Sweet, crunchy, and irresistibly addictive, Karate Baked Caramel Corn is the ultimate homemade treat for snack lovers and party-goers alike. This easy recipe combines fluffy popped popcorn with a buttery caramel sauce made from brown sugar, light corn syrup, and a hint of vanilla for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Baked to crisp perfection in the oven, each bite delivers a delightful crunch that’s perfect for movie nights, holiday gatherings, or gifting. The optional addition of chopped nuts—such as peanuts or almonds—brings a deliciously nutty twist to this classic snack. Ready in just over an hour, this crowd-pleaser stays fresh for days, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Indulge in the sweet nostalgia of this caramel corn recipe today!
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Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the popcorn.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt to the melted butter. Stir until combined and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for 4–5 minutes without stirring.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Be careful, as the mixture may bubble up.
Quickly drizzle the caramel sauce over the popcorn and nuts. Use a large spatula to toss and coat the popcorn evenly.
Transfer the caramel-coated popcorn to the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into an even layer.
Bake the popcorn in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the caramel corn to cool completely on the tray. The popcorn will harden as it cools.
Once cooled, break the popcorn into clusters and serve immediately, or store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
Serving size | (489.5g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2168.5 |
Total Fat 111.4g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 46.4g | 0% |
Cholesterol 186mg | 0% |
Sodium 1886.0mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 311.2g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 16g | 0% |
Total Sugars 246.9g | |
Protein 21.2g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 206.5mg | 0% |
Iron 4.8mg | 0% |
Potassium 888.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories