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Best Homemade Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate sweet and salty treat with this Best Homemade Caramel Popcorn recipe! Whether you're hosting a movie night, a holiday gathering, or just craving a sweet snack, this caramel popcorn is the perfect homemade delight. With its crunchy popcorn coated in a smooth, buttery caramel sauce, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Spatula or spoon for stirring

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar light or dark
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup or honey for a slight twist
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 10 cups popped popcorn about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Popcorn:
  • Pop the popcorn kernels in your popcorn maker, air popper, or on the stovetop. You need about 10 cups of popped popcorn. Spread the popcorn out on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, removing any unpopped kernels.
  • Make the Caramel Sauce:
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil, making sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.
  • Once the mixture reaches a boil, stop stirring and let it cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring. It should bubble up slightly and thicken.
  • Remove from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The caramel will bubble up, so be cautious. Stir until fully combined.
  • Coat the Popcorn:
  • Pour the hot caramel sauce evenly over the popped popcorn. Use a spatula or spoon to gently stir the popcorn to coat every kernel with the caramel sauce. Be careful as the caramel will be hot.
  • Bake the Caramel Popcorn:
  • Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Once the popcorn is well coated, transfer the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the caramel coats the popcorn evenly.
  • After 45 minutes, remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
  • Cool and Enjoy:
  • Once cooled, break the popcorn into pieces and enjoy! You can store the caramel popcorn in an airtight container for up to a week.