Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and crunchy with this caramel popcorn recipe. It's an irresistible treat that combines the rich flavor of brown sugar and butter with the satisfying crunch of freshly popped popcorn. Perfect for movie nights or as a delightful homemade gift, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
While most of the ingredients for this caramel popcorn recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up corn syrup if you don't already have it at home. This ingredient is essential for achieving the right texture and consistency in the caramel. Make sure to also check your supply of popcorn kernels and brown sugar before heading to the supermarket.

Ingredients For Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Popcorn kernels: The base of the recipe, these will be popped to create the crunchy foundation for the caramel coating.
Brown sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the caramel.
Corn syrup: Helps to prevent the sugar from crystallizing and ensures a smooth, glossy caramel.
Butter: Provides a creamy texture and enhances the flavor of the caramel.
Baking soda: Reacts with the caramel to create a lighter, airy texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds a depth of flavor and a hint of warmth to the caramel.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When making caramel for popcorn, ensure that you bring the sugar mixture to a full boil before starting the 5-minute timer. This ensures that the sugar reaches the correct temperature to create a smooth and glossy caramel coating. Additionally, when you add the baking soda, be prepared for the mixture to bubble up significantly. This reaction helps to aerate the caramel, making it easier to coat the popcorn evenly.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
unpopped popcorn kernels - Substitute with popped popcorn: If you don't have unpopped kernels, you can use pre-popped popcorn. Just make sure it's plain and unsalted.
brown sugar - Substitute with white sugar and molasses: Mix 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses to mimic the flavor and texture of brown sugar.
corn syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey has a similar consistency and sweetness, making it a good alternative to corn syrup.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used in place of butter, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 1.5 times the amount of baking powder to replace baking soda, but be aware it may affect the texture slightly.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can provide a similar sweet and aromatic flavor to vanilla extract.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Caramel Popcorn
- To keep your caramel popcorn fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container. This prevents moisture from making the popcorn soggy.
- If you plan to enjoy your caramel popcorn within a week, a simple resealable plastic bag or a lidded jar will do the trick. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
- For longer storage, consider using a vacuum sealer. This method removes all air, ensuring your caramel popcorn stays fresh for up to two weeks.
- If you want to freeze your caramel popcorn, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Again, remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- When you're ready to enjoy your frozen caramel popcorn, let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the caramel sticky and the popcorn chewy.
- For an extra touch of freshness, you can reheat the thawed caramel popcorn in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5-10 minutes. This will help restore its crispiness.
- Always store your caramel popcorn in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and light can cause the caramel to melt and the popcorn to lose its crunch.
- If you notice any signs of moisture or staleness, you can revive your caramel popcorn by spreading it on a baking sheet and warming it in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for a few minutes.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the caramel popcorn evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This method helps to restore the crunchiness without burning the caramel.
Microwave Method: Place the caramel popcorn in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a paper towel. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Stir and check the texture. Repeat if necessary, but be cautious to avoid overheating and making the caramel too sticky.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 250°F (120°C). Place the caramel popcorn in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method is quick and helps maintain the crunchiness.
Stovetop Method: Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add the caramel popcorn and stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes. This method requires constant attention to prevent the caramel from burning but can effectively reheat small batches.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the caramel popcorn on a toaster oven tray. Heat for about 5 minutes, stirring halfway through. This method is convenient for small portions and helps to keep the popcorn crispy.
Best Tools for Making This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the caramel-coated popcorn at a low temperature to ensure even coating and crispiness.
Popcorn maker: Utilized to pop the popcorn kernels efficiently. Alternatively, you can use a large pot with a lid.
Large bowl: Essential for mixing the popped popcorn with the caramel mixture to ensure even coating.
Saucepan: Used to cook the caramel mixture, combining brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the caramel mixture while it cooks and for mixing the caramel with the popcorn.
Baking sheet: Needed to spread the caramel-coated popcorn in a single layer for baking.
Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet with this helps prevent the caramel popcorn from sticking.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the popcorn kernels, brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter accurately.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the baking soda and vanilla extract precisely.
Spatula: Useful for spreading the caramel-coated popcorn evenly on the baking sheet and for stirring during baking.
Cooling rack: Allows the caramel popcorn to cool completely and become crisp before breaking into pieces.
How to Save Time on Making This Treat
Use microwave popcorn: Save time by using microwave popcorn instead of popping kernels on the stove.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Quick caramel sauce: Make the caramel sauce in the microwave to cut down on cooking time.
Non-stick spray: Use non-stick spray on your mixing bowl to prevent the caramel from sticking.
Skip the oven: Let the caramel popcorn cool on the counter instead of baking it to save 30 minutes.

Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup corn syrup
- ½ cup butter
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Pop the popcorn kernels and place them in a large bowl.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, stop stirring and let it boil for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and stir well to coat evenly.
- Spread the coated popcorn onto a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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