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–+ servings
A close up of caramel corn in a gray speckled bowl ready to devour
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5 from 11 votes

Caramel Popcorn Recipe (Caramel corn)

Featuring a thin, crispy-crunchy, delightfully caramelized coating, this Caramel Popcorn is an incredible grazing snack, quirky dessert, or holiday gift!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 5 quarts of popcorn
Calories: 4422kcal
Author: Jocelyn Delk Adams

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups light brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 6-8 cups popped plain popcorn

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Add brown sugar, butter, light corn syrup and salt and stir together in a medium sized pot over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes.
  • Finally add vanilla and soda and stir until foamy.
  • Pour over popped corn and continue stirring until well coated.
  • Spread the popcorn on the baking sheets and bake for 1 hour until set and crisp.
  • Cool and break any pieces that are stuck together then keep in an airtight container to keep fresh.

Notes

Coverage Note: The ratio of caramel to popcorn will determine how saturated each kernel is. The fewer kernels used, the more caramel coverage you’ll get. The popcorn you see pictured in the photos has medium caramel coverage, meaning there are visible white splotches studded throughout. Medium to light coverage caramel popcorn is definitely still as sweet and indulgent as ever.

How to Store Caramel Corn Popcorn

Leftovers are best stored at room temp in airtight containers or sealable freezer bags. Caramel corn popcorn will stay fresh this way for up to two weeks. If you let air get to it, the flavor can turn stale boos so try to avoid that so it stays fresh and crisp.
I don't recommend adding leftover popcorn to the fridge or freezer since you don't want to introduce moisture. It will result in it losing it's super crispy texture. Fresh is best boos.

Nutrition

Calories: 4422kcal | Carbohydrates: 850g | Protein: 123g | Fat: 80g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 578mg | Potassium: 3244mg | Fiber: 137g | Sugar: 120g | Vitamin A: 2989IU | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 31mg