Perfect Caramel Corn has been on my list of foods to make for almost as long as I can remember. The fact that it turned out to be THIS easy to make? Oh my heavens, I made this Salted Caramel Popcorn four times in the past two weeks!
I shared it with several friends and the reviews have been outstanding. I am completely giddy over it and I foresee many gift bags of this in everyone’s future.
Salted Caramel Popcorn is insanely, absurdly, ridiculously addictive! I couldn’t stay out of it. My family devoured half a batch the first night I made it and I can guarantee that I ate far more than my share.
Just a heads up – Hold onto a few cups worth of this caramel corn. (It isn’t easy not to eat this whole batch in a fell swoop!) I have a spectacular new dessert to share tomorrow and you’ll thank me later if you already have some caramel corn ready and waiting!
Salted Caramel Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup brown rice syrup or corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt divided
- 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Melt the butter, sugar, syrup, and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium size saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Allow it to boil for 4 minutes without stirring. While the caramel is simmering, pop the popcorn in an air popper. (Don't have an air popper? Plain unflavored microwave popcorn will work too, you'll probably need two bags worth for about 16 cups worth.) Remove any unpopped kernels from the bowl.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn. Stir to coat thoroughly. Pour the popcorn onto the lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with the remaining salt and stir gently. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every ten minutes. Remove from the oven and spread across a parchment lined counter. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Enjoy!
ONE YEAR AGO TODAY: Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
TWO YEARS AGO TODAY: Chicken Vegetable Soup with Red Tomatoes
THREE YEARS AGO TODAY: White Beans and Cabbage
Jamie says
Is this a chewy caramel corn or a crunchy one?
Mary says
It is a little bit of both. Just chewy enough, but not sticking to your teeth. The baking time prevents it from being too sticky. You can add extra oven time if you want pure crunch or reduce it slightly for more chewiness. For me, I love it right at the half hour mark.
Sue/the view from great island says
This sounds utterly addictive — I would add peanuts and make it just like Cracker Jack 🙂
Amanda says
I seriously want to lick the screen! So amazing!
Diane Stenglein says
Wow – this looks amazing. Utterly. Wondering if I can substitute a dairy-free margarine instead of the butter. (Major lactose issues in my house…) Thanks!
Mary says
I'd try it with the margarine, Diane. It's definitely worth a shot! Let me know how it works for you.
Mama says
Have you tried anything in place of butter like coconut oil?
Mary says
I have not. If you try it, be sure to let us know how it works for you!
Chelsea says
How long is this popcorn storable for in an airtight container/other container?
Mary says
Honestly, ours is usually gone in a day or two, but it should be fine for at least 3-5 days.
Anonymous says
hay mary,
are all popcorn recipe must be baked ??
Mary says
Baking it makes it crunchy versus just being sticky with the caramel. I hope that helps!
Michelle says
Your third warning should be that the popcorn can burn very quickly. I tried this twice and burned it twice. First time at 300 during the last of the second 10 min check and the second time at 250 checking every 5 min again at the 20 min mark. No way this needs to be 30 minutes.
Karen says
I have made this several times and it turns out perfectly every time. I follow the directions exactly and get many compliments whenever I take it to a gathering – thank you!
Amanda says
Accidentally made a double batch of the caramel. Put it in a mason jar. Any help on reheating?
Mary Younkin says
It should reheat just fine in the microwave. I would do medium heat and stir after a minute or so. (I reheat ours on full power, but it depends on the microwave.)
Brenda says
Easy and I popped my corn on the stove. Sinfully good. Caramel come together quick n easy. Oven time quick n almost burnt my mouth tasting. Dutch family here visiting, recipe went back with them.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you are enjoying the popcorn!