Soft Caramel Popcorn

User Reviews

4.5

63 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    20 mins

  • Servings

    12 servings

  • Course

    Snacks

  • Cuisine

    American

Soft Caramel Popcorn

Soft Caramel Popcorn mixes freshly popped popcorn with a homemade caramel sauce made from butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. The caramel is cooked just long enough to create a tender coating that sticks well without hardening, giving the popcorn a chewy texture. This treat can be enjoyed on its own or customized with additions such as nuts, chocolate drizzle, or candies. The careful stirring ensures every kernel is evenly coated, making it a satisfying snack or party treat.

Description

Soft Caramel Popcorn combines popped corn with a caramel sauce created by melting butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup, then simmering with sweetened condensed milk. The cooking process lasts several minutes to develop a smooth and soft caramel that clings to each popcorn piece. This method prevents the caramel from hardening, maintaining a chewy texture once cooled. The popcorn remains crisp but coated with a creamy caramel glaze, creating a pleasant contrast in textures.

The recipe allows for personalization by adding mix-ins like nuts or candy, though it’s often enjoyed in its simple, classic form. Serving it warm or at room temperature works equally well, and the recipe makes a generous amount, ideal for sharing or for gatherings.

Using a large bowl for tossing the popcorn with the caramel is essential to evenly coat all the kernels without making a mess. A heavy saucepan and a good spatula help to cook the caramel mixture evenly and prevent burning, resulting in a smooth candy coating.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • about 20 about 20 cups Popcorn microwave or air popped, popped
  • 1/2 /2 cup butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 (14 ounce can) sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

  1. Pop popcorn according to package directions and make sure you get rid of any unpopped kernels. This seems like a lot of popcorn but trust me it will get eaten! Place popcorn in a large bowl...larger than you think you will need.
  2. In a large saucepan melt together the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Bring mixture to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, reduce to medium heat and add the can of sweetened condensed milk. With the rubber spatula, stir constantly for 4-5 minutes scraping the sides and especially the bottom of the pan to prevent any burning. The longer you cook it the firmer it will be. If you like it on the softer side, cook it closer to 4 minutes.
  3. Pour caramel over popcorn and stir until coated. This will take a lot of stirring to get it all incorporated. It's great warm or at room temperature. Feel free to add in M&Ms, nuts, or drizzle it with chocolate. I like it plain and classic. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use a large mixing bowl to toss the popcorn with caramel for even coating.
  • A heavy saucepan and a quality rubber spatula aid in cooking the caramel evenly and preventing burning.
  • For added flavor, sprinkle sea salt or kosher salt over the popcorn after coating.
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Overall Rating

4.5

63 reviews
Excellent

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