Sit back and snack on everyone’s favorite sweet and crunchy treat with a recipe for Easy Homemade Caramel Corn.
My mom and grandmother declare every holiday as the perfect excuse to send me my favorite treat—a tri-colored assortment of butter, cheddar and caramel popcorn from my best buddies over at The Popcorn Factory.
Since I polished off my latest tin weeks ago, and the next holiday shipment is way too far away, this kernel-crazed aficionado has resorted to making her own.
Few foods are as satisfying to crunch into as homemade caramel corn. That sticky, chewy, crispy bite satisfies like no other sweet and salty snack.
With a 10-minute prep time, and endless mix-in options, going the DIY route is much easier than you might think!
Homemade caramel corn begins with freshly popped kernels that are then tossed in a quick-fix combination of butter and sugar. But to really achieve the classic caramel corn consistency, the coated kernels are then baked until slightly crispy.
Serve this sweet and salty treat in bowls or go the extra accessible step and make parchment paper cones for finger-friendly snacking year-round.
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Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup unpopped popcorn
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250ºF. Grease two baking sheets with cooking spray.
- Add the vegetable oil to a large stockpot set over medium heat.
- Add the popcorn to the pot and cover it. Once you hear the first kernel pop, remove the pot from the heat for one minute. Return the covered pot to the heat, shaking it over the flame until all of the kernels have popped. Discard any unpopped kernels.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, then allow the mixture to boil, undisturbed, for 4 minutes. Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the baking soda.
- Immediately pour the caramel over the popcorn, stirring to coat the kernels.
- Transfer the coated popcorn onto the baking sheets, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Bake the popcorn for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Remove the caramel corn from the oven and stir it one more time before allowing it to cool completely. Break it into pieces and serve.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
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Satisfies my craving for something crunchy and sweet!!! Not hard to make but
kitchen is a mess….
Glad you enjoyed the recipe, Janet!
What changes need to be made at an elevation of 6,181?
Hi Karen! Since there is such a small amount of baking soda in this recipe, you shouldn’t have to make any adjustments. Enjoy!
The recipe was easy to make, and it was wonderful! Anybody can make this recipe I have made caramel popcorn in the past and by far this one is the best thank you so much, Cathy
So glad you enjoyed it, Cathy!
I am reading the recipe as no matter how big you make the batch of popcorn it says 2 sticks of butter!
If you make a single batch, it says two sticks if you make a double batch, it says two sticks. If you triple the batch, it says two sticks that’s not making any sense to me. Could you please explain it thank you in advance.
Hi Sally! Apologies for this. It’s a known glitch on the site and we’re working through all recipes that reference “sticks” and translating them into cups. Updating this one now!
Always turns out great!
So glad you’re enjoying the recipe, Vickie!
About how many cups of popcorn do you use? Thank you!
Hi Lori! It’s about 6 quarts of popcorn, or roughly 24 loosely packed cups. Hope that helps!
I’m a legend in the neighborhood using this recipe. Drizzled milk chocolate and white chocolate almond bark over the cooled caramel corn is nothing less than phenomenal!
Love reading this, Chris!
Yummmmm. Thank you ..Family loved this … it was so easy and great for family movie night.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Excellence! Made 4 batches and every one turned out delicious! Be sure to FOLLOW directions.
I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the recipe, Joyce!
Oh my goodness! This stuff is THE BEST! I was afraid that the clean up would be a nightmare, but with hot water the caramel melts right off the pans. I’m gifting it to everyone I know this Christmas!
So glad you are enjoying the recipe, Beth!
Very yummy and easy to make!
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the recipe, J!
If you can find the corn puffs, it is even better. No hulls to deal with!!! I can’t find the puffs this year. Since the pandemic the price has gone up to about 3X so it is getting expensive to make it that way. Plain old popcorn works just fine.
Thanks, Carolyn!
I cook longer than recommended because I want my caramel corn crisp. But it’s lovely! And so easy! I made 5 gallons a few years ago.
I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoy the recipe, Sheila!
Aldi has the corn puffs
Love this recipe! I make it very often. Thank you!
I’m so happy to hear it, Brenda! Glad you enjoy!
Out of this wold successful
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the recipe, Sonette!
I have not made the recipe yet, but would love to. I am not a fan of corn syrup. Can anything else be substituted?
Hi Sue! Honey can often times be substituted for corn syrup, however I haven’t tried that swap in this recipe specifically.
This is my favorite caramel corn recipe. Have made it multiple times. It’s always a hit and turns out perfectly. Sometimes I drizzle almond bark over it. A friend said the caramel corn was “dangerous”! In fact, some neighbors, who I don’t see very often, don’t remember my name but remember I brought the caramel corn! Lol
I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying the recipe, Christy!
Wonderful recipe! I cook the caramel to soft boil stage on candy thermometer before adding baking soda. I add 2-4 cups whole pecans.
YUM! I love pecans, too! So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Debbie :)
Wonderful recipe! I cook the caramel to soft boil stage on candy thermometer before adding baking soda.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Debbie!
This is my all-time favorite recipe for caramel corn! Mine always turns out more crunchy than sticky, which I prefer so there’s no worry of anyone hurting their teeth. I make this for my grandpa several times a year and it’s absolute favorite thing. He talks about it all the time and makes everyone try it when they visit him. He’s even started giving me money toward the shipping so I’ll make it for him even more frequently.
This was so easy to make. Came out perfect. What a party treat.
I tried this recipe and my family loved it, they are already asking me to make another batch, very tasty and crunchy and yet melts in your mouth.
I’m so happy your family enjoyed the caramel corn, Kelsie!
So so good but too addictive! Made it at Christmas for gifts for kids at church. Added dried cranberries and flaked almonds. The adults were grabbing the bags and eating the goodies then coming back for bags for their kids!!
Love this so much! Thanks for sharing, Devlyn!
Very addictive lol
Made this today for Christmas Eve and it was absolutely delicious and the family loved it. Will definitely make this again
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Dee Dee!
A little time consuming but oh so good!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Patty!
Excellent recipe!!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it, Debbie!
Have made it twice and absolutely love how easy it is!
Love reading this, Lois! I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe!
Great recipe I added bacon and pretzels such a yummy treat
YUM! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Joanne!
I used salted butter. Great results. Will make again!
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Valerie!
I made this and followed the directions exactly, except that I didn’t have kosher salt and substituted pink Himalayan salt. I must tell you that this was sooo very good. Crunchy and not sticky to the teeth. Amazing flavor! Everyone loved it and thought I had bought gourmet caramel corn. This is definitely a keeper. I might try adding peanuts the next time to make it taste like good old fashioned Cracker Jacks! Thank you for this recipe.
You are so welcome, Kimberly! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Me again -I have made this recipes many times and it always comes out perfectly! The house smells like a candy factory and the caramel corn is delicious. I eat it and use it for simple gifts. Sometimes I drizzle white and dark almond bark over it. I have put peanuts in as well. Always terrific. I gave some to a neighbor who said it was toxic! – in a good way!!!
Love reading this, Chris! I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying (and sharing!) the recipe.
Easy and delicious. I’m at altitude so I don’t bake as long.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Chris!
So Yummy. I didn’t have enough brown sugar so I substituted 1 cup of white sugar. It works great!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jamie!
Wow, this recipe is really good. Years ago I made caramel corn from a different recipe and remember being disappointed in the results. It came out as a gooey, clumped-up mess. But this recipe worked really well. The popcorn didn’t stick together nearly as much and the caramel coating dried well. I only had microwave popcorn, but otherwise I followed the recipe exactly as printed. Thanks for posting this!
You are so welcome, Kristi! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
This stuff is addicting! Followed the recipe and came out great!!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Sharon!
Can I air pop my popcorn ( no oil)? Would this work as well? Thank you
Absolutely, Lisa! Then just follow the recipe as directed :)
Excellent! So good and so much fun to make
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Susan!
First time ever to make caramel corn. My popcorn usually turns out tough, followed directions in recipe it was perfect. So I continued on to the caramel part. It turned out delicious…so now I have to make a batch for my son, his Dad and I have nearly eaten the first batch… fantastic recipe 5 stars.
So glad you enjoyed it, Dora!
I didn’t want to use corn syrup, so I used honey. It worked great. I also crisped up some bacon and added it to the popcorn. Bacon caramel popcorn.
YESSSS! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Rhonda!
Do you have to add the salt to the mixture? I know I should add the baking soda, but with the salt also, it would be too much sodium for our diet.
Thanks
Hi Kay! You can omit the salt :)
Can you use this sauce for other things? Can you put it in jars in fridge and melt it for later use?
Absolutely, Dana!
Best caramel corn ever! My kids and I devoured this last night. Making another batch today for our Halloween party tonight.
Thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jane!
I’ve tried to make caramel popcorn (not your recipe) but my question is how to I make it so it’s not a big glob and more like popcorn than popcorn balls?
Hi Marci! You’ll avoid the popcorn from balling up based on how quickly you stir in the caramel mixture. Once it hits the popcorn, stir as quickly as possible then spread it out on a baking sheet to cool in a single layer :)
I followed the recipe to a t, in fact I made it twice. My question is is it supposed to be kind of grainy or sugary? thought. would be shiny
No, it should be smooth and shiny! It sounds like the sugar didn’t cook properly.
Hi Marci. We have been making caramel popcorn in our house for years. My wife doesnt want us all consuming so much sugar. Make half the recipe for the drizzle and drizzle on popped popcorn sparingly. It doesn’t come out overly saturated with syrup but definitely sweet enough for us.
I’ve been making it like this for years and we love it. I usually skip the baking step and we eat it just as it comes from the kettle.
The times I’ve tried baking, the popcorn seems to shrivel up and it’s not a good presentation. What could I be doing wrong.
Hi Roxanne! Do you stir the popcorn every 15 minutes when you bake it?
It looks so good!! How long do these keep for, please? :)
It’ll last for several days if stored in an airtight container.
My spouse and I stumbledd over here frim a different web address and
thought I might check thigs out. I like what I see so now i’m following you.
Look forward to looking at your web page for a second time.
I don’t cook but managed to make this , was so easy and very yummy ..
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jen!
Seriously the BEST caramel corn ever!!
Making a second batch today.
Thank You!
So glad you’re enjoying the recipe, Kim!
OMG I love caramel popcorn. Thank you for providing a print link, this is absolutely perfect for my Canada Day celebration (which is today xD) thank you.
If you don’t have time to make your own delicious homemade caramel corn, check out TheBigPopper.com. Their caramel popcorn is an old-fashioned favorite that is as delicious and addictive a snack as ever. I recommend ordering a tin or two today for home or as a gift.
My husband and I just had two ears each the other day for a snack and could have gone for third!!
I wish I had a cooling, Mexican corn salsa, but here’s a warming potato-corn-kale chowder recipe I created that is perfectly in season here in chilly old England:
http://veganscene.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/potato-corn-kale-chowder/
Nice to see that you did your own thing with the corn. It looks decadent and really yummy! I want to dive in to that cone of crunch.
Here is my Strawberry, Roasted Corn & Avocado Salsa for Summer Fest:
http://su.pr/1CYkMZ
I am from Serbia and I associate popcorn with the summer, not with the movies! So I am with you on this one, even though I like my popcorn only slightly salted, started in a bit of oil, old-fashioned way, in a heavy pot. That’s my conditioning!
Your caramel corn looks so bright and alive!
My post for Summer Fest is all about the first love and simple grilled corn, Gipsy way.
http://bibberche.com/2010/08/grilled-corn-with-chipotle-lime-butter/
Love the addition of pecans! My husband only wishes I’d make mine more often—and anyone who shies away from corn syrup, brown rice syrup works excellent too.
I’m throwing some sweet corn & lemon thyme ice cream into this mix this week, along with a gluten-free and creamless corn chowder!
http://www.injennieskitchen.com/2010/08/corn-chowder.html
Love your caramel corn! I used to work in a candy store, and we made caramel corn in this large copper pot with a huge wooden paddle. It was hard work, but it was totally worth it at the end!
I’ve made some Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salsa to celebrate Summer Fest. Cheers!
I love your site! Here is my post for corn this week for Fresh Corn-Tomato and Basil http://www.ingredientsinc.net/2010/08/summer-fest-2010-fresh-corn-cherry-tomatoes-and-basil/
I am joining the SummerFest party!
Check out my Thai Shrimp & Corn Cakes:
http://urbanrecipe.com/2010/08/thai-shrimp-corn-cakes/
It’s a really GOOD thing that that caramel corn is on a computer screen and not in front of me….
I am having so much fun with this Summerfest 2010 thing!! Here is my contribution to the party!!
Corn, Crab and Tomato Salad
Enjoy!!
Finally! Some with a popcorn recipe!!!
My contribution to the Summer Fest 2010 this week is super easy and quick to make!
http://mypersiankitchen.com/i-say-balal-you-say-corn/
Mmmm! Love this snack!
Try my sweet corn salad:
http://twopeasandtheirpod.com/sweet-corn-salad/
Yum! Caramel corn is one of those things I just can’t resist! This time of year, I can’t help but just eat corn straight off the cob most of the time, grilled or steamed, but if I do cook with it, my favorite recipes include:
Calabacitas
http://heartlandrenaissance.com/2009/08/calabacitas/
Three Sisters Chili, and
http://heartlandrenaissance.com/2009/09/three-sisters-chili/
Green Chile Chicken Tortilla Soup
http://heartlandrenaissance.com/2007/11/green-chile-chicken-tortilla-soup/
A few have been on the blog for a while, but I couldn’t help but share them this week for SummerFest! Thank you for hosting!
Best,
Sarah
Wonderful! Who doesn’t love Carmel Corn!
Enjoying being a part of the fun. This week at It’s The Way She…
I made Goat Cheese and Roasted Corn Quesadillas
http://itsthewayshe.blogspot.com/2010/08/ignited-my-desire-to-use-those-recipes.html
Looks tasty!
I made two corn recipes this week:
Corn and tomato gratin: http://4seasonsoffood.blogspot.com/2010/08/corn-and-tomato-gratin.html
Summer succotash: http://4seasonsoffood.blogspot.com/2010/07/summer-succotash.html
Looking forward to browsing through the recipes
Over at Flexitarian Foodie (www.flexitarianfoodie.com) we’ve featured a bunch of corn dishes recently!
BBQ Corn: http://www.flexitarianfoodie.com/2010/07/quick-idea-bbq-corn.html
Avocado-Corn Quinoa:
http://www.flexitarianfoodie.com/2010/05/avocado-corn-quinoa.html
Pasta with corn and tomatoes:
http://www.flexitarianfoodie.com/2010/05/summer-in-bowl.html
Nothing’s better than fresh summer corn!!
That caramel corn looks crazy delicious!
I made a corn and green zebra tomato salad in honor of Summer Fest…
http://blog.healthy-green-lifestyle.com/corn-and-green-zebra-tomato-salad.html
I love corn and can’t wait to check out all the other recipes this week!
For more corn recipes, like Caramelized Corn with Mint, Corn and Bacon Souffle, Chilled Corn Soup and Sweet Corn Cupcakes, head over to http://thepolymathchronicles.blogspot.com/2010/08/summerfest-2010-corn.html