Easy, Awesome Homemade Caramel Popcorn

It’s weird because I don’t really like caramel, and I’m not super into popcorn…but I’m ALL IN on this homemade caramel popcorn. 

My mom’s been making it since I was a kid, and it’s a must-have on Thanksgiving for my family.  It’s just SO GOOD!  She makes a massive tub and we munch on it all afternoon while playing cards and watching .

It’s also so easy…caramel can feel quite daunting.  I’ve watched approximately 1,250 hours of Great British Bake-Off and caramel is always tripping up the bakers. 

But the caramel we’re making today is the opposite of fiddly.  And the actual hands-on portion of this recipe is quite minimal.

Preheat the oven to 250 F.  Pop your popcorn into a giant bowl.  An air popper (like this one) is definitely preferable for this, as you don’t want to have oil of any kind on the popcorn (for the caramel to adhere properly). 

Then you’ll make your caramel.  Melt the butter in large saucepan, then add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Boil for 4-5 minutes, not stirring, then remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla.

Pour the caramel over your popcorn in the big bowl and stir together to try and somewhat coat the popcorn (it won’t be 100% coated and that’s fine). 

Spread over a couple of large rimmed baking sheets and bake for 30-40 minutes. 

Make sure you stir it every 10-15 minutes to make sure it doesn’t stick, and to continue spreading the caramel around.  We use metal baking sheets and a thin metal spatula to do that.

Let cool, then break apart into bite-size pieces and clumps.  Store in an airtight container at room temperature (moisture is the enemy).

This is a total non-negotiable for Thanksgiving, and I can’t wait to devour some in a couple weeks.  It’s definitely on my list of best Thanksgiving recipes!

Other sweet snacks you’ll love:

• Orange, Apricot, & Pistachio Biscotti
• Dark Chocolate Puppy Chow with Sea Salt
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars
• The Best, Easiest Iced Coffee at Home

Easy, Awesome Homemade Caramel Popcorn

Yield: 6 cups

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Additional Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

This amazing homemade caramel popcorn is really easy to make, and is perfect for any holiday gathering. It's completely addictive, even for someone (me!) who doesn't like caramel or popcorn.

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Ingredients

• 2 sticks of butter
• 2 cups of brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1/2 cup of corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 6 quarts of popcorn (air popped, not with oil or butter)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 250 F.  Pop your popcorn into a giant bowl.  An air popper is definitely preferable for this, as you don't want to have oil of any kind on the popcorn.
2. Melt the butter in medium saucepan, then add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
3. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
4. Boil for 4-5 minutes, not stirring.
5. Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla.
6. Pour the caramel over your popcorn in the big bowl and stir together to try and somewhat coat the popcorn (it won't be 100% covered and that's fine).
7. Spread over a couple of large rimmed baking sheets and bake for 30-40 minutes.  Make sure you stir it every 10-15 minutes to make sure it doesn't stick, and to continue spreading the caramel around.  We use metal baking sheets and a thin metal spatula to do that.
8. Let cool, then break apart into bite-size pieces and clumps.  Store in an airtight container at room temperature (moisture is the enemy).  

Notes

• This is perfect for making a day or two beforehand, as it keeps very well (and gives you one less thing to do day-of).

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  Presto Hot Air Popper, Yellow