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Homemade Caramel Popcorn Recipe

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Homemade Caramel Popcorn Recipe 🍿✨

Crunchy, sweet, and buttery, this caramel popcorn recipe is perfect for movie nights, parties, or as a delightful homemade gift.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup popcorn kernels (unpopped) 🍿
  • 2 cups unsalted butter (2 sticks) 🧈
  • ½ cup light corn syrup 🌽
  • 2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt 🧂
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • 1½ tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Pop the Popcorn

  1. Pop the popcorn using your preferred method (stovetop, air popper, or microwave).
  2. Place the popped popcorn in 2–3 large bowls to ensure there’s enough room for tossing with the caramel.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce

  1. Melt the butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Once melted, stir in the corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt.
  3. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
  4. Let the mixture boil for an additional 5 minutes without stirring.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. (The caramel will bubble significantly, so be cautious!)

Step 4: Coat the Popcorn

  1. Evenly divide the hot caramel sauce among the bowls of popcorn.
  2. Toss the popcorn gently but thoroughly to coat each piece using a rubber spatula, salad tongs, or large spoons.

Step 5: Bake the Popcorn

  1. Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheets. It’s okay if there are clumps—they’ll spread out while baking.
  2. Bake for 40–50 minutes, tossing and redistributing the caramel sauce every 10 minutes.
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Step 6: Check for Crispiness

  1. After 40 minutes, test a cooled piece of popcorn. It should be crispy.
  2. If it’s not, return the baking sheets to the oven for another 10 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Store

  1. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Once cooled, break apart any large clumps and store the caramel popcorn in airtight containers to keep it fresh.

Tips for Success

  • Popcorn Tips: Use freshly popped popcorn for the best results. Avoid pre-packaged microwave popcorn as it may contain butter or flavorings that interfere with the caramel.
  • Even Coating: Work quickly when tossing the caramel with the popcorn to ensure even distribution.
  • Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks.

FAQs

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?

Yes, but dark brown sugar will give the caramel a richer, molasses-like flavor.

What can I substitute for light corn syrup?

You can use honey or golden syrup, but note that the texture and flavor of the caramel may slightly vary.

How do I prevent sticky caramel popcorn?

Baking the popcorn and tossing it every 10 minutes ensures the caramel sets into a crispy coating.

Enjoy this irresistible caramel popcorn as a treat that everyone will love! 🍿✨

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