
10
cups
Calories:
462 kcal
Course:
Dessert, Snacks
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 10 cups Popcorn popped
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup butter salted or unsalted
- 1 1/2 cup dark brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Make popcorn per package instructions. Add popped popcorn to a very large bowl.
- Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil without stirring for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in soda and vanilla extract.
- Pour over the popcorn, and stir to coat.
- Distribute the caramel in one layer onto the prepared baking sheets and bake stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into smaller pieces. Serve and enjoy!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Pour the caramel over popcorn immediately while hot to ensure even coating before it hardens.
- Keep the popcorn warm in the oven on low temperature before coating to help the caramel stick better.
- Remove any unpopped kernels before baking to avoid hard bites.
- Stir the caramel constantly until boiling, then boil without stirring for 4 minutes for proper caramelization.
- Use baking soda in the caramel to prevent it from becoming too hard after baking.
- Make a double batch and store in separate bags to enjoy fresh caramel popcorn over time.
Nutrition Information
Calories
462kcal
(23%)
Carbohydrates
70g
(23%)
Protein
4g
(8%)
Fat
20g
(31%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Sodium
349mg
(15%)
Potassium
143mg
(3%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
46g
(92%)
Vitamin A
812IU
(16%)
Calcium
38mg
(4%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10 cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 462
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 462kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 70g | 23% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Sodium | 349mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 143mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 46g | 92% |
| Vitamin A | 812IU | 16% |
| Calcium | 38mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.