This Homemade Caramel Corn is crunchy, buttery, and coated in a rich caramel that bakes into a perfectly crisp finish. The caramel mixture comes together quickly on the stovetop, then gets folded into freshly popped popcorn and baked low and slow to create that classic sweet, crunchy texture. It’s the kind of snack that’s hard to stop eating and perfect for movie nights, gifting, or anytime you want something sweet and satisfying. If you are looking for a easy (fuss free) dessert make sure to check out our recipe for Crockpot Candy too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This caramel corn has the perfect balance of sweet and salty with a deep caramel flavor and crisp texture. Baking it low and slow helps dry out the coating so it doesn’t stay sticky, giving you that classic crunchy finish.

Tips for Success

Use plain, freshly popped popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels.
Stir gently when coating to avoid crushing the popcorn.
Do not skip the baking step, it’s key for getting that crisp texture.
Stir occasionally while baking so the caramel coats evenly.

How to Serve

Serve as a snack on its own or package it up for:

Movie nights
Holiday gifts
Party favors
Snack boards

A bowl of popcorn with caramel drizzling over the top.

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep it crisp.

Caramel Corn

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Homemade Caramel Corn with a buttery, crunchy coating. Easy to make and perfect for snacking, gifting, or movie nights.

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Ingredients

▢ 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
▢ ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter
▢ ½ cup (171 g light) corn syrup
▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ ½ teaspoon baking soda
▢ 10 cups popped popcorn, about ½ cup kernels

Instructions

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, salt, and vanilla. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
Stir in the baking soda until fully incorporated.
Place the popcorn in a large, lightly greased bowl. Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and gently fold to coat.
Spread the coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
Bake for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the caramel is set and the popcorn is crisp.
Let cool completely before serving.

This recipe was inspired by iambaker.net’s caramel corn recipe.

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Dessert

Caramel Corn

This Homemade Caramel Corn is crunchy, buttery, and coated in a rich caramel that bakes into a perfectly crisp finish. The caramel mixture comes together quickly on the stovetop, then gets folded into freshly popped popcorn and baked low and slow to create that classic sweet, crunchy texture. It’s the kind of snack that’s hard…