Sweet Caramel Popcorn Recipe: A Delicious Snack to Satisfy Your Cravings

Starting with the Basics

A pot of golden caramel bubbling on the stove, surrounded by bowls of freshly popped popcorn and a mound of sugar

Sweet caramel popcorn is a delicious snack that’s perfect for movie nights or parties.

You’ll need the right popcorn and a few ingredients for the caramel sauce to create this tasty treat.

Choosing Your Popcorn

When making homemade caramel popcorn, the type of popcorn you choose is important. Air-popped popcorn is a great choice because it’s light and has no added oils.

You can also use popcorn popped with a minimal amount of oil if that’s your preference.

It’s best to use white or yellow popcorn kernels.

They both pop well and offer a good base for the caramel coating.

Make sure all kernels are popped, so you don’t end up with hard bits in your snack.

An air popper or stovetop method without added salt or butter works best.

Essential Ingredients for Caramel Sauce

To make a rich, golden caramel sauce, you need certain ingredients.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 cup of packed brown sugar or dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup of corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (salted butter works too but adjust salt levels)
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt, if using unsalted butter

Start by melting the butter over medium heat.

Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt until smooth.

Then, bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it cook for a few minutes.

After that, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Carefully pour the hot caramel over the popcorn, tossing it gently to coat every piece.

Once coated, spread the popcorn on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Bake in a low oven for a crisp texture.

Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Enjoy your snack once it cools!