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4.7 from 204 votes

Soft and Chewy Caramel Popcorn

Bring something special to the table with this well-loved recipe.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 12 Cups Caramel Corn
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 10-12 cups plain popcorn about 1/3 cup kernels, popped (see note)
  • 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup salted butter
  • ¼ cup corn syrup
  • Pinch of salt I use coarse, kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place the popcorn in a large bowl (you'll want extra room in the bowl for tossing the popcorn with the caramel).
  2. In a medium saucepan, add the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt. Heat the ingredients over medium-low until the butter is melted and the ingredients are combined. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often.
  3. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
  4. Off the heat quickly whisk in the baking soda and vanilla (the mixture will foam and bubble). See note below about adding marshmallows.
  5. Immediately pour the caramel over the popcorn in a slow steady drizzle, tossing the popcorn to evenly coat in the caramel mixture. The caramel will set up and harden a bit as it cools so mix as quickly as you can (an extra set of hands can help during this step).
  6. Serve immediately or within a couple hours.

Notes

  • Popcorn: for softer, gooier popcorn, use less popcorn. Also, if you want to amp up the gooey factor (for a marshmallow vibe), stir in 8-10 large marshmallows after the caramel mixture has simmered.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Cup Calories 194kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 31g (10%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 20mg (7%) Sodium 123mg (5%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 23g (46%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12Cups Caramel Corn

Amount Per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 Cup
Calories 194kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 31g 10%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Sodium 123mg 5%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 23g 46%

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