This homemade caramel corn recipe is the perfect sweet and crunchy snack for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like popcorn, butter, and brown sugar, this caramel corn is easy to make and will have everyone coming back for more. It's a great treat for movie nights, parties, or even as a homemade gift. Get ready to indulge in this irresistible caramel corn recipe!
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt to the saucepan. Stir until the mixture is well combined and comes to a boil.
- Let the mixture boil for 4 minutes without stirring.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn in the bowl. Use a rubber spatula to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly with the caramel.
- Transfer the coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out in an even layer.
- Bake the caramel corn in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking.
- Remove the caramel corn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Once cooled, break apart any large clumps of caramel corn and transfer it to an airtight container for storage.
Interesting Facts
Caramel corn has been a popular snack in the United States since the late 19th century.
Cracker Jack, a well-known brand of caramel corn, was first introduced at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
Caramel corn is often enjoyed at fairs, carnivals, and movie theaters.