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–+ servings
Caramel Corn
Caramel Corn is a nostalgic, sweet-and-salty snack often made during holidays or for casual gatherings. This version is simple and homey, using brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter to coat freshly popped corn in a glossy, crunchy caramel glaze. The baking step ensures an even coating and perfect crunch. Shaking it in a grocery bag helps distribute the sticky caramel more easily, a clever mid-century kitchen hack worth keeping!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 221 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 stick butter (½ cup)
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3-5 cups corn (popped )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Caramel Sauce

  • Combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

  • Stir in the baking soda once the mixture is boiling and bubbly.
  • Remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine with Popcorn

  • Place popped corn into a large clean paper grocery bag.
  • Pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn.

Step 4: Shake to Coat

  • Close the top of the bag and shake vigorously to coat the popcorn.

Step 5: Bake in Oven

  • Place the paper bag in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
  • Remove and shake again.

Step 6: Repeat Bake

  • Return to oven for another 5 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

  • Remove from oven, shake well again.
  • Cool, then break into pieces and serve.

Tips

  • Add a pinch of salt or sprinkle with sea salt after baking for salted-caramel flavor.
  • Mix in peanuts, almonds, or pecans before adding the caramel for a Cracker-Jack style mix.
  • Replace light corn syrup with honey for a deeper flavor (texture will be slightly softer).
  • Add ½ teaspoon vanilla just after removing caramel from heat (before adding baking soda).
  • For extra crunch, bake an additional 5 minutes.
  • Spread on parchment instead of using a grocery bag if preferred.
  • Add cinnamon or pumpkin spice for seasonal caramel corn.
  • Stir in M&Ms or pretzel bits after cooling for a party mix.
  • Use microwave popcorn as a shortcut (plain, unsalted recommended).

Nutrition

Calories: 221kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 159mgPotassium: 163mgFiber: 1gSugar: 46gVitamin A: 152IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword caramel corn, classic treats, homemade candy, party snack, sweet popcorn, vintage recipe
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