Caramel Popcorn

This sweet and crunchy Caramel Popcorn is the perfect homemade treat! Made with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, this recipe skips the corn syrup while delivering rich, buttery caramel flavor. Perfect for movie nights, holiday gifts, or anytime snacking, this caramel popcorn is sure to impress.

Did You Know?

Caramel popcorn was first introduced at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 by the creators of Cracker Jack. By replacing corn syrup with honey or maple syrup, this version takes on a deeper, more natural sweetness that enhances the buttery caramel and crunchy popcorn texture.

Yield
Makes 10 cups

Ingredients

• 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Pop the Popcorn
Pop the kernels using an air popper or stovetop method. Place the popcorn in a large bowl, removing any unpopped kernels.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Allow it to boil for 3–4 minutes without stirring.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The caramel will foam slightly—this is normal and helps it coat the popcorn evenly.

Step 4: Coat the Popcorn
Pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly.

Step 5: Bake for Crispiness (Optional)
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45–60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for even coating. This step ensures a crispy texture.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool completely. Break apart any large clusters and transfer it to an airtight container or decorative bags for gifting.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 120, Protein: 1g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Fiber: 2g, Net Carbohydrates: 16g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 75mg, Sugars: 12g, Glycemic Index: 50

Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money

1. Choose Fresh Popcorn Kernels
   Stale kernels may not pop as well. Fresh kernels result in fluffy, airy popcorn.

2. Use Honey or Maple Syrup
   Both provide natural sweetness with unique flavor notes. Maple syrup offers a richer, caramelized taste.

3. Customize with Add-Ins
   Add peanuts, pecans, or almonds for a nutty crunch.

4. For a Gourmet Touch
   Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled popcorn or sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet-and-salty twist.

5. Gift It!
   Package caramel popcorn in decorative tins or bags tied with ribbons for a thoughtful holiday or hostess gift.

6. Avoid Burning the Caramel
   Keep the heat on medium and stir constantly when melting the butter and sugar to prevent burning.

7. Line Your Baking Sheet
   Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

8. Adjust Sweetness
   Use less honey or maple syrup if you prefer a milder sweetness.

9. Make It Vegan
   Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative to make it vegan-friendly.

10. Batch Cooking for Gifting
    Double the recipe to create large batches, perfect for making multiple gifts at once.

Let’s Learn About Caramel Popcorn

Caramel popcorn is a nostalgic treat often associated with fairs, carnivals, and cozy movie nights. By using honey or maple syrup, this version offers a more natural sweetness, avoiding processed corn syrup. Popcorn is a whole grain, making it a surprisingly wholesome base for this indulgent treat. Packed in decorative bags or tins, it also makes for an easy and thoughtful homemade gift for the holidays or special occasions!