Homemade Caramel Popcorn: A Movie Theater Treat at Home!
Easy Caramel Popcorn Recipe | Perfect for Movie Nights | Rich Caramel Sauce
Prepare to be addicted to this incredibly delicious caramel popcorn! The rich, authentic caramel flavor is so good, regular popcorn will taste bland in comparison. Make this delightful treat ahead of your next movie night for an enhanced viewing experience.
For the Popcorn
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels (approx. 50g)
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 pinch of salt
For the Caramel Sauce
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or light corn syrup)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or light corn syrup)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
- 1 Tbsp butter
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the popcorn. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and a pinch of salt in a deep pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add 1/4 cup (about 50g) of popcorn kernels and quickly cover with a lid. When the kernels begin to pop, reduce the heat to medium-low.
Step 2
Once all the kernels have popped, transfer the popcorn to a large bowl. Now, let’s make the caramel sauce. In the same pot (or a clean one), combine 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of water, and 1 tablespoon of corn syrup. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer and reduce.
Step 3
As the sugar mixture begins to bubble and thicken, stir in 1 teaspoon of baking soda. The mixture will foam up considerably – don’t worry, this is normal! Keep stirring gently until it’s well incorporated and the foam subsides a bit. Be careful as it will expand.
Step 4
Once the baking soda is mixed in and the mixture has foamed, slowly pour in 1/2 cup (120ml) of heavy cream. Pour carefully as the mixture will be hot. Stir continuously to combine the cream with the caramel. If it seems to be clumping, lower the heat and stir until smooth.
Step 5
Continue to cook the caramel sauce, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the color deepening to a rich amber. When it reaches your desired caramel color, add 1 tablespoon of butter and stir until it’s completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. The butter adds a lovely gloss and richness.
Step 6
Once the caramel sauce has reached a beautiful, deep color, pour the freshly popped popcorn into the pot with the caramel. Toss quickly to coat every piece of popcorn evenly. It might seem sticky at first, but as it cools, it will set into a crisp, delightful coating that won’t stick to your fingers when eaten. Taste a piece – it might seem very sweet on its own, but when paired with the popcorn, the sweetness is perfectly balanced, making it incredibly delicious. Enjoy your homemade movie theater snack!
