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Classic Caramel Popcorn

A generous pile of homemade caramel popcorn on a white plate, glistening with caramel coating.
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Make homemade caramel popcorn that is perfectly crunchy or chewy, without corn syrup. This recipe includes tips for stovetop popping, baking for crispness, and storage for gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pop the popcorn: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels, cover, and shake the pot until popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops. Pour the popped popcorn into a large heatproof bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.
  3. Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes for chewy caramel, or 8-10 minutes for crunchy caramel, until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Pour the hot caramel over the popcorn and quickly stir with a heatproof spatula to coat evenly. Work quickly as the caramel will start to set.
  6. Spread the coated popcorn in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
  8. Let cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking apart.

Notes

  • For a chewy texture, cook the caramel to 240°F (115°C). For a crunchy texture, cook to 250°F (120°C).
  • To prevent soggy caramel popcorn, ensure your caramel is cooked to the correct temperature and spread the popcorn in a single layer to cool completely.
  • Store caramel popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For gifting, use decorative tins or bags.
  • You can add nuts like peanuts or pecans to the popcorn before adding the caramel for a mixed treat.
  • This recipe is a great alternative to meal planning for movie nights.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/caramel-popcorn-recipe-crunchy-chewy/