Easiest Caramel Corn is a simple, sweet, and crunchy treat that combines the irresistible flavor of buttery caramel with the crunch of popcorn. Made with just a few basic ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time and delivers a deliciously addicting snack that’s perfect for movie nights, parties, or anytime you’re craving something sweet. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it on your own, this caramel corn is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easiest Caramel Corn recipe is perfect for those who want the delicious flavor of caramel corn without spending hours in the kitchen. The caramel sauce is quick to make, and with just a few ingredients, you get a batch of sweet, crunchy caramel-coated popcorn that’s just as good as anything you’d find in a store. It’s a fantastic snack for any occasion—perfect for family movie nights, holiday parties, or a treat for yourself. Plus, it’s customizable! You can add nuts, chocolate, or even drizzle some extra caramel sauce to make it your own.

Ingredients

• 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup light corn syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the popcorn: Pop your popcorn using your preferred method (air popper, stovetop, or microwave). Once popped, place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl, making sure to remove any unpopped kernels.

2. Make the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring.

3. Add vanilla, baking soda, and salt: After the caramel sauce has boiled for a few minutes, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful.

4. Coat the popcorn: Pour the hot caramel sauce over the popped popcorn and toss gently to coat all the popcorn evenly. Make sure to work quickly while the caramel is still warm.

5. Bake the caramel corn: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the caramel-coated popcorn in an even layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the caramel is evenly distributed and the popcorn stays crispy.

6. Cool and serve: Once the caramel corn is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into pieces and serve. You can also store it in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Servings and timing

• Servings: About 12 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 50 minutes (includes baking time)

• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) over the caramel corn once it has cooled for an extra indulgent touch.

• Nuts: Add a handful of your favorite nuts, like almonds, pecans, or cashews, to the caramel corn before baking for added flavor and texture.

• Spicy Caramel Corn: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the caramel sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.

• Peanut Butter Caramel Corn: Stir in a few tablespoons of peanut butter to the caramel sauce for a peanut butter twist on the classic.

Storage/Reheating

Store your caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. It will stay fresh and crunchy. If you want to restore some of the crunch after storing, place the caramel corn in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 10 minutes to crisp it up again.

FAQs

1. Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?

Yes, you can use microwave popcorn. Just make sure to use plain, unsalted popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels before coating with caramel.

2. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, dark brown sugar will work as a substitute and will give your caramel a richer, deeper flavor. The only difference will be a slight change in taste.

3. Can I make this without baking it?

Yes, you can skip the baking step if you’re in a hurry. Just toss the caramel-coated popcorn well and let it cool completely. While it won’t be as crispy as the baked version, it will still be delicious.

4. Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?

You can substitute honey for corn syrup, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor of the caramel slightly, adding a more floral sweetness.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this caramel corn ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

6. Can I add different types of nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any nuts you like—peanuts, almonds, pecans, or walnuts would all be great options.

7. Can I freeze caramel corn?

While it’s not recommended to freeze caramel corn, you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for a longer shelf life. Just allow it to thaw at room temperature before eating.

8. How do I know when the caramel is done boiling?

The caramel sauce is ready when it has thickened slightly and has been boiling for about 4-5 minutes. The bubbles should be large and steady but not rapid.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses popcorn and no flour. Just ensure that your ingredients, like the vanilla extract and baking soda, don’t contain any hidden gluten.

10. How can I make the caramel corn less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the sugar or corn syrup. Keep in mind that it will affect the texture and caramelization, so make small adjustments to find the balance that works for you.

Conclusion

Easiest Caramel Corn is a quick and simple treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth with its perfect combination of caramel, butter, and popcorn. It’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite mix-ins, and great for parties, movie nights, or as a fun homemade gift. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a batch of this delicious snack ready in no time. Try it today, and enjoy the crunchy, sweet goodness!

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