Caramel popcorn – the perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth! Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or prefer something more unique, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering caramel popcorn recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From classic stovetop and microwave recipes to more adventurous flavor combinations like maple bourbon and matcha green tea, there’s something for everyone.
So go ahead, grab some kernels, and get ready to indulge in a world of sweet and salty goodness! In this article, we’ll explore the best caramel popcorn recipes for every occasion – from movie nights with friends to cozying up on a cold winter day. Let’s dive in and start making some delicious treats!
Classic Stovetop Caramel Popcorn
Make a delicious batch of caramel popcorn at home with this easy stovetop recipe.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6-8 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
Instructions:
1. Combine corn syrup, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until melted and smooth.
4. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and stir until evenly coated.
5. Spread the caramel popcorn on a parchment-lined surface or a silicone mat. Let cool and harden completely.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (simmer time)
Easy Microwave Caramel Popcorn
Transform ordinary popcorn into a sweet and indulgent treat with this easy microwave recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 6-8 cups freshly popped popcorn (unsalted)
– Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine corn syrup, sugar, and sea salt. Microwave on high for 30 seconds.
2. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Add the melted butter and stir until combined.
4. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn in a large microwave-safe bowl. Stir until the popcorn is evenly coated.
5. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, or until the caramel is melted and the popcorn is well coated.
6. Remove from the microwave and add vanilla extract if desired. Let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes
Extra Crunchy Caramel Corn
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this addictive recipe! Extra Crunchy Caramel Corn is a simple and delicious snack that’s perfect for movie nights, parties, or just because.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 6-8 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and water. Place over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes or until caramel reaches desired golden color.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until melted and smooth.
5. Pour caramel mixture over popped popcorn and sprinkle with nuts (if using). Toss until popcorn is evenly coated.
6. Spread the mixture onto prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
7. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Enjoy your Extra Crunchy Caramel Corn!
Salted Caramel Popcorn with Pecans
Salted Caramel Popcorn with Pecans Recipe
A sweet and salty combination of caramel-coated popcorn and crunchy pecans, perfect for a quick snack or movie night treat.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 6 cups popped popcorn
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and sea salt until melted and smooth.
5. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and toss until coated.
6. Sprinkle pecans over the popcorn and toss again until evenly distributed.
7. Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to set.
8. Break into clusters and serve.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Chocolate Drizzled Caramel Popcorn
Transform plain popcorn into a decadent treat with this easy recipe. Rich caramel and velvety chocolate come together for a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 6 cups popped popcorn (unpopped kernels removed)
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and water. Place over medium heat and cook until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until caramel reaches desired color.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted. Pour the caramel over the popcorn, stirring until coated.
5. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
6. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-coated popcorn, stirring to combine.
7. Sprinkle with sea salt (optional). Let cool and set before serving.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cinnamon Spiced Caramel Popcorn
Transform plain popcorn into a sweet and savory treat with this easy-to-make Cinnamon Spiced Caramel Popcorn recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 6-8 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the caramel mixture by combining corn syrup, brown sugar, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the popped popcorn, stirring until well coated.
5. Spread the popcorn on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Spiced Caramel Popcorn!
Vanilla Bean Caramel Popcorn
This sweet and salty snack combines the richness of caramel with the warmth of vanilla, perfectly balanced for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 6 cups popped popcorn
Instructions:
1. Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and sea salt. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in heavy cream, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and toss until evenly coated.
6. Spread on parchment-lined surface to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Bean Caramel Popcorn!
Sea Salt Dark Caramel Popcorn
Sea Salt Dark Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Transform plain popcorn into a decadent treat with this simple recipe that combines the richness of dark caramel and the crunch of sea salt.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup dark caramel chips (at least 60% cocoa)
• 6-8 cups freshly popped popcorn
Instructions:
1. Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter. Place over medium heat, stirring until the mixture reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. Let cool slightly.
4. Melt dark caramel chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
5. Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn, tossing to coat evenly.
6. Spread the coated popcorn on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
7. Break into clusters and serve.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time) + cooling and refrigeration time
Peanut Butter Caramel Popcorn Clusters
Peanut Butter Caramel Popcorn Clusters Recipe Summary:
Elevate your snack game with these crunchy and sweet clusters, combining the richness of peanut butter with the gooey goodness of caramel.
Maple Bourbon Caramel Popcorn
Elevate your popcorn game with this sweet and savory treat, featuring the perfect blend of maple syrup’s subtle richness and bourbon’s depth.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (optional)
– 6 cups popped popcorn
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, maple syrup, and butter. Place over medium heat until the mixture reaches 275°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. If using bourbon, stir it in at this point.
5. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the popped popcorn.
6. Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into clusters.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn
Warm up with this sweet and savory treat that combines the flavors of pumpkin spice and caramel-coated popcorn.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 6 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– 1 cup caramel bits (or 1/2 cup caramel sauce)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and heavy cream. Place over medium heat.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes or until caramel reaches desired color.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt until smooth.
5. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and toss until coated evenly.
6. Spread popcorn on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until caramel is set.
8. Melt caramel bits (or drizzle caramel sauce) over the popcorn and mix well.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
White Chocolate Caramel Popcorn
Transform plain popcorn into a sweet and indulgent treat with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 6 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– Optional: chopped nuts or sprinkles for garnish
Instructions:
1. Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
2. Pop the popcorn and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the corn syrup and sugar. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the white chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
6. Add the butter and stir until combined.
7. Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and toss until evenly coated.
8. Sprinkle with sea salt and any desired garnishes (e.g., chopped nuts or sprinkles).
9. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Toasted Coconut Caramel Popcorn
Transform plain popcorn into a sweet and salty treat with this easy recipe featuring toasted coconut flakes and rich caramel.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 6 cups popped popcorn
– 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the corn syrup, sugar, and water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted.
5. Pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn and toss until evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes and salt over the popcorn and toss again to combine.
7. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (includes cooling time)
Enjoy your delicious Toasted Coconut Caramel Popcorn!
Matcha Green Tea Caramel Popcorn
Elevate your snack game with this unique and delicious recipe that combines the freshness of matcha green tea with the sweetness of caramel popcorn.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon matcha powder
– 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter, melted
– Salt to taste
– Optional: sea salt or matcha powder for garnish
Instructions:
1. Pop the popcorn kernels in a large pot or a popcorn popper until popped.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in the matcha powder and melted butter.
5. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and toss until evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle with salt to taste. If desired, garnish with sea salt or additional matcha powder.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including popping time)
S’mores Caramel Popcorn Mix
Get ready to take your popcorn game to the next level with this addictive S’mores Caramel Popcorn Mix! This sweet and gooey treat is perfect for movie nights, parties, or just a fun snack.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup marshmallow creme
– 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
– 1/2 cup popped popcorn
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Pop the popcorn kernels and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the marshmallow creme and stir until well combined.
4. Fold in the crushed graham crackers and popped popcorn until evenly coated with the caramel mixture.
5. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: None – just mix and serve!
Cherry Almond Caramel Popcorn
Transform plain popcorn into a decadent treat with this easy recipe. Rich caramel, crunchy almonds, and sweet cherries come together for a delightful combination.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup dried cherries, chopped
– 6 cups popped popcorn
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, water, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, sugar, and almonds until the sugar has dissolved.
4. Add the popped popcorn to the caramel mixture and stir until evenly coated.
5. Spread the popcorn mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until the caramel is golden brown and the popcorn is crispy.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped cherries.
8. Let cool completely before breaking into clusters.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Espresso Glazed Caramel Popcorn
Transform plain popcorn into a decadent treat with the rich flavors of espresso and caramel. This unique recipe is perfect for coffee lovers and those who crave something sweet.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 6 cups popped popcorn
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and water. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and espresso powder until melted.
5. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and toss until evenly coated.
6. Spread on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until caramel is set.
7. Remove from oven and drizzle with additional caramel sauce (if desired).
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Candy Apple Caramel Popcorn
Get ready for a treat that’s both sweet and savory! This recipe combines the classic flavors of caramel and popcorn with the sweetness of candy apples, making it a perfect snack for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup caramel bits (such as Kraft Caramel Bits)
– 6 cups popped popcorn (unsalted and unflavored)
– 1/2 cup crushed candy apples (such as Jolly Ranchers or Sweet-Tarts)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, water, butter, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes or until caramel bits are melted and mixture reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar until dissolved.
5. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn, stirring until coated.
6. Sprinkle crushed candy apples over the top and sprinkle with salt to taste.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Butter Pecan Caramel Popcorn
Transform your snack game with this addictive recipe that combines the rich flavors of butter, pecans, and caramel with fluffy popcorn. Get ready for a taste sensation!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 6 cups popped popcorn
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, water, butter, vanilla extract, sea salt, and baking soda.
3. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans.
5. Pour caramel mixture over popped popcorn and toss until well coated.
6. Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Enjoy your delicious Butter Pecan Caramel Popcorn!
Honey Roasted Peanut Caramel Popcorn
Transform plain popcorn into a sweet and salty masterpiece with this simple recipe for Honey Roasted Peanut Caramel Popcorn.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 6 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, honey, peanut butter, and sea salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 275°F (135°C).
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and toss until evenly coated.
4. Spread the popcorn mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even roasting.
5. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Summary
Get ready to indulge in sweet and salty flavors with these 20 mouthwatering caramel popcorn recipes! From classic stovetop caramel to matcha green tea and s’mores-inspired treats, there’s something for every occasion. Try extra crunchy caramel corn or salted caramel with pecans for a savory twist. Go bold with peanut butter clusters or maple bourbon flavors. Or, stick to traditional favorites like vanilla bean or sea salt dark caramel. Whatever your taste buds desire, these recipes are sure to satisfy!