Baked Caramel Popped Corn
Sweet, buttery caramel popcorn with rich brown sugar and vanilla notes, perfect for sharing at parties or as a delicious snack for movie nights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2-quart saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and boil again over medium heat for 5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat, and stir in baking soda and vanilla.
- Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl.
- Pour hot caramel syrup over the popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the coated popcorn onto a buttered cookie sheet or roasting pan.
- Bake uncovered in a 300°F oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Loosen the popcorn with a spatula and break into pieces.
- Store in a tightly covered container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're looking for a slightly different taste, try substituting maple syrup for corn syrup. Be sure to stir the caramel constantly while it boils to prevent burning. For an extra crunch, add nuts or pretzels to the popcorn before coating it with caramel. This recipe is a great way to use leftover popcorn from movie nights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious baked caramel popped corn as a snack during movie nights or game days. It pairs beautifully with a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade. For a fun twist, offer it alongside a sweet dessert like Daffodil Delight or a bowl of fresh fruit. This treat is perfect for sharing at parties or as a homemade gift in a decorative jar.
Storage & Reheating
Store the baked caramel popped corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep it fresh, avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as this can make the popcorn soggy. If you want to enjoy it warm again, briefly reheat in the oven at a low temperature, just until warm, about 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Caramel Popped Corn contains roughly 146 calories, with 1g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 877mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my caramel hardens too much?
If your caramel hardens too much, you can gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen it up. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can cause it to burn. Stir well to ensure a smooth consistency before using.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).