Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with this delightful caramel popcorn recipe. It's a treat that's perfect for movie nights, parties, or just a cozy evening at home. The rich, buttery caramel coats each kernel, creating an irresistible snack that's sure to please everyone.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up light corn syrup if you don't already have it. This ingredient is crucial for achieving the right texture and consistency in the caramel. Additionally, make sure you have baking soda on hand, as it helps create a light and airy caramel coating.

Ingredients For Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Popped popcorn: The base of the recipe, providing a light and crunchy texture.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a rich, molasses-like flavor to the caramel.
Light corn syrup: Ensures the caramel has the right consistency and prevents crystallization.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth caramel.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Baking soda: Reacts with the caramel mixture to create a light, airy texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the caramel.
Technique Tip
When making caramel popcorn, ensure that the butter and brown sugar mixture reaches a full boil before starting the 5-minute timer. This ensures the caramel reaches the right consistency. Stirring constantly while bringing it to a boil helps prevent burning. Once you add the baking soda and vanilla extract, the mixture will bubble up, so use a larger saucepan to avoid overflow. When spreading the coated popcorn on the baking sheet, try to create an even layer to ensure uniform baking and crispiness.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
popped popcorn - Substitute with popped rice cakes: Provides a similar crunchy texture and can be flavored similarly.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Offers a similar caramel-like flavor with a slightly different but pleasant taste.
light corn syrup - Substitute with honey: Acts as a natural sweetener and helps to bind the caramel mixture.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Provides a similar fat content and texture, making it a good alternative for those avoiding dairy.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Adds a slightly different mineral flavor but still enhances the sweetness of the caramel.
baking soda - Substitute with cream of tartar: Helps to stabilize the caramel and prevent crystallization.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Offers a different but complementary flavor to the caramel.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze This Treat
- Ensure the caramel popcorn is completely cooled before storing. This prevents moisture buildup, which can make the popcorn soggy.
- Use an airtight container to keep the caramel popcorn fresh. Mason jars, resealable plastic bags, or Tupperware work well.
- Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard is ideal.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the caramel popcorn. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring as much air as possible is removed before sealing.
- When ready to enjoy, allow the caramel popcorn to come to room temperature. This helps maintain its crunchy texture.
- Avoid refrigerating the caramel popcorn as the humidity can make it lose its crispiness.
- If the caramel popcorn becomes soft, you can re-crisp it by spreading it on a baking sheet and warming it in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 10 minutes.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Spread the caramel popcorn evenly on a baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even reheating.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before enjoying the warm, crispy treat.
Microwave Method:
- Place the caramel popcorn in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a paper towel to prevent splattering.
- Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Stir the popcorn and check if it’s evenly heated. If not, microwave for an additional 10-15 seconds.
- Let it cool for a minute before serving.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a large skillet over low heat.
- Add the caramel popcorn to the skillet, spreading it out evenly.
- Stir the popcorn continuously for about 5-7 minutes until it’s warmed through.
- Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
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 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Remove from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before enjoying.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the caramel-coated popcorn at a low temperature to ensure even coating and crispiness.
Large mixing bowl: Holds the popped popcorn and allows for easy mixing with the caramel sauce.
Saucepan: Used to cook the caramel mixture, combining brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the caramel mixture as it cooks and for mixing the caramel with the popcorn.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread the caramel-coated popcorn for baking.
Parchment paper: Lines the baking sheet to prevent the caramel popcorn from sticking.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients such as salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract.
Spatula: Helps in spreading the caramel-coated popcorn evenly on the baking sheet.
Cooling rack: Allows the baked caramel popcorn to cool completely and become crisp.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use microwave popcorn: Save time by using microwave popcorn instead of popping it on the stove.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt before starting to streamline the process.
Quick cooling: Spread the caramel-coated popcorn on a large, cool surface to speed up the cooling process.
Skip the oven: If you're in a hurry, skip the baking step and let the caramel popcorn set at room temperature.

Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 cups Popped Popcorn
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Light Corn Syrup
- ½ cup Butter
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Place popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up.
- Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and stir to coat evenly.
- Spread coated popcorn onto a baking sheet. 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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