Classic Caramel Popcorn

This Classic Caramel Popcorn is crisp, buttery and coated in rich, golden caramel for a deliciously sweet and salty snack. Perfect for parties, movie nights or homemade gifts. I’ve been making this recipe since I was a kid. I can still remember standing in the kitchen, waiting eagerly as the sweet, buttery caramel came together so I could pour it over the freshly popped kernels. My mom and I would always make a batch to kick off the Halloween season and keep it going through the end of the year. Over the years, I’ve refreshed this recipe with a few tweaks to make it even better, but it still carries that same nostalgic crunch and sweetness I loved growing up. Whether you’re making it for movie night, gifting during the holidays, or just as a sweet snack for yourself, this homemade caramel popcorn never disappoints.

Author: Pesto & Potatoes

Meal Type: Eggs Free

Cuisine: Other

Difficulty: EASY

Prep. Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 758 kcal per serving

Ingredients

18 cups - popcorn
1 cup - butter
2 cups - brown sugar
½ cup - corn syrup
1 tsp - salt
½ tsp - baking soda
1 tsp - vanilla

Instructions

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Use an air popper to pop 18-20 cups popcorn.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Add brown sugar, corn syrup and salt, and stir constantly over medium heat. Once the mixture boils, stop stirring and set a timer for 4 minutes.
Remove from heat and add in baking soda and vanilla. Stir well and carefully pour caramel over popcorn. Combine and split into two pans. (Note: I use disposable foil roasting pans for easier cleanup.)
Place in preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Let cool, then break into individual pieces and store in an air-right container.

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