Description
A sweet, crunchy, and irresistible homemade caramel corn made with buttery caramel, perfectly popped corn, and optional mix-ins for the ultimate gourmet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (or 12 cups pre-popped popcorn)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup mixed nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Pop kernels and remove unpopped pieces.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Boil for 5 minutes without stirring until caramel reaches hard-crack stage.
- Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla.
- Pour caramel over popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
- Spread on baking sheet and bake 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Cool completely, then break into clusters.
Notes
For extra crispiness, ensure caramel reaches proper temperature and always bake after coating. Cool fully before storing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: caramel corn, popcorn, caramel popcorn, homemade caramel corn, sweet snack