Cherie's Caramel Corn

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat with Cherie’s Caramel Corn! Perfectly popped popcorn is generously coated in a luscious homemade caramel sauce made from brown sugar, butter, and a touch of vanilla, then baked to golden perfection for that addictive crunch. With simple pantry staples and just 15 minutes of prep, this classic caramel corn recipe is easy to make yet delivers a gourmet twist. Ideal for movie nights, holiday gifts, or festive parties, this irresistible snack stays fresh and crisp for days when stored in an airtight container. Whether enjoyed by the handful or packaged as a thoughtful edible gift, Cherie’s Caramel Corn is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to delight.

Nutriscore Rating: 33/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 1 cup popcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 0.5 cup light corn syrup
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large pot with a lid over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.

Step 2

Place a few popcorn kernels into the pot to test the heat. Once they pop, add the remaining popcorn kernels, cover with the lid, and shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3

When the popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat and transfer the popcorn to a large bowl, discarding any unpopped kernels.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring, ensuring it thickens slightly.

Step 7

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up—stir quickly to combine.

Step 8

Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the prepared popcorn, tossing well with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat all the kernels evenly.

Step 9

Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheets in an even layer.

Step 10

Bake the caramel corn in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.

Step 11

Remove the caramel corn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheets. The popcorn will crisp up as it cools.

Step 12

Break the caramel corn into clusters or bite-sized pieces, and store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(769.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3270.2

Total Fat 126.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 248mg	0%
Sodium 1949.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 563.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15g	0%
Total Sugars 490.2g
Protein 12.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 285.6mg	0%
Iron 3.7mg	0%
Potassium 862mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.1%

Protein: 1.5%

Carbs: 65.4%