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Homemade Caramel Popcorn

Making homemade Caramel Popcorn is one of my favorite things to do with the kids! We coat every batch in a thick and buttery caramel sauce made with brown sugar and vanilla, and let me tell you, even my family swears it’s the best they’ve ever had.

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 popped popcorn
  • 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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Make popcorn per package instructions. Add popped popcorn to a very large bowl.
  2. Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper and set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
  4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  5. 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.
  6. Pour over the popcorn, and stir to coat.
  7. Distribute the caramel in one layer onto the prepared baking sheets and bake stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into smaller pieces. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • The best tip for making homemade caramel popcorn is to work quickly once the caramel is ready. Caramel thickens fast, so I always pour it over the popcorn right away and toss it thoroughly while it’s still hot. This helps coat every kernel evenly before it starts to harden.
  • I like to keep the popcorn warm in the oven on low while I make the caramel so it mixes in easier.
  • I always take a minute to pick out any unpopped kernels before baking, nobody wants to bite into one of those!
  • Make sure you stir constantly until the caramel sauce comes to a boil. Then, do not stir it at all for four minutes.
  • Make a double batch and store it in separate baggies so you always have some on hand when you want something super delicious and crunchy. It is perfect for movie nights with the kids.
  • Be sure to use baking soda or your caramel will be too hard. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 462kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 70g (23%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 20g (31%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Sodium 349mg (15%) Potassium 143mg (4%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 46g (92%) Vitamin A 812IU (16%) Calcium 38mg (4%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10cups

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.