Buttery Homemade Caramel Corn Recipe: Sweet Snack Magic

Weekends call for delightful snacks that spark joy and this homemade caramel corn recipe delivers pure happiness in every crunchy bite.

Sweet kernels coated in rich, golden caramel create an irresistible treat that beats any store-bought version.

The aroma of buttery caramel will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Crisp, sweet, and utterly addictive, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Each batch promises a perfect balance of sugary richness and satisfying crunch.

You won’t be able to stop at just one handful of this delectable homemade snack.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to craft a classic treat that everyone will love.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients Behind Homemade Caramel Corn

• Unpopped Popcorn: Provides the crispy foundation for your caramel corn, choose fresh kernels for maximum pop and texture.
• Canola Oil: Creates smooth, even heating and helps kernels pop perfectly without burning.

• Brown Sugar, Light Corn Syrup, Molasses: Blend together to create a rich, deep caramel flavor with complex sweetness and smooth consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky, luxurious caramel sauce that clings beautifully to popcorn.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Introduces sophisticated, aromatic depth that elevates the entire caramel profile.

• Baking Soda: Helps caramel become light and crispy by creating tiny air bubbles during cooking.
• Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Roasted Peanuts: Optional crunchy element that adds nutty texture and additional protein boost.

Tools That Help You Create Sweet Caramel Corn

• Large stock pot: Essential for cooking and mixing all ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending flour and stock smoothly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables like carrot, celery, and onion.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure stock and half-and-half.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Ladle: Useful for serving the soup into bowls.

Making Homemade Caramel Corn the Easy Way

• Sweet Kernel Crunch Prepping the caramel corn starts with gathering your favorite baking tools and creating a clean workspace on your kitchen counter.
• Sugary Coating Magic Melt butter in a large pan and blend in brown sugar, creating a golden liquid that will transform plain popcorn into a delightful treat.
• Flavor Explosion Drizzle the warm caramel mixture over freshly popped kernels, ensuring every piece gets a generous coating of sweet goodness.
• Crispy Transformation Spread the coated popcorn onto baking sheets and bake in the oven, allowing the caramel to harden and create a satisfying crunch that will make taste buds dance.
• Cooling and Sharing Let the caramel corn cool completely, then break into clusters and pack into cute containers for sharing with friends and family or enjoying during movie night.

Tips for Crunchy and Rich Caramel Corn Results

• Quick Kitchen Tricks and Flavor Boosters
• Use fresh, high-quality popping corn kernels for the best texture and maximum crunch. Stale kernels can result in chewy, disappointing results.
• Spread popcorn in a single layer on baking sheets to ensure even caramel coating and crispy edges. Avoid overcrowding to prevent soggy spots.
• Experiment with mix-ins like roasted nuts, chocolate chips, or sea salt to create unique taste combinations. Toasted almonds or pecans add delightful richness.
• Keep caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer preservation, store in the refrigerator to maintain crispness and prevent staleness.

Serving Ideas for Caramel Corn at Gatherings

• Cozy Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this hearty soup with warm, crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop of the flavorful broth.
• Gourmet Garnish Extravaganza: Top with crispy bacon bits, fresh chopped chives, or a dollop of sour cream to add extra texture and richness to the dish.
• Winter Wellness Bowl: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy consistency and create a complete, nutritious meal.
• Family-Style Sharing Delight: Present the soup in a large, rustic serving bowl at the center of the table, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors together.

Keeping Caramel Corn Fresh After Popping

• Snack Storage Solutions: Keep caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining its crispy texture and sweet crunch.
• Moisture Management: Layer parchment paper between batches to prevent sticking and absorb excess oil, keeping each handful perfectly separated.
• Freezing Friendly: Seal cooled caramel corn in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to store up to 3 months without losing quality or flavor intensity.
• Quick Refresh Trick: Revive slightly soft caramel corn by spreading on a baking sheet and warming in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes, restoring original crispness.

Irresistible Caramel Corn Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Classic caramel corn recipe promises a delightful sweet and crunchy snack perfect for gatherings. Crisp popcorn coated in rich, golden caramel creates an irresistible treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup (118 ml) unpopped popcorn
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup (113 g) butter
• ¼ cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) canola oil
• 1 cup (150 g) roasted peanuts (optional)
• 2 tsps molasses
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp vanilla bean paste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack to center and heat to 250°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for optimal caramel corn distribution.
2. Caramel Creation: Combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium-high temperature, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. Cook until mixture transforms into a rich amber hue and reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer, approximately 10-12 minutes.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Remove caramel from heat source and swiftly incorporate baking soda and vanilla extract. Watch as the mixture foams and develops a glossy, light texture.
4. Coating Process: Transfer hot caramel over freshly popped popcorn in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold using a spatula to ensure uniform coverage, creating an even caramel layer across all kernels.
5. Baking Technique: Spread caramel-coated popcorn onto prepared baking sheet in a single, loose layer. Bake for 45-50 minutes, interrupting every 15 minutes to stir and promote consistent crispness and caramelization.
6. Cooling and Storage: Allow caramel corn to cool completely on baking sheet. As it cools, caramel will solidify and develop a satisfying crunch. Gently break into bite-sized clusters and preserve in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Prevent Burning Carefully: Constant stirring is crucial when cooking caramel to avoid scorching and ensure a smooth, golden texture without bitter notes.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use a reliable candy thermometer to hit exactly 250°F, which guarantees perfect caramel consistency and prevents under or overcooking.
• Separate Popcorn Kernels: Spread caramel-coated popcorn in a single layer during baking to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent sticky, clumped clusters.
• Storage Smart Strategy: Keep caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature, consuming within 5 days for optimal crunch and flavor preservation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg