Get ready to indulge your sweet tooth! Caramel corn is a classic snack that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or like to mix things up with unique twists, we’ve got 20 irresistible caramel corn recipes to satisfy your cravings.
From the tried-and-true to innovative flavor combinations, our collection has something for everyone. Want to start with a traditional favorite? Try our Classic Homemade Caramel Corn recipe and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and salty. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try one of our more unique flavors like Peanut Butter Caramel Corn or Maple Glazed Caramel Corn?
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of caramel corn, highlighting some of our favorite recipes that are sure to become new family traditions. So grab a bag of popcorn and get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Classic Homemade Caramel Corn
Make a sweet and salty treat with this easy-to-make caramel corn recipe. Perfect for snacking or as a gift, it’s sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 6-8 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and water. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the caramel reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until melted.
5. Pour the hot caramel over the popcorn in the prepared bowl. Toss until the kernels are evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
7. Spread the caramel corn out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Let cool and harden completely before breaking into pieces.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Sea Salt Caramel Corn
Elevate your snacking game with this sweet and salty treat! This recipe combines the simplicity of popcorn with the indulgent flavors of caramel and sea salt.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 6-8 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and water.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and sea salt until melted.
5. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the popped popcorn in a large bowl.
6. Use a spatula or spoon to coat the popcorn evenly.
7. Spread the caramel corn onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until the caramel is set and the popcorn is crispy.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Chocolate Drizzled Caramel Corn
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this addictive recipe for Chocolate Drizzled Caramel Corn!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Optional: chopped nuts or sprinkles for added crunch and color
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pop the popcorn kernels according to package instructions or using an air popper. Remove any unpopped kernels.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the corn syrup, sugar, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the caramel turns golden brown.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the popped popcorn.
6. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
7. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
8. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel corn and sprinkle with chopped nuts or sprinkles if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Enjoy your deliciously addictive Chocolate Drizzled Caramel Corn!
Peanut Butter Caramel Corn
Transform popcorn into a sweet and salty masterpiece with this simple recipe. Crunchy, caramel-coated corn is elevated by the richness of peanut butter.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 6-8 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chopped peanuts or sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pop the corn and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, water, and butter. Place over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
4. Bring mixture to boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until smooth.
6. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn, stirring until evenly coated.
7. Spread on prepared baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, or until caramel is set and corn is crispy.
8. Sprinkle with salt to taste. Garnish with chopped peanuts or sea salt, if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Spicy Cinnamon Caramel Corn
Get ready for a sweet and spicy treat! This Spicy Cinnamon Caramel Corn recipe combines the classic flavors of caramel corn with a kick of heat from cayenne pepper.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 6-8 cups popped popcorn
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
5. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and toss until evenly coated.
6. Spread the popcorn on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Maple Glazed Caramel Corn
Transform regular caramel corn into a sweet and sticky masterpiece with this simple recipe. The combination of crispy corn, gooey caramel, and the subtle flavor of maple syrup is irresistible!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup popped popcorn
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon water
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, maple syrup, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the caramel reaches 250°F (120°C) on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in baking soda and salt. The mixture will bubble up and turn white – this is normal!
5. Pour the hot caramel over the popcorn, stirring until evenly coated.
6. Spread the glazed popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet. Let it cool and harden completely (about 30-40 minutes).
7. Break the caramel corn into chunks and serve.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Toasted Coconut Caramel Corn
Toasted Coconut Caramel Corn Recipe
Summary:
Create a sweet and salty treat by transforming popcorn into toasted coconut caramel corn. This easy-to-make recipe combines the simplicity of microwaved popcorn with the indulgent flavors of toasted coconut and rich caramel.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup grated coconut
– 1/2 cup popped popcorn (microwaved)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, and butter. Place over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes or until caramel forms.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn and stir until coated.
5. Sprinkle the toasted coconut flakes over the caramel-coated popcorn and toss to combine.
6. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time:
10-12 minutes total (including cooking time for caramel)
S’mores Caramel Corn
Imagine the classic campfire treat of s’mores, but in a sweet and crunchy caramel corn form. This recipe combines the flavors of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers into a deliciously addictive snack.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 6 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
Instructions:
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, water, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar has dissolved.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until caramel reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and quickly pour over popcorn in the prepared baking sheet.
5. Stir until caramel is evenly coated.
6. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler. Pour melted chocolate over popcorn mixture, stirring to combine.
7. Sprinkle mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers on top.
8. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including caramel preparation)
Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this sweet and savory treat! Pumpkin spice caramel corn is the perfect combination of crunchy, chewy, and flavorful.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 6 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until caramel reaches desired color.
4. Remove from heat and carefully pour over popped popcorn in a large bowl. Stir until well coated.
5. If using nuts, fold them into the popcorn mixture.
6. Spread the corn mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
7. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure even caramelization.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
White Chocolate Caramel Corn
A sweet and salty treat that combines the richness of white chocolate with the crunch of caramel corn.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon water
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 6-8 cups popped popcorn
Instructions:
1. Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
2. Combine corn syrup, sugar, water, baking soda, and salt in a medium saucepan.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the mixture reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Stir in white chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
6. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and stir until well coated.
7. Spread the corn out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to dry.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Caramel Corn with Mixed Nuts
Sweet and crunchy caramel corn mixed with a blend of nuts is a perfect snack for any occasion. This recipe combines the classic combination of caramel-coated popcorn with the added crunch of almonds, pecans, and walnuts.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
Instructions:
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, water, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the caramel reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and carefully pour the hot caramel over the popped popcorn in a large bowl. Stir until the popcorn is evenly coated.
5. Add the mixed nuts and stir until they are well combined with the caramel-coated popcorn.
6. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread out to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Almond Joy Caramel Corn
This recipe combines the classic flavors of caramel and coconut with the crunch of almonds, creating a delicious treat that’s perfect for snacking or sharing.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup flaked coconut
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, water, and butter. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Pour caramel mixture onto prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
6. Sprinkle coconut and almonds over top.
7. Allow to cool and set before breaking into pieces.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Caramel Corn Pretzel Bites
Transform pretzels into addictive treats by adding a crunchy caramel corn topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of soft pretzels (about 12-15 pretzels)
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup popcorn kernels (popped and caramel-coated, see note)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°F (90°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the pretzels on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
3. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard-ball stage).
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pretzels.
6. Immediately sprinkle the popcorn kernels over the caramel-coated pretzels.
7. Bake for 1 hour or until the caramel is set and the pretzels are crispy.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Cookies and Cream Caramel Corn
Transform plain popcorn into a sweet and salty treat with this easy-to-make Cookies and Cream Caramel Corn recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 6-8 cups popped popcorn
– 1 cup crushed Oreos (cookies and cream flavor)
– 1 cup caramel bits
Instructions:
1. Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar has dissolved.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until melted.
5. Pour caramel mixture over popped popcorn and crushed Oreos in the prepared bowl.
6. Stir until popcorn is evenly coated with caramel and cookies and cream flavor is distributed.
7. Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let cool completely.
8. Melt caramel bits in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
9. Drizzle melted caramel over cooled popcorn mixture.
Cooking Time: About 10 minutes (including preparation time)
Caramel Corn with Dried Fruit
Sweet & Savory Caramel Corn with Dried Fruit
Get ready for a delightful snack that combines the classic sweetness of caramel corn with the chewy goodness of dried fruit!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 6 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– Dried fruit of your choice (cranberries, cherries, apricots, or raisins work well)
– Optional: nuts (walnuts or pecans pair nicely)
Instructions:
1. Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, water, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir until the mixture reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and carefully pour over the popcorn in the prepared bowl. Toss until the popcorn is evenly coated with caramel.
4. Stir in dried fruit and nuts (if using).
5. Spread out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and set.
6. Break into clusters or serve as is.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Enjoy your sweet & savory Caramel Corn with Dried Fruit!
Caramel Corn Chex Mix
Sweet and salty Caramel Corn Chex Mix is a perfect snack for movie nights or parties!
Ingredients:
• 6 cups assorted Chex cereals (Rice Chex, Corn Chex, etc.)
• 1 cup caramel bits
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, etc.)
• 1/2 cup pretzels
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine caramel bits, corn syrup, water, butter, vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. Place over medium heat and stir until caramel melts and mixture reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and pour over Chex cereal in the prepared bowl. Let cool slightly, then stir until cereals are evenly coated.
4. Add mixed nuts and pretzels to the bowl and gently fold until combined.
5. Spread the mixture onto two 15×10-inch jelly roll pans or large baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until caramel is set and cereals are toasted.
Gingerbread Caramel Corn
Gingerbread Caramel Corn Recipe
Sweet and spicy, this recipe combines the warmth of gingerbread with the richness of caramel to create a delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup chopped crystallized ginger, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Pop the popcorn kernels in a large bowl.
3. In a small saucepan, combine butter, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Melt over low heat.
4. Add brown sugar and heavy cream to the melted mixture. Stir until smooth.
5. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn. Toss until evenly coated.
6. Spread the caramel corn on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes, until caramel is golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caramel Corn with Bacon Bits
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this unique twist on classic caramel corn! Crunchy bacon bits add a smoky depth to the sweet, sticky caramel coating on freshly popped popcorn.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup popped popcorn
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until melted.
5. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and toss until evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle crumbled bacon bits and salt over the popcorn and toss again.
7. Spread the caramel corn mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Let cool and harden completely, about 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes (depending on caramel consistency)
Caramel Corn Marshmallow Clusters
Sweet Treat Alert: Caramel Corn Marshmallow Clusters!
These gooey, crunchy, and chewy clusters are the perfect snack for movie nights, picnics, or just because. With a combination of caramel corn, marshmallows, and crispy pretzels, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of caramel corn
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1/2 cup pretzel sticks, crushed
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the caramel corn and stir until coated with butter and caramel.
3. In a separate bowl, melt the marshmallows in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
4. Combine the melted marshmallows and crushed pretzels. Stir until well combined.
5. Add the marshmallow mixture to the caramel corn and stir until clusters form.
6. Drop by spoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on desired consistency)
Enjoy your delicious Caramel Corn Marshmallow Clusters!
Caramel Corn with Dark Chocolate Chunks
Sweet and Salty Caramel Corn with Dark Chocolate Chunks Recipe
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this irresistible caramel corn recipe, bursting with rich dark chocolate chunks.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 6 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (at least 60% cocoa)
Instructions:
1. Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter, baking soda, and sea salt.
5. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and stir until the corn is evenly coated.
6. Melt the dark chocolate chunks in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
7. Fold the melted dark chocolate into the caramel popcorn until well combined.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in sweet and salty treats with these 20 irresistible caramel corn recipes! From classic homemade flavors to innovative twists like peanut butter, chocolate drizzle, and toasted coconut, there’s something for everyone. Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a pinch of cinnamon to give your popcorn a boost. Or, go all out with s’mores-flavored caramel corn or pumpkin spice-infused treats. Whatever your taste buds desire, these mouthwatering recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and become new family favorites.
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