Caramel Popcorn Recipe – Using No Corn Syrup!

We love Caramel Popcorn, but when we would look at the ingredients we would almost always find corn syrup towards the top of the list. 

In an effort to enjoy the classic taste of caramel corn without the corn syrup we decided to make it at home. 

Homemade popcorn is easy to make – See How To Make Popcorn. There is no need to use microwave popcorn or buy a another kitchen gadget that can only do one thing. 

The most important thing to remember when making this recipe is to keep stirring the butter and sugar mixture. If left unattended the caramel can become too dark and produce a burnt taste. 

Of course, you can add peanuts for the classic ‘Cracker Jack’ taste if you wish. Just add the peanuts when you stir the caramel on the popcorn. 

Caramel Popcorn Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

10 cups popped popcorn (1/2 cup unpopped)

3/4 cup butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pop Popcorn on stove top with olive oil – See How to Pop Popcorn

Preheat oven to 250F.

2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter and mix in the sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Increase heat to medium-high and boil the mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened and looks like caramel.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla, salt, and baking soda. The caramel will foam up when you add the baking soda, which is why you want to use a big saucepan.

5. Carefully pour the hot caramel over the popcorn and stir gently to combine. (Add peanuts if desired)

6. Pour the caramel corn onto two cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake at 250F for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Allow to cool before eating or storing in an air tight container.

Enjoy!

Mary and Jim

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