Are you looking for a sweet and salty snack to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than caramel corn! This classic treat is a staple at many movie theaters and fairs, but it’s also easy to make at home. In this article, we’ll explore 18 irresistible caramel corn recipes that are perfect for snacking.
From classic stovetop recipes to slow cooker and microwave versions, we’ve got you covered. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try one of our more unique flavor combinations, like sea salt dark chocolate or spicy sriracha. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and salty, nutty and crunchy, or just looking for a new snack to love, there’s something on this list for everyone.
So grab some popcorn kernels and get ready to indulge in the sweet and sticky world of caramel corn!
Classic Stovetop Caramel Corn
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this simple recipe for homemade caramel corn that’s perfect for snacking or as a party favor. This classic stovetop method yields a deliciously buttery and crunchy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 6-8 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
Instructions:
1. Combine corn syrup, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat.
2. Cook until the mixture reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter, baking soda, and salt until dissolved.
4. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the popped popcorn in a large bowl.
5. Use spatulas or spoons to coat the popcorn thoroughly.
6. Spread the caramel corn out on a parchment-lined surface to cool and harden completely.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Caramel Corn
Transform plain popcorn into a sweet and indulgent treat with this easy recipe. Perfect for parties or movie nights, this caramel corn is sure to be a hit!
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 teaspoon salt
– 6 cups popcorn kernels (unsalted)
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and water. Place over medium heat and cook until sugar dissolves.
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, vanilla extract, and salt until melted.
5. Pour caramel mixture into slow cooker with popcorn kernels. Stir until kernels are evenly coated.
6. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 2-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Microwave Caramel Corn
Transform plain popcorn into a sweet and sticky treat with this simple microwave caramel corn recipe. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or just a quick snack.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
– 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Pop the popcorn according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the corn syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Microwave on high for 30 seconds.
3. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
4. Microwave on high for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring every 20 seconds, until the caramel is melted and smooth.
5. Pour the hot caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and stir until evenly coated.
6. Spread the caramel corn out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 3-4 minutes
Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Caramel Corn
Take your snack game to the next level with this addictive recipe that combines the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Crunchy caramel popcorn meets rich dark chocolate and a touch of sea salt for an unbeatable flavor combination.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
• Flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and baking soda. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 275°F (135°C).
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter and sea salt until melted.
4. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and toss until evenly coated.
5. Spread the popcorn on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting.
6. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
7. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel corn and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let cool completely before breaking into clusters.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Spicy Sriracha Caramel Corn
Spicy Sriracha Caramel Corn Recipe
Kick up your snack game with this addictive combination of sweet and spicy. Crunchy caramel corn smothered in a spicy sriracha sauce will have you reaching for the bowl again and again.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
– 6 cups popped popcorn
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, water, and butter. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda, salt, and cayenne pepper.
5. Pour hot caramel sauce over popcorn in a large bowl. Stir until evenly coated.
6. Drizzle sriracha sauce over the top of the caramel corn and toss until combined.
7. Spread caramel corn out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until caramel is set.
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8
Peanut Butter Caramel Corn
Peanut Butter Caramel Corn: A Sweet and Salty Snack
Get ready to satisfy your cravings with this addictive snack that combines the richness of peanut butter, the stickiness of caramel, and the crunch of popcorn!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 6 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
- Pink Himalayan salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Melt the corn syrup, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the peanut butter and stir until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including prep time)
Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Caramel Corn!
S’mores Caramel Corn
Transform classic caramel corn into a sweet and gooey treat with the flavors of s’mores! This recipe combines the perfect blend of toasted marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers for an irresistible snack.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 6 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
– 1 cup toasted marshmallows
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard-ball stage).
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour caramel mixture over popped popcorn in a large bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
5. Melt chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
6. Drizzle melted chocolate over caramel corn and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers and toasted marshmallows.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Maple Bacon Caramel Corn
Elevate your snack game with this addictive combination of sweet caramel, crispy bacon, and fluffy popcorn. This recipe is perfect for movie nights or as a unique party favor.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 6 cups popped popcorn
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, maple syrup, and water. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
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.
5. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and toss until evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and salt to taste. Spread on prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until caramel is set and sticky.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn
Transform your snack time with this sweet and spicy treat! Pumpkin spice and caramel come together in perfect harmony to create a deliciously addictive corn recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup caramel bits (white or brown)
– 6 cups popped popcorn
Instructions:
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, water, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and caramel bits until melted and smooth.
5. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and stir until evenly coated.
6. Spread the caramel corn out on the prepared baking sheet and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
White Chocolate Cranberry Caramel Corn
Transform ordinary caramel corn into a sweet and salty masterpiece with the addition of white chocolate, cranberries, and a hint of sea salt. This recipe is perfect for movie nights or as a unique snack for any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pop the popcorn kernels and remove any unpopped kernels or debris.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and sea salt. Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and stir until coated.
5. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
6. Stir in dried cranberries and melted butter. Pour the white chocolate mixture over the caramel corn and stir until combined.
7. Spread on prepared baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, or until the caramel is set.
Cinnamon Roll Caramel Corn
Elevate your movie night or party snack game with this unique and delicious flavor combination. The sweetness of the caramel corn is perfectly balanced by the warmth of cinnamon roll spices.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 cup popped popcorn
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Microwave for 30 seconds to melt.
3. Add melted butter and stir until combined.
4. Pour mixture over popped popcorn and stir until evenly coated.
5. Spread onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely. If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Toasted Coconut Caramel Corn
Sweet and salty, these toasted coconut caramel corn kernels are the perfect snack to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Pop the popcorn kernels in a large pot over medium heat.
3. In a separate pan, melt the butter and brown sugar over low heat.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
5. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped corn and stir until coated.
6. Spread the caramel-coated corn on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly over the top of the corn.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the coconut is toasted to your liking.
9. Remove from oven and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cookies and Cream Caramel Corn
Transform plain caramel corn into a decadent treat with the addition of crushed cookies and cream candies. This addictive snack is perfect for movie nights, parties, or just satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup crushed cookies and cream candies (such as Chips Ahoy)
– 6 cups popped popcorn
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and slowly pour in water while stirring.
5. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and crushed cookies and cream candies. Stir until coated.
6. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, or until caramel is set.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Nutella Swirl Caramel Corn
Get ready to indulge your senses with this irresistible treat that combines the richness of Nutella, the crunch of caramel corn, and the perfect swirl. This easy recipe is sure to become a favorite in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of popcorn kernels
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup Nutella
– 1/2 cup caramel bits
Instructions:
1. Pop the popcorn kernels according to package instructions.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the corn syrup, sugar, water, and butter. 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 stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and stir until coated.
6. Melt the Nutella in a microwave-safe bowl in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
7. Drizzle the melted Nutella over the caramel corn and swirl with a spatula or spoon to create the signature swirl pattern.
8. Sprinkle with caramel bits and serve.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Apple Pie Caramel Corn
Get ready to satisfy your sweet and salty cravings with this unique treat that combines the flavors of apple pie and caramel corn. This recipe is perfect for a movie night or as a fun snack for parties.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 6 cups popped popcorn
– 1/2 cup chopped dried apple pieces (such as cranberries or cherries)
– 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in chopped dried apple pieces.
4. Pour caramel mixture over popped popcorn and toss until coated.
5. Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers (if using).
8. Let cool completely before breaking into clusters.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Matcha Green Tea Caramel Corn
Experience the harmony of sweet and savory with this unique recipe that combines the nutty flavor of matcha green tea with the classic taste of caramel corn. This addictive snack is perfect for movie nights, parties, or as a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
– 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Pop the popcorn kernels according to package instructions.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring 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 the melted butter and matcha green tea powder.
5. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and toss until evenly coated.
6. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chai Spice Caramel Corn
Elevate your snack game with this unique and delicious recipe that combines the warmth of chai spices with sweet caramel corn. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or just a cozy evening in.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon black tea powder (or chai spice blend)
– 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and black tea powder.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and carefully pour the caramel mixture over 1/2 cup of popped popcorn in a large bowl.
6. Toss until the corn is evenly coated with the chai-spiced caramel.
7. Spread the caramel corn on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Birthday Cake Caramel Corn
Celebrate a special day with this sweet and salty treat! Birthday Cake Caramel Corn is an easy-to-make snack that combines the flavors of vanilla cake, caramel, and popcorn for a unique and delicious experience.
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 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 6 cups popped popcorn
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– Rainbow sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
3. Melt sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
4. Remove from heat; stir in butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until combined.
5. Pour mixture over popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
6. Spread coated popcorn on the prepared bowl.
7. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
8. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the caramel corn and sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles or edible glitter (if using).
9. Allow to cool and harden completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in sweet and salty goodness with these 18 irresistible caramel corn recipes! From classic stovetop caramel corn to unique flavors like Sea Salt Dark Chocolate, Spicy Sriracha, and Maple Bacon, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find sweet treats like S’mores, Peanut Butter, and White Chocolate Cranberry. Try your hand at making Pumpkin Spice or Apple Pie caramel corn for a fall twist. With these recipes, you’ll never run out of excuses to snack on this addictive treat. Treat yourself and get ready to go nutty!
