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Caramel popcorn is the most classic sweet and salty snack there is! This recipe is so easy and addicting. Family movie night just got even better!
When I was a kid we had an old air popper that had a tray on top that melted the butter and allowed it to drip onto the popcorn while you were making it. It was so much fun to sit on the counter and watch those little seeds explode.
When I got married I discovered that my husband still had an air popper. His didn’t have the fancy butter tray, but that’s ok. On extra special occasions we got to eat caramel popcorn! It didn’t occur to me that kids now days probably haven’t seen air poppers until we pulled ours out to make some caramel popcorn last night. Our little one was so excited!
What Ingredients Do You Need for Caramel Popcorn?
You basically just need popcorn and then ingredients for making homemade caramel. Here is your ingredients list:
- Popcorn
- Butter
- Brown Sugar
- Light Corn Syrup
- Vanilla
- Salt
- Baking Soda
The measurements for each can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.
How to Make Homemade Caramel Popcorn
This recipe is so simple! It has become a favorite of my children to make on Friday nights. Here are the basic steps:
- Preheat your oven.
- Make the popcorn
- Make the caramel on the stove top.
- Pour the caramel over the popcorn and stir to combine.
- Bake.
- Let cool and devour!
Why Do You Bake Caramel Corn?
Baking caramel popcorn makes the caramel crisp up and get that yummy crunchy texture otherwise, it ends up being a little on the soggy side. But let’s not pretend that I haven’t skipped the baking before just to dig in quicker!
Can I Use Microwave Popcorn?
Yes, you can absolutely use microwave popcorn! We use it all the time to speed up the recipe. It will take 2-3 bags. Don’t add the extra salt to the caramel if you’re microwave popcorn is already salted.
How Long Can You Keep Caramel Corn?
Stored in an airtight container in the pantry, caramel corn will keep up to 3 months.
This is one of those recipes that comes with loads of childhood memories. I love how food can immediately take you back to a fond memory of the past! Now I’m loving making new memories with my own children as we gobble up this caramel popcorn and watch Disney+!
More Popcorn Recipes:
- Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn
- Apple Pie Popcorn
- Salt & Vinegar Popcorn
- White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn
- Garlic Parmesan Dill Popcorn
- Churro Popcorn
- Reese’s Krispies Popcorn
- Kettle Corn (coconut oil version)
- Thin Mint Popcorn
Caramel Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Butter
- 1 1/4 Cups Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Light Corn Syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt, unless you used bagged popcorn which is already salted
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda, heaping
- 10 Cups Popcorn , popped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium high heat.1/2 Cup Butter
- Add the brown sugar and syrup and bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer and allow to cook for 5 minutes. Begin to stir every 30 seconds for another 4 minutes (up to 6 min depending on desired color.)1 1/4 Cups Brown Sugar, 1/4 Cup Light Corn Syrup
- Carefully add the vanilla, salt and baking soda while stirring. This will make it boil up so use a large pot and stand back.1/2 teaspoon Vanilla, 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt, 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- Cook about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour over the popcorn and stir until it is evenly coated.10 Cups Popcorn
- Spread the popcorn onto a nonstick prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the caramel corn has turned a deep amber color. Remove the caramel corn from the oven and transfer to the counter lined with parchment or wax paper to cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Hello. At one point in the article it’s says keeps for 3-5 days In airtight container in another you say keeps 3 months? Please specify. Thank you.
Thank you so much Patty! I had forgotten to update that in the recipe card. It should keep for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
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i remember that old air popper… 🙂 larry doesn't really care for microwave popcorn, and the air poppers don't make enough fast enough for him! so we have a “stir crazy” one and the kids love watching the kernels pop! and that yummy gooey carmel is delicious!
I have an original air popper just for caramel popcorn. I always put on more caramel than I should. Love it!
ahhhhhh one of my favs. Oh Peyton looks so cute!!! Alaya wanted to play w her today! She said “mom can Peyton come play with me today?” Hope your having a good day!
yum yum.
you can bring me some at work tomorrow if you want.