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Salted Caramel Popcorn Recipe

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3.8 from 53 reviews

This Salted Caramel Popcorn recipe combines crunchy, air-popped popcorn with a rich, buttery caramel coating made from brown sugar, karo syrup, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Perfectly sweet with a hint of salt, this treat is great for movie nights or whenever you crave a homemade candy-coated snack. The caramel is cooked to the soft ball stage, ensuring a smooth, chewy texture that clings beautifully to each popcorn kernel.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 18 servings

Ingredients

Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup karo syrup
  • 1 stick butter (½ cup)
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Popcorn

  • 1 cup popcorn kernels (yield about 12-15 cups popped popcorn)

Instructions

  1. Pop the Popcorn: Use an air popper, stovetop with oil, or an oil popcorn maker like a Stir Crazy to pop the 1 cup of popcorn kernels. Alternatively, use microwave popcorn if preferred. Set the popped popcorn aside in a large bowl.
  2. Prepare the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, karo syrup, and butter. Boil the mixture while stirring continuously until the caramel reaches the soft ball stage (235–240°F). To test without a thermometer, drop a spoonful of caramel into cold water; it should form a soft, pliable ball that flattens when pressed.
  3. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the entire can of sweetened condensed milk thoroughly, blending until smooth and consistent.
  4. Coat the Popcorn: Immediately pour the warm caramel sauce over the popped popcorn. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat the popcorn with the caramel.
  5. Cool and Serve: Spread the coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or large tray to cool and harden slightly. Once set, break into clusters and serve.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer for best results when cooking the caramel sauce.
  • If you don’t have a candy thermometer, use the cold water test described in the instructions to ensure the caramel is cooked to the soft ball stage.
  • You can add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for added salted caramel flavor.
  • Store leftover caramel popcorn in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
  • If you prefer less sticky popcorn, allow the caramel to cool for a few minutes before tossing to coat.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/salted-caramel-popcorn-recipe/