Easy Caramel Popcorn 😋

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 a little bit of oil into a large heavy bottom pot.

Add a few kernels of popcorn to the pot and heat the oil until the first kernel pops.

Remove the popped kernel and add the rest of the popcorn kernels to the pot.

Return the pot to the heat, cover with a lid, and vent the lid slightly to let steam escape.

Shake the pot occasionally to encourage popping until done, then dump the popcorn into a larger bowl.

Remove any burnt popcorn or unpopped kernels from the bowl.

In a pot, melt some butter (salted or unsalted) over heat.

Add packed light brown sugar to the melted butter and stir.

Add light corn syrup and salt to the mixture and stir until combined.

Let the mixture come to a gentle boil and simmer for 2-4 minutes until caramelized and thickened.

Immediately pour the caramel over the hot popcorn in the larger bowl and mix until evenly coated.

Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper.

Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).

Bake the popcorn for 30-40 minutes, tossing occasionally for even crispiness.

Let cool completely before breaking into pieces.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens