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+ servings
Close-up of glossy caramel-coated popcorn piled in a bowl

Caramel Popcorn

Crunchy stovetop popcorn coated in foamy caramel and cooled until crisp. No oven needed.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
cooling 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 10 cups
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 123

Ingredients
  

For the popcorn
  • 1 tbsp oil 15 mL
  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels 80 g
  • 1 tsp salt 6 g
For the caramel
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar 150 g
  • 2 tbsp butter 30 g
  • 1 tbsp baking soda

Equipment

  • Large pot with lid
  • Saucepan or heavy-bottom pot
  • Heat-safe spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil (15 mL) in a large pot over medium heat. Add popcorn kernels (80 g) and cover with a lid.
  2. Shake the pot occasionally as the popcorn pops. When popping slows to 2–3 seconds between pops, remove from heat. Season with salt (1 tsp).
  3. In a separate saucepan, add sugar (150 g) and butter (30 g). Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until melted and deep amber.
  4. Remove from heat. Add baking soda (1 tbsp) and stir immediately—the caramel will foam.
  5. Add the popped popcorn to the caramel and stir until evenly coated.
  6. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cool 15–20 minutes until crisp, then break apart and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 10cupsCalories: 123kcalCarbohydrates: 21.2gProtein: 1.1gFat: 4.2gSaturated Fat: 1.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 611mgPotassium: 27mgFiber: 1.2gSugar: 15.1gVitamin A: 75IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.2mg

Video

Notes

  • Work carefully: hot caramel can burn skin.
  • For a thinner, less foamy coating, try 1–2 tsp baking soda instead of 1 tbsp (optional variation).
  • Store airtight to keep it crunchy; humidity makes caramel popcorn soften.
  • Nutrition is an estimate and will vary by brands and exact yield.

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