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–+ servings
Caramel Corn
Caramel Corn is a nostalgic American snack that became especially popular in the mid-20th century for holiday gatherings, movie nights, school parties, and homemade edible gifts. This version uses classic pantry staples like brown sugar, margarine, and white syrup to create a rich caramel coating that bakes into a crisp, buttery shell around fluffy popcorn. The addition of baking soda gives the caramel a lighter texture and helps it evenly coat every piece. Oven-baking the popcorn while stirring occasionally creates the signature crunchy finish that makes homemade caramel corn so irresistible. Sweet, salty, crisp, and comforting, this timeless treat remains a favorite for sharing at potlucks, game days, and festive occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 cups popped popcorn
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 sticks margarine
  • ¼ cup white corn syrup
  • ½ tsp baking soda

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn

  • Pop the popcorn and place it into a very large mixing bowl.
  • Remove any unpopped kernels.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Syrup

  • In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, margarine, and white corn syrup.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbling.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

  • Remove the caramel mixture from the heat.
  • Stir in the baking soda until the mixture becomes light and foamy.

Step 4: Coat the Popcorn

  • Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn.
  • Mix well until the popcorn is evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake the Caramel Corn

  • Spread the coated popcorn onto a large cookie sheet or roasting pan.
  • Bake at 250°F for 1 hour.
  • Stir occasionally during baking for even coating and crispness.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

  • Allow the caramel corn to cool completely before serving.
  • Break apart any large clusters and store in an airtight container.

Tips

  • Add roasted peanuts or pecans for extra crunch.
  • Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the finished caramel corn.
  • Add a dash of cinnamon for a warm spice twist.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled caramel corn.
  • Use mushroom popcorn for larger, sturdier kernels.
  • Store in airtight tins for holiday gifting.
  • Add vanilla extract to the caramel for deeper flavor.
  • Mix in pretzels for a sweet-and-salty snack blend.
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 185mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 2gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 450IUCalcium: 22mgIron: 0.8mg
Keyword caramel corn, game day, holiday treat, homemade candy, nostalgic food, popcorn snack, potluck, retro recipes, sweet snack, vintage recipes
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