Caramel Corn

Caramel Corn

3 quarts
Learning how to make a caramel corn recipe is surprisingly easy! Follow our step-by-step guide for perfect kernels.

Ingredients

  • popped popcorn
    6 quarts
  • packed brown sugar
    2 c
  • butter

    cubed

    1 c
  • corn syrup
    ½ c
  • salt
    1 tsp
  • vanilla extract
    3 tsp
  • baking soda
    ½ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 250°F and place your popcorn in a large bowl. In a large saucepan, stir together the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to boil the caramel for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Editor's Tip: When making the caramel, don’t walk away or your caramel could burn or bubble over.

  2. 2

    Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla and baking soda; mix well. Pour the caramel over the popped popcorn and stir until well-coated. Editor's Tip: After adding the baking soda, you’ll see a color change and there will be some steam, so be careful.

  3. 3

    Pour the caramel-covered popcorn into two greased 13x9-inch baking pans. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Let the caramel corn cool completely at room temperature. Enjoy!

Caramel Corn

Caramel Corn

5.0(38)60 min3 quarts230 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 38 ratings

tasteofhome.com
5.0(38 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Ready to transform simple popcorn into a truly irresistible, sweet and crunchy snack? This homemade Caramel Corn recipe is surprisingly easy, delivering perfect kernels coated in rich, buttery caramel that’s far superior to store-bought.

The magic of this classic snack lies in its balanced blend of sweet and savory. With a generous amount of rich brown sugar and creamy butter, you're building a deeply flavorful caramel base. A touch of corn syrup ensures that gorgeous, smooth texture, preventing crystallization and giving that signature chew. And the secret ingredient, baking soda, works behind the scenes to create that airy, crisp coating you crave.

Prepare your taste buds for a delightful symphony of textures and flavors. Each kernel of this homemade caramel corn is enveloped in a golden-brown, buttery caramel shell that's wonderfully crisp at first bite, then gives way to a satisfying chew. You'll experience that perfect sweet and salty balance, with warm notes of vanilla from the extract shining through. It's an utterly addictive snack that makes any movie night, party, or afternoon pick-me-up feel extra special.

While delicious on its own, this caramel corn is also a fantastic base for customization. For an extra layer of flavor, consider tossing in a cup of roasted peanuts or pecans after coating. You can also experiment with a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of sea salt sprinkled over the warm caramel corn for a gourmet touch. Use your favorite type of popped popcorn as long as it's plain and unseasoned.

This generous 2.5-quart batch of caramel corn is ideal for sharing at gatherings, bagging up as homemade gifts, or simply enjoying during a cozy evening at home. Serve it in a large bowl and watch it disappear!

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