Buttery Bliss: The Simplest Caramel Corn Recipe Ever

Sweet kernels dancing with a golden caramel glaze make this easiest caramel corn recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Crunchy, sweet, and irresistibly addictive, this snack comes together in minutes with minimal effort.

The secret lies in a simple coating that transforms ordinary popcorn into a decadent treat.

You’ll love how quickly these ingredients blend into a mouthwatering sensation.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of buttery caramel and crisp corn.

Homemade snacks never tasted so good, offering a delightful alternative to store-bought treats.

Dive into this simple recipe and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first delicious crunch.

Gear You’ll Need For Easiest Caramel Corn

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for spreading and baking caramel corn.
• Medium saucepan: Essential for creating smooth caramel sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring caramel and mixing popcorn.
• Large mixing bowl: Helps spread and prepare popcorn before caramel coating.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurement for ingredients.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking sheets and saucepan.
• Parchment paper: Optional but helpful for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.

Steps To Prepare Easiest Caramel Corn

• Popcorn Preparation

Create a fluffy base of fresh popcorn using your favorite popping method. Clear out any stubborn unpopped kernels and spread the white fluffy morsels across a spacious baking sheet.

• Sweet Caramel Magic

In a shiny saucepan, combine sugary brown sugar, creamy butter, sticky corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Dance the ingredients over medium heat, constantly stirring until they bubble and swirl together. Let the mixture sing and bubble for several delightful minutes without touching.

• Flavor Transformation

Pull the saucepan from the heat and whisk in a sprinkle of baking soda and a splash of vanilla. Watch the mixture puff and foam like a delicious science experiment, ready to coat your popcorn in golden goodness.

• Delicious Coating

Drizzle the warm caramel waterfall over your waiting popcorn. Gently tumble and twist the kernels until every piece glistens with sweet caramel.

• Crispy Perfection

Slide the caramel-kissed popcorn into a warm oven. Let it dance and dry for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure each kernel gets maximum crunch and flavor.

• Snack Time

Allow the caramel corn to cool completely. Break apart any clingy clusters and dive into your golden, crunchy creation.

Tasty Tips For Easiest Caramel Corn

• Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle sea salt or add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans before baking for extra crunch and depth of flavor that elevates the classic caramel corn.
• Diet-Friendly Tweak: Swap regular butter with coconut oil and use coconut sugar for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the rich, sweet caramel taste while accommodating plant-based diets.
• Storage Savvy: Store caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain maximum crispness.

How To Serve Easiest Caramel Corn Sweetly

• Party Snack Platter: Create a festive spread by arranging the caramel corn in decorative bowls alongside other sweet and salty treats like pretzels, chocolate chips, and mixed nuts for a crowd-pleasing movie night selection.
• Movie Marathon Companion: Pack the caramel corn in individual paper bags or mason jars for an easy-to-share snack during film screenings, game nights, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package the cooled caramel corn in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons, making it a delightful homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or as a thoughtful gesture for colleagues and neighbors.
• Dessert Table Star: Serve the caramel corn as a crunchy addition to a dessert buffet, complementing other sweet treats like brownies, cookies, and chocolate-dipped fruits for a textural variety that guests will love.

Keep Easiest Caramel Corn Crisp And Ready

• Quick Cool-Down Strategy: Spread caramel corn on parchment paper immediately after baking to prevent sticking and help rapid cooling. This technique stops continued cooking and separates clusters naturally.
• Airtight Container Technique: Store completely cooled caramel corn in sealed glass jars or hard plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Keep away from humid areas to maintain crispy texture for 5-7 days at room temperature.
• Temperature-Smart Storage: Maintain consistent room temperature between 65-70°F to prevent sugar crystallization and preserve delicate caramel coating. Avoid refrigeration, which can make snack soggy and compromise crunchiness.
• Portion Control Trick: Create single-serve snack bags by measuring 1-cup portions into small ziplock bags. Perfect for lunch boxes, road trips, or quick grab-and-go snacking without risking entire batch's freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 20-40 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything That Goes Into Easiest Caramel Corn

• Popcorn: The star ingredient that provides a light, crispy foundation for the caramel coating, best when fresh and fully popped.
• Parchment Paper: Creates a non-stick surface for easy preparation and cleanup, preventing caramel from sticking.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers rich, deep sweetness and helps create the classic caramel color and texture.
• Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the caramel sauce smoothly.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and ensures a silky, glossy caramel coating.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the caramel.

• Baking Soda: Creates a light, airy texture in the caramel and helps the sauce coat the popcorn evenly.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, complex undertone that deepens the caramel's flavor profile.

Crispy Caramel Corn Recipe

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• Total Time: 20-40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade caramel corn delights snack enthusiasts with its irresistible sweet crunch. Buttery caramel coats popcorn kernels, creating a simple yet addictive treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup/118 ml unpopped kernels)
• 1 cup (240 g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (113 g/4 oz) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Arrange a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a greased mixing bowl to receive freshly popped kernels, meticulously removing any unpopped or burnt kernels.
2. Caramel Creation: In a sturdy saucepan, blend brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat, stirring consistently until the mixture reaches a robust boil, maintaining the bubbling state for 4-5 minutes without interruption to develop a rich, complex flavor.
3. Transformation: Remove from heat and vigorously incorporate baking soda and vanilla extract, watching the caramel evolve into a light, foamy texture that will gracefully envelop each popcorn kernel.
4. Coating Process: Pour the molten caramel over the prepared popcorn, using a silicone spatula to ensure comprehensive and even coverage of each morsel.
5. Crisping Stage: Transfer the caramel-coated popcorn to a preheated oven at 250F (120C), spreading in a single layer and rotating every 10 minutes during the 30-40 minute baking process to achieve uniform crunchiness and deep caramelization.
6. Cooling and Serving: Remove from the oven and allow the caramel corn to cool completely, naturally forming delectable clusters ready for enjoyment.

Notes

• Select High-Quality Kernels: Use fresh, premium popcorn kernels for the best flavor and texture, avoiding stale or old corn that might compromise the final taste.
• Prevent Caramel Burning: Maintain constant stirring and watch the temperature closely to avoid scorching, which can create bitter undertones in the caramel sauce.
• Achieve Perfect Coating: Drizzle caramel slowly and fold gently to ensure each kernel gets an even, complete caramel coverage without clumping or uneven distribution.
• Customize Texture Options: Adjust baking time between 30-45 minutes based on desired crunchiness – shorter time creates softer caramel corn, while longer baking produces extra crispy results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg