How to make caramel popcorn without corn syrup

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option with a similar flavor.

granulated sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

corn syrup

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: maple syrup

Honey provides a natural sweetness.

vanilla extract

🥗Healthier: vanilla bean

💰Cheaper: vanilla flavoring

Vanilla flavoring is less expensive but has a similar taste.

Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a pot and swirl to coat the pot.

Heat the pot until it starts to smoke, then add 1 popcorn kernel to test the oil temperature.

Once the test kernel pops, add the remaining popcorn kernels and cover the pot.

Shake the pot to coat the kernels with oil and wait for the popping to start.

Continue shaking the pot occasionally to distribute heat evenly until the popping sound reduces.

Remove from heat and let the remaining un-popped kernels pop using residual heat.

Transfer the popped popcorn to a bowl.

Place the pot back on heat and add 1/2 cup of sugar and a little water to prevent burning.

Stir the sugar and water with a wooden spoon until it melts and begins to caramelize.

Once the caramel turns amber in color, quickly stir in the butter until melted.

Add a little baking soda to the caramel to prevent graininess and remove from heat.

Quickly transfer the caramel to the popcorn in two batches, stirring to coat evenly.

Spread the coated popcorn on a tray lined with baking sheet or foil paper and air-dry.

Once dried, break the popcorn apart and enjoy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens