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Amberly Vahn

Irresistible Homemade Salted Caramel Popcorn

A delightful blend of sweet and salty that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Baking Time 1 minute
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Group: Popped Popcorn
  • 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1 cup unpopped corn kernels)
Group: Caramel
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
  • 2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup
  • 1 tsp. sea salt (and more for sprinkling)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda

Equipment

  • Large pot For popping popcorn
  • Medium saucepan For making caramel
  • Spatula For mixing
  • Baking sheets For baking the popcorn

Method
 

  1. Begin by popping your popcorn using an air popper or the stove-top method. If using the stove, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a large pot and add a few kernels. Once they pop, add a half-cup of unpopped corn, cover tightly, and shake until popping slows. Transfer to a large bowl and remove any unpopped kernels.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sea salt. Bring to a gentle boil, whisking continuously, and let it boil for about 5 minutes until the caramel reaches a rich color.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla and baking soda quickly. The mixture will bubble up, creating that airy texture we love.
  4. Pour the hot caramel over the popped popcorn, using a spatula to gently fold it into the popcorn until every kernel is coated.
  5. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and prepare two baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Spread the caramel popcorn mixture evenly on the sheets and bake for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes for the best crunch.
  6. Once baked, sprinkle a little more sea salt over the warm popcorn. Allow it to cool completely before breaking into pieces and storing it in an airtight container.

Notes

Patience is key. Rushing the caramel-making process can lead to unwanted flavors and textures. Each step, particularly the baking, is essential for achieving that perfect crunch that elevates this snack to a whole new level of deliciousness.