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up close caramel popcorn

Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 357kcal
Author: Becky Hardin - Easy Dessert Recipes
This caramel popcorn is so delicious, it can only be eaten one way - by the handful! Enjoy a movie at home tonight with this incredibly easy and scrumptious popcorn recipe.
Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Kitchen Scale (optional)
  • Baking Sheet
  • Dutch Oven (optional)

Ingredients

  • 15 cups popped popcorn 113 grams, with unpopped kernels removed (3 3.2-ounce bags)
  • 1 cup brown sugar 213 grams
  • ½ cup salted butter 113 grams (1 stick)
  • ⅓ cup light corn syrup 104 grams
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda 6 grams

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 225°F. Spread the popcorn over a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use 2 baking sheets if necessary. Set aside.
    15 cups popped popcorn
  • To make the coating, in a saucepan or dutch oven set over medium-high heat, melt the sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Be sure to stir it constantly to avoid burning. It will begin to bubble and pull away from the sides of the pan. Continue stirring for about 1-2 more minutes before removing from the stove top. Stir in the baking soda, which will begin to foam in the mixture. Keep stirring until it is well combined.
    1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup salted butter, ⅓ cup light corn syrup, 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pour the mixture evenly over the popcorn and toss the popcorn with a rubber spatula so that each piece is coated in the caramel sauce. Do NOT use your hands! The caramel is VERY hot!
  • Place the baking sheet in the oven, and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring the popcorn every 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven when done, and allow the popcorn to cool. Once it is cool enough, break any large pieces and serve.

Video

Notes

  • Is your inner child craving a bag of Cracker Jack? Satisfy that craving by tossing some roasted peanuts in with your popcorn!
  • Be sure not to skimp on the corn syrup. The corn syrup helps caramel coating achieve the desired texture instead of being thin and grainy.
  • If your popcorn happens to go stale, don't be sad! Just put the popcorn back in the oven at 250°F for a few minutes.
Storage: Store caramel popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 357kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 402mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 391IU | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg