The Best Homemade Caramel Corn Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade caramel corn recipe is a sweet, crunchy treat that’s perfect for movie nights or holiday snacking. You’ll love how easy it is to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Irresistible flavor: The buttery caramel coating is just the right mix of sweet and salty, making it hard to stop eating.
- Simple steps: No fancy tools needed—just a big bowl, a baking sheet, and a little patience while it bakes.
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate drizzle, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to make it your own.
Recipe
Caramel corn is a delightful treat that combines the crunchiness of popcorn with the sweetness of caramel. This homemade version is easy to make and perfect for snacking or sharing.
Ingredients:
- 10 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the popped popcorn in a large baking pan or bowl.
- In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Boil for 4 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam slightly.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn, stirring gently to coat evenly.
- Spread the coated popcorn onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to guarantee even coating.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before breaking into clusters.
Notes:
Store caramel corn in an airtight container to maintain its crispiness.
Equipment:
Large baking pan or bowl
Medium saucepan
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Makes about 10 cups of caramel corn.
Nutrition
Caramel corn is a sweet treat that combines popcorn with a rich caramel coating. Here are the nutrition details per serving:
| Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Total Carbohydrate | Dietary Fiber | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | 5g | 2g | 10mg | 120mg | 33g | 1g | 25g | 2g |
What To Serve With It
When I make homemade caramel corn, I love balancing its sweetness with savory snacks like pretzels or cheese cubes. A crisp, rejuvenating drink, like lemonade or iced tea, also complements it perfectly. Pairing it with contrasting flavors really makes the treat feel complete.
Sweet and Savory Pairings
There’s nothing quite like the crunch of caramel corn, but if you’re wondering what to pair with it, I’ve got some tasty ideas. For sweet combos, try dark chocolate chunks or drizzled white chocolate—it’s a match made in heaven. If you prefer savory, sprinkle a little sea salt or pair it with sharp cheddar cheese for a salty-sweet kick. Spiced nuts or pretzel sticks add crunch without overpowering the caramel. And for a fun twist, mix it with dried fruit like cranberries or apricots. Each bite becomes a delicious surprise, balancing flavors perfectly. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Refreshing Drink Options
A cold glass of milk might be the classic choice, but let’s get creative with drinks that make your caramel corn even more irresistible. I love pairing it with a fizzy homemade ginger ale—it’s light, invigorating, and balances the sweetness perfectly. If I’m feeling fancy, a chilled iced chai tea latte adds creamy, spiced warmth that complements the caramel. For a fun twist, try flavored sparkling water with a squeeze of lime or lemon—it’s zesty and cuts through the richness. And don’t forget hot cocoa on chilly days! Trust me, these drinks will make your caramel corn snack unforgettable.
