Caramel Popcorn is a delicious, crispy snack made by tossing prepared popcorn in caramel sauce. Caramel Popcorn is a sweet twist to our regular popcorn and is one of the popular popcorn varieties. This popcorn at home is a bliss for movie, TV time & get together. Recipe includes 2 ways of making caramel popcorn with step by step pictures and video.

Caramel Popcorn is an all-time favourite snack for all ages that could be made at home easily. This recipe does not use corn syrup, just the basic kitchen staples and your delicious caramel popcorn is ready in minutes. I have given here 2 versions one using oven and other without using oven - Choose your favourite and enjoy!

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About Caramel Popcorn

Caramel Popcorn is caramel glazed popcorns that is beautifully textured, sweet, crispy and crunchy snack ideal for movie time, parties and sweet nothings. This recipe I have shared here stays crisp for weeks and is the best partner for your movie nights.

As this recipes makes caramel corn lasts for weeks it is best to make ahead and store. I personally love both the versions but the one that is baked stays crisp for weeks and also does not turn sticky. So if you are planning to store then I would recommend the baked version, for instant snacking you can try the non baked version.

Caramel Popcorn can be made with & without corn syrup. Considering the fact of accessibility of corn syrup at stores and for the convenience of making it at home, I have given Caramel Popcorn recipe without corn syrup here

Caramel Popcorn or simply Caramel Corn is my son's most favorite. I love caramel popcorn since my childhood days as my mother used to buy me a pack of these whenever we pass by the popcorn shop.

After I started to try homemade popcorn, I never look back buying them outside as the kids are fully satisfied with it. I often make it for their snack box or for our movie time at home.

Caramel Popcorn Video

Caramel is an evolution of sugar by heating it into a molten and crystal form that tastes like confectionery. Caramel is widely used as topping or flavouring for desserts, puddings & custard. Caramel Popcorn hence will add a sweet twist to the conventional popcorn that you will not just stop with one!

Caramel Popcorn - 2 versions

I have shared 2 versions of caramel popcorn here. Confused on which one to try? Planning to store for a longer time try the baked version, Looking for instant snack then try the instant version.

• Baked - This version uses brown sugar also it is baked to make it more crispier and last long.
• Instant - This version uses regular granulated white sugar and can be made for instant snacking.

Caramel Popcorn Ingredients

• Popcorn Kernels - Make sure to buy popcorn kernels and not the regular corn kernels from the store as all the varieties of corn kernels do not pop. Use good quality ones.
• Brown Sugar - Using brown sugar gives a intense caramel flavor. 2 portions of sugar for one portion of kernel is the right ratio for sweetness.
• Butter - Use fresh homemade butter if available else you can use the store bought ones.
• Salt - A pinch of salt is added for taste.
• Oil - Use regular cooking oil for popcorn- however ensure they do not impact the flavour of the popcorn as oils like coconut oil, groundnut oil will radiate its flavour into the food it is added to.
• Vanilla extract - added for flavor.
• Baking soda - is added for even thin coating of caramel on the popcorn. When added it foams up, increases in volume so easier to coat evenly.

How to make Caramel Popcorn Step by Step

Making popcorn

1.Heat 2 tablespoon flavourless oil in a pan. Take a thick bottomed pan with lid. Swirl the pan so that oil coats on all sides.

2.Once oil is heated add 1-2 popcorn kernels to check. Make sure to buy popcorn kernels and not normal corn kernels.

3.It will pop up in few seconds.This is the right temperature we need.

4.Now add ½ cup popcorn kernels. Give a quick stir.

5.Cover it with a lid. The lid should have a vent else close with lid partially for the vapour to escape. Keep flame in low medium.

6.It will start popping. Now lift the pan from flame and shake it for 2 seconds then place in flame.Repeat this in intervals for all the seeds to pop evenly.

7.Let the kernels pop completely. Once the popping sound is stopped, you can switch off flame. Immediately open the lid once popping stops else the water droplets may drop into the popcorn making it soggy.

8.Open and give a quick mix. Remove from flame. Give a quick stir - Check to see if all the seeds are completely popped.

9.Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Using oven - Baked version

1. Heat 2 tablespoon butter let it melt then add ½ cup brown sugar.

2.Give a quick mix.

3.Add 2 tablespoon water.

4.Mix well until it starts to bubble. Now add ¼ teaspoon vanilla essence, a pinch salt and ⅛ teaspoon baking soda.

6.Give a quick mix. It will become frothy like this.

7.Add prepared popcorn.

8.Mix well until evenly coated - Switch off. Preheat oven at 120 DEG C for 10 minutes.

9.Spread it over a baking tray with parchment paper.

10.Bake in preheated oven at 120 deg C for 20-25 minutes or until crisp turning after 10 minutes in between. After it is baked separate the popcorn if it is stuck.

Instant Version - Without using oven

1.I cleaned the same pan and kept it on the flame. Make sure the pan is dry and clean. Now add ½ cup granulated white sugar.

2.Do not disturb for few seconds until the edges start to brown. Keep stirring with a ladle. It will start to change color. Keep stirring and cooking in low flame.

3.Keep stirring until the sugar melts completely. It forms a thick sauce and is dark golden in color this is perfect.

4.Now add 1 tablespoon butter. Keep stirring it becomes frothy,

5.Let it melt completely. Add ¼ teaspoon vanilla essence and a pinch of salt.

6.Give a quick mix.

7.Add popcorn to it.

8.Mix well until evenly coated. Switch off.

9.Transfer to a tray and let it cool down a bit. When it becomes warm break the pieces. Cool down then store.

Enjoy snacking!

Expert Tips

• Cooking popcorn - Cook covered as the kernels will pop outside the container otherwise. Make sure to open only when the popping stops. Shake in between to pop all the corn kernels evenly.
• Cookware to use - While cooking covered take care not to burn, use a heavy bottomed pan or non-stick pan.
• Caramel sauce - Make sure not to burn the sauce, when it turns to golden brown switch and immediately add it else it will harden then you can't mix it.
• Storing - Store in a clean dry airtight container. It may turn slightly sticky especially the one with white sugar after a day but it is normal, you can store in fridge if you want to avoid stickiness.
• Variations - Flavour with strawberry, chocolate, butterscotch, blueberry or any flavour of your choice instead of vanilla. Toss it with seasonings like cheese powder, oregano, spice powders based on your preferences to have a tangy taste.

Serving & Storage

Caramel Popcorn keeps good forabout a week. Pop the corn fresh every time you need it so as to consume fresh and flavourful.  

Caramel Popcorn is ideal to be served in DIY tubs, big containers so that everyone pounce on it centrally.

FAQS

1.Can I skip baking soda?

Yes you can skip baking soda but the texture will change accordingly. For perfect gourmet tasting caramel popcorn baking soda is a must.

2.Can I use the regular corn?

No only popcorns pop - sweet corn or other varieties of corn does not pop. Popcorn are special variety of corn allowed to mature so that they develop hard skin enclosing moisture which pops out when roasted / heated.

3.Can I use any type of sugar?

Yes - you can use all varieties of sugar - white, brown, cane, country sugar. Just the time varies for each type to get caramelized.

4.Can we store the leftover?

Yes, very much. It keeps good for about a week in a closed air tight container.

5.Which version of caramel popcorn should I try?

Both taste equally good. If you are looking for an instant snacking option then try non baked version, if you want to store for a longer time then try the baked version.

If you have any more questions about this Caramel Popcorn Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook,  Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .

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