Get ready for a movie night favorite with this Best Caramel Popcorn Recipe! Whether you’re cuddled up on the couch or hosting a gathering with friends, nothing beats the sweet and crunchy goodness of homemade caramel popcorn.
This easy-to-follow recipe will have you reaching for seconds in no time. So grab your popcorn kernels and let’s get popping!
Ingredients
For the Popcorn:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
Popping the Popcorn:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the popcorn kernels to the pot and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
Shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning and continue cooking until the popping slows down.
Remove the pot from the heat and carefully transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl.
Season with salt to taste.
Making the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
Allow the mixture to boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda until well combined.
Coating the Popcorn:
Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn, stirring quickly to coat evenly.
Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto a lined baking sheet in an even layer.
Baking the Caramel Popcorn:
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and bake the caramel popcorn for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the caramel popcorn to cool completely before serving.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 1g
FAQs
Can I use microwave popcorn instead of popping my own kernels?
Yes, you can use pre-popped microwave popcorn for this recipe, but be sure to choose a plain or lightly salted variety to avoid overpowering the caramel flavor.
How long will the caramel popcorn stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, caramel popcorn will stay fresh for up to one week.
Can I add nuts or chocolate to the caramel popcorn?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit to the caramel-coated popcorn before baking.
Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch of caramel popcorn?
Yes, you can easily double or even triple the ingredients to make a larger batch of caramel popcorn. Just be sure to use a larger mixing bowl and baking sheet to accommodate the extra popcorn.
Can I store leftover caramel sauce for future use?
Yes, you can store any leftover caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Simply reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before using it again.