Fast and Easy Caramel Popcorn
Indulge your sweet tooth with this irresistible Fast and Easy Caramel Popcorn recipe—a perfect balance of buttery caramel sweetness and crisp, airy popcorn crunch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this homemade treat is created with pantry staples like brown sugar, light corn syrup, and a dash of vanilla extract for a rich depth of flavor. A quick stovetop caramel sauce transforms freshly popped kernels into a glossy, golden snack that’s perfect for movie nights, parties, or satisfying midday cravings. With no oven required and minimal cleanup thanks to parchment paper, this easy caramel popcorn is as effortless as it is delicious. Make a batch to share—or keep it all to yourself!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 quarter-cup light corn syrup
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
Shake the pot occasionally to prevent kernels from burning. Once popping slows to a few seconds between pops, remove from heat.
Transfer the popped popcorn to a large bowl, making sure to discard unpopped kernels.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt, and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly.
Allow the caramel mixture to boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda until smooth and foamy.
Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the popcorn and gently toss to coat all the popcorn.
Spread the coated popcorn onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Let the caramel popcorn cool completely before breaking it into pieces and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2150 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 126.6 g | 162% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.3 g | 301% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 248 mg | 83% | |
| Sodium | 1567 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 261.0 g | 95% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.0 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 186.5 g | ||
| Protein | 12.8 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 156 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 555 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
