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4.6 from 156 votes

Homemade Caramel Popcorn Recipe

With just a few ingredients, you can make your own caramel popcorn at home! Learn how to make this sweet movie snack the easy way, no corn syrup required.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 250 kcal
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 15 cups plain popped popcorn about ½ cup unpopped kernels worth

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and salt. 
  3. While stirring continuously, bring the butter mixture to a boil. Boil for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add in the vanilla extract, stirring well to combine. At this point, the caramel should be the hard crack stage (a candy thermometer should read 300°F, or see notes if you don't have a candy thermometer).
  4. Add in the baking soda and the boil for 1 more minute. The mixture should get very fluffy and foamy. Remove from heat.
  5. Place the popped popcorn in a very large bowl, and then drizzle the caramel sauce over top. Use a spoon to fold the popcorn until all kernels are covered.
  6. Pour the caramel corn out onto the prepared baking sheets, and let cool completely.

Notes

  • The hard crack stage happens at 300°F. If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can do the cold water test: spoon some of the caramel into a glass of cold water. When the caramel is ready, it will form brittle strands in the water and the strands will break when you bend them.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1.25cups Calories 250kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 20g (7%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 19g (29%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat 7g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 41mg (14%) Sodium 222mg (9%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 15g (30%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 250

% Daily Value*

Serving 1.25cups
Calories 250kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 20g 7%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 19g 29%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7g 41%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 41mg 14%
Sodium 222mg 9%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 15g 30%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.