Sweet Popcorn with Caramel

Name: Sweet Popcorn with Caramel
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 cups
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels (yields about 8 cups popped); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup butter (unsalted); 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

40 min 8 cups Medium

All Recipes

Crunchy and sweet caramel popcorn, perfect for snacking or parties.

Prep

10 min

Cook

20 min

Total

40 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

There's something irresistible about the combination of crunchy popcorn and sweet caramel. Sweet popcorn with caramel is a classic snack that combines the light, airy texture of popcorn with the rich, buttery flavour of caramel. Whether you're preparing this treat for a movie night or a special event, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The caramel coats each kernel perfectly, creating a snack that's both sweet and slightly salty, making it hard to resist.

Ingredients

Servings

Popcorn

Caramel Sauce

Instructions

Pop the popcorn

Pop 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels using an air popper or stovetop method. Place popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl.

Pro tip: Ensure there are no unpopped kernels in the bowl before adding caramel.

Make the caramel sauce

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/2 cup light corn syrup over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.

Pro tip: Use a wooden spoon to stir for even heat distribution.

Boil the caramel

Once boiling, stop stirring and let the mixture boil for 5 minutes or until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.

Pro tip: Do not stir during this time to avoid crystallization.

Add vanilla and baking soda

Remove from heat and quickly stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda until fully incorporated.

Pro tip: The mixture will bubble up slightly when adding baking soda.

Coat the popcorn

Immediately pour the caramel over the popped popcorn. Stir gently but quickly to coat all the kernels evenly.

Pro tip: Use a heatproof spatula to mix as the caramel will be hot.

Cool and serve

Spread the coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool for about 10 minutes. Break apart any large clusters before serving.

Pro tip: For a richer flavour, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel-coated popcorn before it cools.

💡

Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning.</li><li>Stir constantly to achieve an even caramel coating.</li><li>Let the popcorn cool completely before serving to ensure maximum crunchiness.</li><li>Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

This sweet popcorn with caramel is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to a week. Pair it with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a delightful treat. Consider adding nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra dimension of flavour. Be sure to store any leftovers in a cool, dry place to keep the popcorn from becoming sticky.