Learning how to make caramel corn is surprisingly easy! Follow our step-by-step guide for perfect kernels.
How to Make Homemade Caramel Corn
Updated Mar. 09, 2023
Looking for the perfect at-home Friday night snack or go-to gift idea during the holidays? Finding a good recipe for homemade caramel corn is your answer. It’s like magic—unassuming popcorn kernels are coated with sweet, gooey caramel and baked low and slow until crisp.
How to Make Caramel Corn
Ingredients
- 6 quarts popped popcorn
- 2 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark brown sugar will work)
- 1 cup butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Tools
- Two large glass bowls
- Saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Two greased 13×9-in. baking pans
- Airtight container
Instructions
Step 1: Pop your corn
Caramel corn starts with popped corn, of course! If using microwave popcorn, leave those unpopped kernels in the bottom of the bag. (This will help with Step 2.) You can also pop popcorn on the stovetop or in an air popper, and I find these methods lead to fewer unpopped kernels.
Step 2: Sift out the unpopped kernels
I find myself eating caramel corn cautiously…you know, in case I run into an unpopped kernel! In my opinion, this is one of the most important steps. Using two bowls and your hands, slowly transfer popped corn from one bowl to the other. In the end, any unpopped kernels (or “old maids” as some call them) should remain in the bottom of the bowl. Discard them and repeat this process, if desired.
Step 3: Make the caramel
Don’t be intimidated here. Making caramel is easy, as long as you pay attention and work quickly. Combine the sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly (don’t walk away or your caramel could burn or bubble over). Continue to boil caramel for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and baking soda (you’ll see a color change from the adding the soda and there will be some steam, so be careful). Mix well. Pour over popped popcorn and stir until well-coated.
Step 4: Bake it!
Transfer coated popcorn to two greased 13×9-in. baking pans. Bake, uncovered, at 250° for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making homemade caramel corn, go ahead and try the fruits of your labor! Be sure to store in zip-top plastic bags or an airtight container to maintain freshness. Experiment with adding your favorite nuts, chocolate pieces and dried fruit or try other snack mixes using popcorn.
Find other delish popcorn recipes
Easy White Chocolate Party MixI get rave reviews every time I prepare this crispy combination of cereal, popcorn, pretzels, nuts and candies. Coated in white chocolate, this mix is spectacular for parties and for gift giving. —Rose Wentzel, St. Louis, Missouri
Caramel CornLearning how to make a caramel corn recipe is surprisingly easy! Follow our step-by-step guide for perfect kernels.
Gingerbread Caramel CrunchIf you love gingerbread, you won't be able to resist this crispy, crunchy popcorn. Munch it yourself or share it as a tasty gift! —Lynne Weigle-Snow, Alexandria, Virginia
Nacho PopcornMy husband and I like to munch on this while watching TV. The nacho flavoring is a zesty alternative to butter and salt. —Linda Boehme, Fairmont, Minnesota
Ranch PopcornWhat’s movie night at home without some popcorn to munch? Try a big tub of this buttery, showstopping blend. It’s easy, cheesy and finger-lickin’ good. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Marshmallow-Peanut PopcornMy brother calls this combo of popcorn, marshmallows, peanuts and pretzels the “perfect popcorn." The taste is reminiscent of a Big Hunk candy bar. —Julie Perez, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Peanut Butter Lover's PopcornA fun way to jazz up popcorn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
White Chocolate PopcornWhite chocolate popcorn with crushed peppermint is a delightfully sweet, fluffy and crunchy DIY snack for at-home movie nights or holiday soirees.
Chocolate-Mint PopcornI wrote a book called “20 New Ways to Enjoy Popcorn.” When I poll friends, they favor this recipe, a delicious treat for after-dinner coffee. — Polly Brunning, Thaxton, Virginia
Halloween Snack MixHere is a simple snack mix I created on the spur of the moment. It's easy to toss together for a Halloween party or to package in individual bags for a fall bake sale. —Barbara Roberts, Middleton, Wisconsin
Sweet-Tooth PopcornI like to be creative with this popcorn recipe and add different things to make it festive for the holidays. Everyone says the sweet and salty taste is addicting. —Daynna Puckett, Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Candy Corn & Peanut Popcorn BallsMy daughter and I enjoy baking and cooking together, and this recipe is one my daughter can help make and then share at school.—Kim Shireman, Searcy, Arkansas
Originally Published: October 17, 2018
