Classic Caramel Corn
This caramel corn recipe is easy to make and tastes better than what you'd get at the country fair.
This caramel corn recipe is easy to make and tastes better than what you'd get at the country fair.
Oh my, this was the best! I took the advice of others and sprayed a roasting pan, left the popcorn in the oven while the sauce was preparing. I also sprayed my spatula so nothing would stick. Drizzled it and stirred it. Helped to have someone mixing the popcorn around as I was drizzling it. Cooked it 45 min and stirred it every 10 min. Laid it out on parchment paper and it was delicious. Gone! Very easy, just time consuming because of the stirring but so easy for anyone to make and look like a pro! I am going to try adding peanuts and drizzle chocolate next time.
Read MoreThis was okay, but tasted more like popcorn balls than the caramel corn I remembered as a child. The recipe that turned out the way I like (more caramel-like) is the one called "My Amish Friend's Caramel Corn" also on this website. It is a 5 star, if not more, recipe.
Read MoreOh my, this was the best! I took the advice of others and sprayed a roasting pan, left the popcorn in the oven while the sauce was preparing. I also sprayed my spatula so nothing would stick. Drizzled it and stirred it. Helped to have someone mixing the popcorn around as I was drizzling it. Cooked it 45 min and stirred it every 10 min. Laid it out on parchment paper and it was delicious. Gone! Very easy, just time consuming because of the stirring but so easy for anyone to make and look like a pro! I am going to try adding peanuts and drizzle chocolate next time.
Delicious corn. I used to make Amish Caramel Corn from this site, until I ran out of light corn syrup. This recipe used dark corn syrup so I tried it out, and it was great. I popped a generous 1/3 cup corn, and it was great. The liquid foams a bit in the oven, which really helps with coating the popcorn. Also, dark corn syrup doesn't have the high fructose syrup light corn syrup has.
I am a beginner and have never made caramel corn, but this is definitely the recipe to learn! I took this to an office party after making it only once and I got rave reviews! Great recipe!
I've been making caramel corn for years and I decided to try this recipe because I didn't want to search for the recipe I normally use. I'm so glad I did because this recipe is the best caramel corn recipe I have ever tried. The only thing I did differently is lower the oven temperature to 225 degrees and bake for an hour stirring every 15 minutes. I also use a 20" diameter stainless steel mixing bowl to bake the caramel corn and a silicone spatula to stir. It's a lot easier and I don't have to worry about caramel corn dropping out of the pans when I stir it. If I could give this recipe 10 stars, I'd do it.
This was very good. We couldn't stop eating it! I did as the directions stated. However, I used butter flavored microwave popcorn. It took 2 bags to make 4 quarts. It was very rich.. I think because of the extra butter coating on the popcorn. We didn't mind at all! I also stirred every 10 min. while it was cooking in the oven. It came out very crunchy and not sticky.
This has a higher proportion of corn syrup than most. I think that made it take a few minutes longer to cook up crispy. This was good, but I think ones with less syrup versus brown sugar are more flavorful.
Delicious! I used my air popper, so baking the corn to get all the moisture out before pouring on the carmel was key. I had some carmel left over so we put it on apples too. We used light Kara syrup (like it makes a difference!) but it still came out great.
This was really good except for the fact that I don't think I stirred it enough times throughout the baking process because some bits came out burnt. But the parts that were edible were delicious!! Followed recipe to a T, I will be making it again.
I've made this recipe 4 or 5 times during the holidays, and every time I make it, it doesn't last more than a day. This is a very good recipe for home-made caramel, and is a great alternative to melting 40 (or so) individually unwrapped caramels. The way I figure it, it'll take me about as long to make the caramel as it will to unwrap all of those candies, and the quality of home-made items is typically better than store bought. A few side notes (as usual): Instead of measuring out 4 qts., I just use 2 bags of popped buttered microwave popcorn, and it the portioning comes out perfect. I also do line my cookie sheets with foil, the caramel corn comes off easier when scraping it with a greased spatula. I don't find it necessary to bake it for as long... Typically I bake my batch for about 30 minutes, scraping each tray (to prevent burning) every 10 minutes. I allow it to cool on foil, and have never really had the need to spray it with cooking spray. Once its cool, it comes off fine. This recipe received 5 stars in my opinion because it was simple, tasty, and came out perfect every time.
This was okay, but tasted more like popcorn balls than the caramel corn I remembered as a child. The recipe that turned out the way I like (more caramel-like) is the one called "My Amish Friend's Caramel Corn" also on this website. It is a 5 star, if not more, recipe.
Take this recipe to another level - add a half teaspoon of cinnamon when you add the baking soda and vanilla, then drizzle with melted white chocolate chips after baking. Tastes like Cinnabon! Very addictive...
This was so good. This is a recipe for REAL caramel too. Like the kind that you get from those caramel chew candies. Great easy snack!!!
Perfect recipe exactly as is. Use Reynolds Non-Stick Aluminum Foil to line the pan, and a wooden spoon rather than a spatula and you'll have no problem with the batch sticking to the roasting pan. We didn't even empty the batch onto another sheet of foil. Just left it in the roasting pan.
If I could have found the 6th star on here, this recipe would have got it. Just pulled out the first batch of caramel corn I've ever made in my extensive cooking life and I am addicted! Better than anything we've ever bought and surprisingly easy. Try this, it is delicious!
Very easy to make and very tasty. One cup of popcorn kernels made just enough to be covered by the sauce as listed. I will make this again and pass on the recipe.
Perfect, wonderful caramel corn!!! Just like the caramel corn my mother made to pass out to trick-or-treaters (when one could do such a thing!). Delicious.
I made this today..... followed it to the letter, and was THRILLED by the results!! If you've ever enjoyed caramel corn from "Karmel Korner" you'll be in for a well remembered treat!
Who would have thought caramel corn was so easy to make. We absolutely loved this. It had the perfect crunch and sweetness. Definitely addicting!
didn't seem like quite enough carmel to cover the corn. Otherwise the taste was pretty good.
Very good and very easy. I didn't have enough Brown Sugar and just used white sugar. A big hit at the kiddos slumber party.
My grandmother used to make caramel corn every year at Christmastime. I remember being fascinated as the caramel bubbled up after adding the baking soda and then helping her mix the sauce with the popcorn in a giant metal mixing bowl. I couldn't wait until the corn was done baking in the oven, so I usually sneaked a kernel or two each time she took it out to stir it. My own daughter was just as impatient as I made this caramel corn last night and she was delighted when it was finally done baking and was cool enough for her to eat a big bowlful. Making this brought back memories of being in the kitchen with my Granny and it tastes even better than I remembered. Thank you, Karo, for letting me relive a part of my childhood and for a great tasting recipe for my family!
Amazing! Even my husband, who won't eat popcorn EVER absolutely loved this recipe! We made two batches this weekend and both are almost completely gone already!
This is fantastic! No need to change a thing. I did use two bags of microwave popcorn like another person wrote in the review section because that was what I had in the house. Absolutely wonderful recipe.
I've made this every year for Christmas for I don't know how long and it still continues to be everyone's favorite! The only problem I seem to have is I can't make it fast enough!
This recipe is the greatest!! I made another recipe from ALLR and it was no where as great as this!! I used 2 bags of microwave,"simply salted" popcorn, and followed the directions. Will definitely make again, and again!! Thanks for posting!!
VERY YUMMY.....all I had was red popcorn....so made a great Christmas time snack.....
So, I have now made this 3 times in the last week. That pretty much says just how good this recipe is. It is addicting, and so easy to make. I have the recipe memorized and will be making it regularly. The store/candy shops caramel corn doesn't even compare!
I followed the recipe exact and it was SOOO good! Very addicting:)
This recipe for caramel corn ROCKS! It is the yummiest! I used dark Karo syrup this time. I will definitely make this again! Thanks for sharing!
This is a ridiculously delicious recipe! I could eat this until I get sick!! Try it - you won't be sorry!!
This popcorn is ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!! I used light corn syrup which was fine. Some helpful tips: I did not use cooking spray. I lined a large (sheet cake) pan with parchment paper. It did not stick at all. I stirred it right in the pan on the parchment paper and let it cool right on the paper (did not use foil). Only cooked for 30 mins after adding caramel and it was fine. Used a pampered chef rubber spatula to stir and that did not stick either. Enjoy!
Awesome caramel corn! It was easy to make and the payoff was that people LOVED it. Some of my family who never even eat caramel corn raved and said they ate the whole canister!! Will definitely make it again.
It's still in the oven but smells great! I was a little intimadated to make Carmel corn at first... But it was really easy. Thank you!
Yum! This was so easy to make. The first time I ever made this I thought clean up would be hard but after running the pan under hot water for a minute, clean up was a breeze. It was really tasty. Next time I'm going to drizzle melted milk chocolate and white chocolate over it with a fork. Can't wait.
Super easy and so delish...my friends call it "crack corn" because once you start snacking, you cannot stop!
Excellent! I didn't add the salt because the popcorn I used was already salted as was the 1/2 cup butter. Other than that small tweak this was fantastic! I am going to try and make it green and yellow for a Packer game if possible....
Easy,delicious and presents lovely in a cellophane gift bag (if it makes it that far!). My guys gobble this up as soon as it's ready. I recommend real butter and dark Karo syrup as opposed to margarine and light Karo syrup.
i would give 10 stars if I could!! THIS IS AMAZING!! COMPARABLE TO T**SYS!! We made multiple batches and gave gift bags full to our neighbors this year instead of making cookies. I made 3x batch at a time and used my large/deep roasting pan. It was SO easy and way less work and less mess than cookies. Imade it even easier by buying prepopped popcorn. Very cost effective, the ingredients you need make many batches. I will NEVER buy carmel corn again!! :)
This won’t last long in this house. I only had a few bites of it before my husband tasted it. “Oh, this is really good!” He took off with the bowl and I haven’t seen it since.
Awesome! I got a brown paper grocery bag from the grocery store and when it said to pour and stir, I just put the popcorn in the bag and poured the syrup over it and shook to coat then put it back in the pan.
The best caramel popcorn I ever ate! I used an air popper and filled it twice for this recipe. It was easy and everyone loves it.
I made it exactly as directed. I made MANY batches to give away for Christmas gifts. I made 1/2 cup popcorn in a hot air popper. For baking, I started out using a cookie sheet, then went to a roaster, and ended up with a HUGE stainless steel bowl that I bought at Sam's Club for under $10. It made the process so much easier. I did not find that I had to spray the bowl. I did spray the rubber spatula to make stirring easier. I broke the corn apart as it cooled (it cools quickly). I had so many compliments! I already passed this recipe along to my daughters and this will be included in our annual Christmas baking. Thank you for sharing!
I tried this carmel corn while testing recipes looking for prospective Christmas gifts. If a single kernal makes it into Christmas tins it will be a miracle. Just like mom used too make. Good enough too gift.
OMG! This recipe is OUTSTANDING!!! I used light corn syrup and followed the directions exactly. I used a little over 1/3 cup of un-popped popcorn kernels and popped in a pot on the stove with a little oil. This is better than anything you will EVER buy in a box... my advice is to keep the recipe handy, you'll be making it often!!!
This is the recipe that I use, and people LOVE it! I have found that microwave popcorn works fine (light version) if you don't have an air popper. I usually like to cook it longer at a bit lower temperature (I cook it for 45 minutes at 250, then turn it to 200 for 20 minutes longer) and it makes it crispier and much tastier. I also add pecan halves - awesome! The best change that I do now is to line my pan(s) with parchment paper! Nothing sticks to it at all, and cleanup is a breeze!
Best ever made or bought! I doubled the recipe (used 4 bags microwave popcorn) and used half light cornsyrup and half dark. It was perfect! It made two very full gallon size ziploc bags. Perfect for family movie night and then some.
Cant say enuff about this recipe!! Have made 6 batches, as I am giving it for Christmas gifts, and not a single batch has been anything but perfect! The 45 minute cooking time is not necessary, but the 10 minute stir time is. Have taken it out as soon as 20 minutes and it is still nice and crunchy. Very very good flavor also. Will never use another recipe. No need to!
What's not to like? Easy, although it does take some time and non-stick spray, but it is hard to mess this up. I made a double batch and used a large deep roasting pan.... pretty simple and takes hardly no extra work except making more popcorn. Remember the non-stick spray!
This recipe is great! I had never made caramel popcorn before and had no problems, and it turned out great, crispy, not chewy at all. I made it for a second time today. I didn't have enough brown sugar so I used half white sugar and it worked just as well. I also decided to stretch it further and use just over 2.5 bags of microwave popcorn (smartpop, so not the super buttery kind), and it's still great, and still very sweet and crispy (my photo is of the second batch with the more popcorn to caramel ratio). The biggest trick I learned was to skip the shallow roasting pan that just made for awkward stirring, big messes and unevenly coated popcorn and opt for the really big stock pot. It worked wonderfully. I stirred every 10 min 3 times and then left it for the last 15 min. Also I didn't take it all out at once at the end, I took about 1/5th out each time onto parchment paper, and returned the rest to the oven. That way I could separate the individual popcorn pieces easier and wasn't having to deal with a giant solid mass which had to be physically broken rather than separated.
Absolutely wonderful! I used microwave popcorn-the butter flavor-3 bags, picked through to make sure no kernels snuck in. Then, as it was cooling, I threw some orange candy on top-it stuck and was yummy-peanut butter flavor, but you could use m&ms
VERY YUMMY! The recipe needs no changes. It was very easy to make. I used parchment paper in place of spraying the foil. This would make a great treat for any Halloween party when placed in a see-through glove, tied with ribbon, and a spider ring.
Best recipe I've tried in awhile. My famliy loved it. We devoured it in less than 24 hours!
This is soooo good. I love popcorn, and this was so worth it. I made a 4-5 cup batch, just to test it out, and I should have made more. I decreased the sugar to under 1/2 a cup, margrine and corn surup to 1/4 cup, salt and BS to 1/4 teaspoon. I also added some glazed pecans, best thing I could of done. Thanks so much for the recipe:)
To make this more reminiscent of "Cracker Jacks", I replaced about a third of the Caro with molasses.
I absolutely love this recipe!!! I use dark Karo syrup and dark brown sugar... this stuff is addicting!
I buy my popcorn from Vic's, then I don't have to pick out the unpopped kernels. This is great, I made 6 or 8 batches, each one was perfect. I gave it away in big tubs from Walmart for Halloween.
I followed this recipe exactly and it turned out so well - the caramel corn is very delicious and easy to make! I made it using butter instead of margarine, which I highly recommend if at all possible. I can tell I will be making this a lot. Next time I'll use dark brown sugar so as to get a darker, slightly more molasses-y flavor.
Best candy popcorns ever!!! :D the caramel is just perfect, this is the second time i make them and of corse, is not gunna b the last one!, is a keeper!! the only change i make to this one is since i didnt have corn syrup i just a regular white syrup i had, and i dont bake them, im scare to burn them, and they r just perfect!, thanks for a grate recipe! :)
EXCELLENT! I have to say that this actually took me 2 tries to get it right, lol. The first time, I followed the recipe exactly and I ended up w/ a burnt mess. I came back to read through the reviews and noticed that no one else seemed to have this problem, so I adjusted the cooking times/temps. with how my stove/oven run, which is HOT, and proceeded from there. The end result was beautiful, delicious, buttery, crunchy, yummy goodness! With the adjustments that I had to make, I would not hesisitate to make this again...and again~YUM! Thanks for sharing. :)
This is addictive! You will only want more and wont walk away from the bowl until it's gone!
I have been making this recipe for over 25 years. My family and friends can't get enough of it. Because it is time consuming and I make so much of it, I now just make it at Christmas time. My tips I keep the popcorn warm while making the caramel it coats better, I use only imperial margarine and using dry roasted nuts will coat better than other kinds. Also making sure to stir the popcorn every 15 minutes will help it become completely covered. It is highly addictive but worth the wait according to my family (who would like to have it in a 25 gallon drum each year) ;)
This was delicious and easy! I popped the pop corn myself and followed the directions to a T. I used the light corn syrup and the caramel sauce was amazing. This is a great treat.
This is super delicious but very time consuming. Just a heads up to anyone going to make it. My oven runs hot, so even at 250 it was burning even though I was stirring it every 5 minutes. So after 30 minutes I just took it out and let it cool. Still, we love it! I'm saving it for our Halloween party this weekend. It's sure to be a hit.
This recipe is amazing! It is crunchy and then melts in your mouth, a big hit here. I did use light Karo Syrup and brought the mixture to a boil on medium-low heat, once it started to boil I reduced the heat to low and let boil for 5 minutes. It didn't burn and turned out wonderful.
I made this as a quick addition to the menu at our Christmas party when more guests arrived than anticipated. I didn't have any corn syrup so I used maple syrup instead and added a dash of cinnamon, and it turned out great, and with a really good flavor! Definitely making this again!
I used the all ready popped buttered popcorn from Wal-Mart where the "snack bar" stuff was. It made it exra buttery and and with the salt that was already on the popcorn, YUM-YUM!!!!!! And one full bag was perfect!
Something didn't quite work right. My caramel was too viscous and the entire mass ended up stuck to the foil during the cooling process. Spent more than 30 minutes peeling it off the foil!
Although this is very good, it was better once I adjusted the recipe a bit: I did not use any cooking spray and had no trouble with sticking at any point during the process. I used light brown sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup and 1/2 tsp vanilla .. I only used 11 cups of popped corn and ended up with some very covered and very tasty popcorn. I only have my oven set to 225 and cook it for an extra 15 minutes. Worth it!
This is so buttery and so crunchy! Excellent! I baked mine about an hour stirring every 10-12 minutes. We love it!
This is 5 stars for the taste however I didn't have enough caarmel to fully coat all my popcorn so I gave the recipie 4 stars. However I would double the caramel next time but the taste is fantastic!
very good caramel corn. I didn't change much, but i had no brown sugar so i used white and added a few tbs of fancy molasses....superb! will make again and again...
Amazing!! Will try next with some peanuts and will drizzle with chocolate at the very end. We loved it
I've tried making caramel corn before with other recipes with very little success. This recipe worked perfectly on the first try with very yummy results. Was going to drizzle with chocolate but it didn't last long enough to accomplish that. I think that says it all!!
Very great recipe! Loved that it wasnt sticky, crunchy and great flavor! Cant wait to make it again!
Really tasty caramel corn! It is essential to keep your popcorn warm before tossing it. Also, use a roaster pan for easier stirring.
Loved this stuff. I don't even like sweet things but this is addictive. Very easy to make too.
This recipe is delicious just as it is written! The only thing I did different was after popping the popcorn I put it on the pans and popped it in the oven to keep it warm and to pull some of the moisture out. I have added roasted peanuts to it to make a homey version of Crunch N' Munch and it totally rocked our socks off! This is sooo much better than plain ol' popcorn for Movie Night at our house! And the best part? There are never ever any leftovers so I don't have to convince myself to stay out of it the next day!
What a difference a couple ingredients can make! LOL. I accidentally left out the baking soda and vanilla the first time I made this. It was absolutely delicious. I just made it again, including the left out ingredients, and it's even better!! I couldn't be happier. Just as a note: I had a little more than 4 quarts of popcorn and added about a cup of peanuts to the mixture before putting it in the oven to warm, so I made a 1 and a half batch of the caramel coating. It was perfect.
So good I had to force myself to stop eating it...I will definitely make it again. FYI, I used parchment paper on the cookie sheet instead of spraying it with oil and it worked perfectly.
This is perfection. So easy and quick. I used light Karo. This is better than any carmel corn you can buy. I poured mine out on parchment paper instead of foil, did not stick at all. Stayed crispy till it was gone.
This is extra special delicious stuff! The directions are easy to follow! I had no idea how easy it was to make this. That's a problem! I would tell you to follow the advice of others and mix the caramel over the popcorn in a deep pan and then put onto the flat sheets to pop into the oven. That step will save you cleanup and loss of fallen popcorn kernals! Also, be sure to pick through the popped corn for unpopped kernals so as to avoid that problem! Yum!
I am bad about reviewing things, but this is so good & amazingly easy to make. It took me about an hour, including popping the corn & cleaning up the mess. I lined my roasting pan with foil and sprayed it with cooking spray. I couldn't believe how easily it came off of my pan and everything else. I didn't do the best job of coating all the corn, but I'm sure no one will complain. I'll do a better job next time. I'm glad I remembered to spray everything, including my whisk & spatula. Thanks for the great recipe!!
I’ve made this recipe 3 times now and it will be my “go to” caramel corn recipe from now on. I have a big extended family and everyone gives it five stars. I always add a little bit of cayenne pepper and cinnamon to the ingredients before cooking the caramel.
I use this recipe all the time. I always double the caramel. Sometimes I add peanuts. It's delicious.
Outstanding and so good!!! I made a batch last night for the first time this is definitely a keeper. My husband is a big Karmel Korn fan and this is the best and every bit as good as what you buy.
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